Soft Minimalism: The Growing Trend for Gentle, Nurturing Spaces
It's out with the glitzy accessories and graphic patterns in 2019 and in with curves, soft tones and tactile materials
Georgia Madden
19 December 2018
We’ve noticed a softening in interiors over the last few months – the striking patterns and opulence overload of 2018 have been steadily making way for an aesthetic that’s simpler, quieter and more connected to nature. We describe this look as ‘soft minimalism’, and it’s defined by curved lines; gentle, tonal hues; natural materials and a careful editing of unnecessary objects so you’re only surrounded by the things you truly love. We spoke to three design experts to find out more.
What is soft minimalism?
“Soft minimalism is all about creating spaces that are warm, comfortable and inviting,” says Eugene Cheah, co-director of Cheah Saw Architecture.
“These can be places of respite, such as a bedroom, or a setting for social interaction, such as a living or dining room. But most importantly, the design considers how people engage and experience a space. As such, spaces tend to be open and uncluttered, and feature rich materials and handcrafted elements.”
“Soft minimalism is all about creating spaces that are warm, comfortable and inviting,” says Eugene Cheah, co-director of Cheah Saw Architecture.
“These can be places of respite, such as a bedroom, or a setting for social interaction, such as a living or dining room. But most importantly, the design considers how people engage and experience a space. As such, spaces tend to be open and uncluttered, and feature rich materials and handcrafted elements.”
Styling by Bree Leech
Images by Lisa Cohen
Which colours are key?
“Subtle, muted palettes – think greyed-off mauves, warm neutrals, apricot and caramel,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux’s colour and communications manager.
Ever wondered how certain colours become fashionable? Read our interview with a colour consultant
Images by Lisa Cohen
Which colours are key?
“Subtle, muted palettes – think greyed-off mauves, warm neutrals, apricot and caramel,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux’s colour and communications manager.
Ever wondered how certain colours become fashionable? Read our interview with a colour consultant
Which homes are best suited to soft minimalism?
“Because it is centred around people, we feel the soft-minimalist look is beyond stylistic bounds,” says Joanne Saw, co-director at Cheah Saw Architecture. “We’ve used the same set of design principles in everything from heritage-listed houses to new apartments.”
“Because it is centred around people, we feel the soft-minimalist look is beyond stylistic bounds,” says Joanne Saw, co-director at Cheah Saw Architecture. “We’ve used the same set of design principles in everything from heritage-listed houses to new apartments.”
Styling by Bree Leech
Images by Lisa Cohen
What are the main elements of a soft-minimalist look?
Interior designer and stylist Rory James Carter says:
Get some tips on decluttering your home here
Images by Lisa Cohen
What are the main elements of a soft-minimalist look?
Interior designer and stylist Rory James Carter says:
- Neutral colours: Rather than ubiquitous neutrals such as white, grey and beige, look to muted shades of blue, green and dusty pink.
- Mix different, organic shapes: Combine furniture and accessories in different shapes to create a contemporary look that doesn’t feel stark.
- A soft, layered lighting scheme: Layer lighting at different heights around a room to create a warm and cosy feel, such as ceiling lights, pendants and table lamps.
- Keep it uncluttered: Edit out the unnecessary and provide plenty of breathing space around the furniture you choose in your room scheme.
- Finish off with small vignettes: Having one or two carefully curated displays on your coffee table or shelves will give a pared-back scheme. Small groups of up to three items are best – think a book, candle and a small vase of fresh blooms.
Get some tips on decluttering your home here
What else is important in the soft-miminalist style?
According to Cheah, the following elements help achieve this look:
According to Cheah, the following elements help achieve this look:
- Natural, tactile materials: Try working in materials such as timber, stone and concrete that you want to reach out and touch. Using them in unexpected ways will add impact to your scheme.
- Indoor-outdoor connection: Whether it’s a distant view, an outlook onto a courtyard garden, windows that draw in the sunlight, or a garden that spills into the interior space, a connection to nature is soothing.
- Beautiful detailing: Include details, such as a joinery handle or the edge of a kitchen bench, which serve to enhance our experience of an otherwise mundane element in a room.
- Creating space for meaningful experiences: Dedicate comfortable spaces for social interactions or quiet reflection. For example, a cosy nook to read or chat, or a window ledge where you can sit and enjoy the view.
9 Bathroom Trends for 2019: Tile Styles, Colours and Materials
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What are some relatively easy ways I can give my home a soft-minimalist makeover?
Lucena-Orr suggests playing with tone and texture:
Carter adds the following tips:
What are some relatively easy ways I can give my home a soft-minimalist makeover?
Lucena-Orr suggests playing with tone and texture:
- Use tonal variations of one colour: Then add in small pops of accent colours, such as warm apricot and mid-brown.
- Layer different textures: This could include a sofa layered with velvet and leather cushions as well as a linen throw to create a warm, relaxed feel.
Carter adds the following tips:
- Embrace curves: A round mirror, circular pendants hung from the ceiling or a display of curvy ceramics will soften a scheme.
- Buy well, not often: Invest in those larger pieces you’ll have for many years, such as a sofa, rather than lots of little pieces that will only create clutter.
Tell us
Are you tempted to add a touch of soft minimalism to your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Are you craving the soft-minimalist look? Find an interior designer or decorator near you to refresh your home in 2019
Are you tempted to add a touch of soft minimalism to your home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Are you craving the soft-minimalist look? Find an interior designer or decorator near you to refresh your home in 2019
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Apricot?!?!? Please, NNOOOOHHHHH
I’m into minimalism. However, it goes further than what rug/chair/table/accessory goes into a clutter-free space; you need to design smart storage options to store your everyday items. Everything needs a home, in order to enjoy a clutter free space.
Okay, if you can live with minimalsim. Personally, Iike to have my stuff, at my fingertips, as well as objects and furniure around me I love!