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What is Soft Minimalism & Why Is It Trending

It's out with the glitzy accessories and graphic patterns in 2019 and in with curves, soft tones and tactile materials

Georgia Madden29 December 2018

Senior writer, Houzz Australia

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.

Cheah Saw Architecture

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.”

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.

Check out Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2019

Corian Australia By CASF

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.”

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:

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.

Here’s how to create vignettes in a bedroom

Constructive Building Consultants

What else is important in the soft-miminalist style?
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.

Lujo

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.

Learn how to create an indoor-outdoor connection

Cheah Saw Architecture

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.

essenziale

Read more:
10 Ways to Make Minimalism Work in Indian Homes

Tell us:
Are you tempted to add a touch of soft minimalism to your home? Tell us in the Comments below.

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