7 suggestions for cozy minimalist home design
There’s no need to sacrifice coziness when editing your home decor down to what matters most. Here are tips from design pros to create a cozy minimalist design … for a cleaner, calmer yet still warm and welcoming home.
Advice comes courtesy of Kelle Dame of Kelle Dame Interiors in Kenosha, Mary Best of Mary Best Designs in Shorewood, and Tim Osterbeck, head plant buyer at Stein’s Garden & Home, which has 16 locations in Wisconsin.
Limit the color palette
One way to reduce visual clutter is to stick with a monochromatic scheme, Dame said. Lowering the color contrast can result in a clean look as contrast creates energy, tension and stimulation.
Bring in texture
When monochromatic colors are used, such as whites, creams and other neutral colors, texture will boost coziness, Dame said. Grass rugs, woven baskets, wallpapers, on-trend bouclé fabric (also known as teddy bear fur) throws and pillows are potential add-ins. “You will feel the warmth from the textures,” she said. “It’s very calm; it’s very cozy.”
Splurge on a graphic statement plant
One impressive plant in a complementary textured basket per room can bring a clean, calm look rather than displaying a scattershot of smaller, frilly plants in plastic mismatched pots. Good plant choices include fiddle leaf fig, monstera, pothos, snake plant and aloe vera, according to Osterbeck.
January is a good time to bring life to the indoors with houseplants, and Stein’s stocks all these plants in its dedicated greenhouses, Osterbeck said. Prices, photos and care recommendations are found at shopsteins.com.
Be consistent with color
Using consistent colors throughout your home creates calmness while providing many options for adding cozy decor, Best said. “Personally, I’m moving around art, pillows, accessories. If they share a common color palette, they can work in any room. This lets you still be creative and reinvent your space with items you already have,” she explained.
Be purposeful with clutter zones
Areas such as entryways can be major dumping zones. Instead of attempting unrealistic habit changes, give it an intentional look. Dame’s favorite tip is using a large tray to corral keys, phones and such. She then layers in a larger item to provide a focal point, such as a plaster bust large enough to hold hats or sunglasses.
“I figure that most stuff isn’t going to just stop existing, so I might as well make it look as good as I can and maybe even have fun with it,” she said. The result is relaxed yet organized and maintainable.
Avoid too much sleek and shiny
Choose honed or natural surfaces over polished, Dame suggested. This could include countertops.
Remember tactile comfort
“Sense of touch is an essential role in interior design. It’s important to determine whether certain materials provide comfort,” Best said. “Many furniture lines offer several versions of cushion firmness. Fabric and leathers are also touch sensitive. People love or hate the feel of velvet. Touch can relate to aesthetic and functionality of your space.”