The minimalism trend used to be thought of as cold, sparsely furnished interiors lacking in character and coziness, but the latest minimalist vibe offers a more welcoming look than in years past. There's also plenty of room to give the style a personal spin when you are building or refreshing a home. Here are five tips and tricks for creating a modern minimalist style.
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1. Color Me Mine
There are several ways to personalize a minimalist color scheme. While neutral color schemes using whites, creams, beiges, tans, grays, and blacks are tried and true modern minimalist shades, try shaking up the color palette by mixing in high-contrast elements. Black and white details and mixed-metal lighting fixtures and hardware stand out against softer neutrals, creating interest and structure in a space. Or, opt for a monochromatic scheme with a soothing, mostly neutral background but throw in a jolt of color for extra measure. Introduce an accent color to the kitchen with exciting hues such as deep red, royal blue, or bright orange. For a more subtle approach, customize the range's knob color or finish instead. Sometimes a small dose of color can have a more show-stopping effect than larger amounts of color in a room.
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2. Vary Textures
When all of the surfaces in a space are smooth and the lines are sleek, adding touches of nature makes the area feel warm and inviting. Try combining wood tones into larger architectural elements such as cabinetry and furniture. Light, muted woods from Scandinavian designs and rich wood tones found in mid-century modern furniture pieces bring color, texture, and comfort to a minimalist room. For an all-white theme, create texture visually with marble or quartz countertops, backsplashes, and shower walls. Using these elements strike the perfect balance of a white, lustrous surface that also bears a beautiful nature-inspired pattern.
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3. Add Sculptural Details
Design the space with a few features that show off eye-catching lines and shapes, from light fixtures and main surfaces to
decorative accessories. A sculptural light fixture can really add drama and can accessorize the space like a piece of jewelry. Add sleek pendants, such as the
Penn One Light Pendant by Progress Lighting, over a kitchen island or a luxe fixture, such as the Progress Lighting
Equinox Five Light Chandelier above the dining table. Geometric shapes are very modern. One sophisticated way to incorporate geometrics is to choose a white hexagonal tile for a backsplash or flooring, which introduces an unexpected form in an understated way. Likewise, walls covered with three-dimensional wall tiles add depth in a modern and minimalistic fashion.
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4. Streamline Those Lines
One of the most notable characteristics of minimalist design is crisp lines. Include them in everything from furniture and plumbing fixtures to moldings and wall frames. Clean lines help make a space feel airy and open, so use them often, and juxtapose them with warm textures and luxurious finishes.
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5. Keep It Simple
When it comes to the latest interior design trends, "less is more" will always ring true. This design philosophy allows investing in key furniture pieces and architectural details that make a statement in each space.
Floor-to-ceiling windows that connect to the outside and aren't obstructed by window treatments or furniture are minimalistic yet impactful. In an entertaining kitchen, put the spotlight on a communal dining table made of uniquely patterned fallen wood that tells a story. The result is a clean and uncluttered overall design that highlight the most important living areas of the home with carefully chosen design elements. Combine the perfect blend of finishes and features to compose a modern, aesthetically pleasing space that expresses your personality. Article contributed by Margie Monin Dombrowski for Toll Brothers