- The language of old and new
Perched on Sydney Harbour, Wharf House enjoys a breathtaking waterfront view, complemented by mature Angophora trees that create a serene, natural embrace. The home’s revitalisation by Arent & Pyke focused on strengthening these connections, preserving its heritage details and adapting the layout for modern living. A new primary retreat, nestled within a sandstone cavity below, opens onto a patio with garden views. The design balances old and new, highlighting intricate leadlight windows and ornate fretwork. Each room maintains its own character unified by rich, grounding tones. Contemporary touches, like tessellated porcelain tiles and custom stone vanities, enhance the home’s crafted elegance. The result is a refreshed yet enduring family residence blending heritage charm with a thoughtful, modern sensibility.
Photography by Anson Smart.
- Keeping it classic in Victorian home in Oxford
This four story Victorian home in Oxford had once been a boarding house for a local school. At some point it was converted into a proper home and the layout sorted, and when designer Charlotte Boundy was enlisted to add some design to the interior she created a serene and relaxing home with the prettiest of colours and patterns. The result is brighter, softer and much more welcoming. Photos: Paul Whitbread.
- What Is Warm Minimalism? This Twist On The Famous Design Style Is Much More Comfortable
Minimalism might feel cold or empty to most, but it doesn’t have to be. Warm minimalism is a softer, more inviting take on the less-is-more approach. Instead of stark white walls and bare rooms, warm minimalism leans into natural textures, cozy elements, and thoughtful decor. It’s about balance, having enough to make a home feel complete without excess. If you want a space that’s both uncluttered and welcoming, this style might be the perfect fit. Here’s how to bring it into your home in a way that feels easy and comfortable.
Prioritize Natural Materials
Warm minimalism thrives on organic elements. Wood, linen, wool, stone, and clay are all seen a lot in warm minimalism, used for both decor and part of core pieces. Instead of glossy surfaces and synthetic materials, look for furniture and decor made from raw, unfinished, or lightly treated materials. Think, for example, of a wooden dining table with visible grain, a linen throw draped over a sofa, beautiful stone countertops, or a hand-made clay vase. These types of items are timeless, and the materials age well, only growing more beautiful over time as they become truly lived in.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / FollowTheFlowStudio Use a Muted, Earthy Palette
Color plays a big role in warm minimalism. Instead of the stark whites or cold, clinical grays usually seen in minimalism, its warmer counterpart focuses on soft, muted tones. Warm neutrals like beige, taupe, and sand create a calm, grounded feeling. Other subtle earthy shades, such as warm grays, olive greens, or terracotta, add some character without overpowering. The goal is to create a natural flow where colors blend effortlessly rather than compete. Even if you prefer a monochrome space, choosing warmer undertones will make it feel inviting rather than sterile.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Vailery Focus on Meaningful Objects
In minimalism, warm or not, every item has a purpose. This doesn’t mean your home has to feel empty, just intentional. Instead of filling shelves with decorative items for the sake of aesthetics, choose pieces that hold personal meaning or that you’ll get a lot of use out of. A handmade ceramic bowl from a trip abroad, a vintage lamp passed down through family, or a piece of artwork that speaks to you, these objects bring value through connection, not excess. The fewer items you have, the more each one stands out. The goal is to surround yourself with things you love, not things that simply take up space.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / FollowTheFlowStudio Let Light Shape the Space
Lighting is just as important as furniture in a warm minimalist home. Natural light should be maximized wherever possible, whether through sheer curtains, larger windows, or strategic mirror placement. Soft, ambient lighting in the evening, think warm-toned bulbs, dimmable sconces, or candles, creates a cozier feel. Instead of harsh overhead lighting, use table lamps or floor lamps to spread a softer glow. Light should feel natural and gentle, working with the space to highlight the shapes in your decor. A well-lit room feels open, calm, and welcoming, even with minimal decor.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / Rawpixel Embrace Negative Space
Empty space isn’t a bad thing, it allows a home to breathe. Instead of filling every corner with furniture or decor, let areas of openness exist. A bare wall with a single, well-placed piece of art can have more impact than a gallery wall filled with prints. A spacious entryway without clutter feels more inviting than one packed with storage solutions. Negative space makes everything else feel more intentional, and it helps free up the mind too, giving it a rest from overwhelming visual stimuli. The key is knowing when to stop adding rather than focusing on what’s missing.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / pro_creator Keep Function at the Core
Minimalism, at its heart, is about making life simpler. Warm minimalism takes that a step further by ensuring that simplicity doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Every piece in your home should serve a function, whether that’s seating, storage, or a source of comfort. A well-designed home isn’t just visually appealing, it’s easy to live in. Instead of purely aesthetic choices, think about how a space feels to use daily. A well-placed chair by a window, a kitchen layout that makes cooking easier, or a cozy reading nook with just the right lighting, it’s these small details that make a home truly functional and warm.
Photo Credit: Envato Elements / bialasiewicz Warm minimalism is about balance. It eliminates excess but keeps that homey sense of comfort intact. It focuses on the natural, the inviting, and the necessary, not wanting you to get rid of all your possessions, but think about what purpose those possessions serve. It’s not really about following strict rules either, though. It’s about making your home feel good to live in. If you’re unsure how much you want to commit to the lifestyle, try it out in just one corner, one room. You might be surprised at how calming a practice it is!
You’re reading What Is Warm Minimalism? This Twist On The Famous Design Style Is Much More Comfortable, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
- My Daily Work Routine and 4 Productivity Tools That Help Me Get Things Done
As a person with ADHD, I’m sharing my daily work routine and the productivity tools I swear by to get things done.
The post My Daily Work Routine and 4 Productivity Tools That Help Me Get Things Done appeared first on Wit & Delight | Designing a Life Well-Lived.
- The Velvet Ash Residence: The Perfect Balance of Cozy and Contemporary
There’s something mesmerizing about a space that balances warmth with boldness, softness with structure—and that’s exactly what The Velvet Ash Residence, designed by Shubochkini, does. This home blends plush textures, deep wood tones, and sculptural design elements. From the whisper-soft neutrals enveloping the bedroom to the sleek architectural details in the kitchen, every inch is designed with intentional contrast in mind. The Velvet Ash Residence is where muted palettes meet statement textures, and natural light plays beautifully against bold black accents.
The foyer of the Velvet Ash Residence is a contrast of white and black. Visual interest is added with the two-toned floor. Walking a few steps in, the kitchen welcomes visitors. This features sleek cabinetry and wooden tones. Essential appliances—like the espresso coffee machine—are tucked into their places.
As a part of the open floor plan, a cozy yet modern dining table provides room to enjoy meals. A central pedestal table—a space-savvy addition—is surrounded by plush chairs The large window, paired with blinds, filters in soft sunlight. In addition, the textured pendant lamp takes over during the darker hours.
The living room sets a warm base with a wooden floor. A plush sectional sofa is paired with an organically shaped coffee table in tones of gold and black. The statement feature (and focal point) in this space is the zebra print rug. This softens the space underfoot and draws attention. While there’s not much room for an entertainment complex (this is swapped for a large glass sliding door), residents are allowed to enjoy their favorite shows on a projector screen.
Between the living room and bedroom is a large glass sliding door. This gives a peek into the cozy reading nook in the bedroom.
The bedroom in the Velvet Ash Residence features a minimalist bed with soft upholstery. This is paired with a black nightstand, light switch, and wall accent. A plush white rug underfoot instantly adds warmth. In one nook of the bedroom is a cozy reading area featuring a green accent chair. This is placed right next to the window so residents can read under natural light.
Velvet Ash Residence’s bathroom is compact yet stylish. The tiled walls are divided into two patterns for optimal visual interest. A wooden wall-mounted vanity is topped with a vessel sink, while a wall-mounted toilet helps open up space. The bathtub is paired with a wooden caddy to hold your scented candle and books. Finally, stainless steel hardware provides functionality while adding a shiny finish.
- Scandinavian Forest Living Room: Board with Shopping List
Style: Refined Nordic Nature
Color Combination: Light greige, sage green, forest green, warm walnut
Who is it for: For the coffee-at-dawn crowd who dream of mountain cabins but can’t leave their city souls behind. Those who collect both contemporary art and pine cones. The quiet revolutionaries who believe minimalism feels best with mud on its boots.
Budget: $-$$
Scandinavian Forest Living Room – Shopping List
Below we present a curated list of products presented on the board:
Tips and suggestions
The Vision: Modern executive space that balances power with serenity. Perfect for leaders who want their workspace to feel fresh, focused, and intentionally curated.
Colors that Work Together: Soft greige provides a neutral foundation, while varied green tones echo forest depths. Warm walnut wood elements add organic warmth, creating a balanced palette inspired by Scandinavian woodlands.
Wall Details: Textured gray wallpaper creates subtle movement reminiscent of tree bark. The triptych mountain forest artwork serves as a stunning focal point, bringing dramatic landscape views indoors.
Furniture Foundation: The oversized greige sofa offers comfortable lounging while maintaining clean lines. The sage green accent chair adds a pop of nature-inspired color, while the ribbed walnut sideboard brings architectural interest and warmth.
Textile Layers: Plush sage throw and neutral pillows create inviting texture, while the black and white checked pillow adds a modern Nordic touch. The striated area rug grounds the space with its organic pattern.
Lighting: The modern black pendant with warm interior creates architectural interest while providing focused illumination, perfect for evening ambiance.
Plant Life: Strategic placement of olive trees and greenery in modern vessels adds life and reinforces the forest connection without overwhelming the space.
The Final Note: This living room masterfully balances Scandinavian minimalism with forest-inspired elements. It proves that bringing nature indoors can be sophisticated and serene, creating a space that feels both grounded and elevated.
- Before and After: 4 White-and-Wood Bathrooms With New Vanities (16 photos)
When the vanity isn’t quite right, it’s hard for a bathroom to feel right overall. Add in outdated finishes, an awkward layout or overwhelming cleaning needs, and it’s makeover time. See how designers gave these four baths a newly clean yet warm look with a white-and-wood palette and brought in vanities…
- Kitchen of the Week: New Location With Fresh Mediterranean Style (10 photos)
When this family of four relocated from Florida to Tempe, Arizona, it loved the natural setting of its equestrian community. But the home it moved into, custom-built in 2008, contained some oddities. The kitchen was the main concern. The location didn’t make sense within the overall layout of the home….
- The beauty of white oak paneling in a midcentury home in Los Angeles
Wood panelling but make it really cool! I think for most of us when you think of wood panelling you think of the horrible orange stuff that was used several decades ago in retro homes. This home might be mid-century but it’s anything but horrible with this gorgeous white oak panelling used throughout that adds an incredible amount of warmth – particularly when used in almost every room. I really love how cocooning this is and not a white wall to be seen! Designed by Nina Freudenberger. Photos: Chris Mottalini.
- Stunning New Providence Home Renovation
What happens when English charm, contemporary flair, and timeless classics collide? Magic! Interior designer Nicole Arruda’s latest project in New Providence, New Jersey is the perfect blend of bold design and liveable luxury—and we’re giving you an exclusive peek inside! From a serene green kitchen to a statement-making bathroom and the sweetest textural nursery, this renovation is packed with swoon-worthy moments. Grab your coffee (or tea?) and join us for a virtual tour. You won’t want to miss a single detail!
The Kitchen of Our Dreams (Hello, Green!)
Who said you can’t be both subtle and stunning at the same time? Nicole’s vision for the kitchen hinges on a soft, muted green cabinetry color that manages to feel calming and cozy while exuding design-savvy sophistication. The cabinets are paired with perfectly imperfect white zellige brick tiles, which lend texture and character to the space. Add brass hardware along with matching plumbing fixtures, lighting, and small decor pieces, and you’ve got a recipe for instant charm.
But wait, there’s more! This compact kitchen is designed for maximum impact with clever storage solutions that hide its true power. What looks like standard cabinetry actually conceals a utility area complete with a prep sink—how genius is that? A half-open island takes center stage, balancing form and function by offering extra seating and prep space without dominating the room. Who says smaller kitchens can’t pack a big punch?
A Pantry Straight Out of a Storybook
Nestled off the kitchen is an adorable inset pantry that feels like it walked off the set of a cozy British cottage movie. With curtain details in the cabinet doors and a charming sink skirt to boot, this pantry pairs personality with practicality.
It’s not just pretty to look at—it handles all the behind-the-scenes necessities like dishware and cleaning products, keeping the kitchen clutter-free and full of character.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Even Renovating It
A Nursery That Grows With Your Child
If there were an award for the sweetest nursery, this one would surely make the shortlist! Nicole added thoughtful, functional charm with a custom-fitted window seat framed by robin’s-egg blue shelves that are perfect for displaying books, toys, or tiny treasures. Need a place to store extra onesies or blankets? No problem! The seat offers hidden cabinetry and drawer storage.
But the details don’t stop there! The custom Roman shade fabric? It matches the window seat cushion—pure genius. And the walls? Covered in a woven seagrass wallpaper that adds depth, texture, and sophistication to the room. It’s a backdrop that will age beautifully as the child grows, creating a timeless yet playful vibe.
The Bold & Chic Primary Bath
Nicole’s boldest design choice shines in the primary small bathroom—and we are OBSESSED! Though small in size, this bathroom leans into its personality with rich, moody materials that prove daring design is always worth it. Think timeless black and white floor tiles paired with sultry, dark zellige in the shower—absolutely foolproof yet statement-making.
Every detail in this bath feels intentional, from the layout down to the finishing touches. It’s a masterclass in “go big or go home,” and it’s safe to say this bathroom definitely went big. Nicole proves that even the smallest spaces can have the most impact when you’re not afraid to be bold.
Timeless Texture Meets Bold Design
What sets this project apart is Nicole Arruda’s masterful use of texture and bold choices across every corner of the home. Each space feels layered and thoughtful while still tied together in perfect harmony. Whether it’s the soft hues in the kitchen, the playful details in the nursery, or the dramatic finishes in the primary bath, there’s a little something for everyone to take inspiration from.
And that’s the beauty of Nicole’s work—it’s timeless, bold, and approachable all at once. Her blend of English, contemporary, and classic elements ensures this home will stand the test of time while functioning beautifully for the family who lives there.
Inspired? Add a Dose of Bold to Your Own Home
Feeling inspired to tackle your next home project? Here’s your sign to get daring with color, lean into texture, and make bold design choices (yes, even in smaller spaces!). Whether it’s revamping your kitchen to incorporate subtle yet stunning features, adding playful charm to a kid’s room, or going full drama in your bathroom—make it YOURS.
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