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Adding soft materials, natural textiles and a palette inspired by the outdoors can reduce the hard lines often associated with minimalism. | Photo by Chad Mellon

Celebrate simplicity with design that nurtures a sense of warmth and well-being.

By Tanya A. Yacina

Warm minimalism is a growing interior design trend that combines the clean aesthetics of simplicity with the warmth of natural materials and neutral tones.

Tania Cassill, owner and principal designer at Huit Laguna, says this movement tends to incorporate natural and organic elements into a space or home in a soothing palette of colors to create a peaceful, inviting atmosphere.

To achieve this aesthetic, Cassill recommends starting off with a calm, neutral color palette as well as organic materials and varied textures to infuse this concept into any space. She says this trend is significant in main living areas and great rooms, but she also finds bedrooms to be very welcoming when designed using a warm minimalistic approach.

“I always turn to nature for color inspiration. The beach—natural sand, ocean blue, blush-colored shells and golden yellow; the desert—white sand, beige and khaki, rust and orange; the mountains—deep forest green, rich browns, earth tones,” she explains. “… The best source of inspiration for a color palette is right outside. Look to nature for a neutral and soothing color palette.”

8R6A6889_HDR minimalism-Chad Mellon
Use natural items to achieve this look. | Photo by Chad Mellon

When starting out, Cassill says that you can follow the following formula. “Choose your space, decide if you need to declutter and remove unnecessary items. … [Determine] your color palette and start to bring items into the space. Add texture within your color palette; choose a soft and tactile rug [or] drape a sheepskin over a chair or bench.”

One of Cassill’s favorite items to use in this type of design is a teak root coffee table because of its organic look and feel. She also tends to work in natural items to achieve the look, which includes sheepskins, rugs with a high pile and natural or woven elements.

“When wanting to create a warm, minimalist aesthetic, there are a few easy tips,” Cassill notes. “… Less is more. Clutter and chaos take away from warm minimalism, so editing your space will provide the quiet peace you are looking for.”

She also says creating an inviting space can be achieved by mixing soft textures with some comfortable furniture and natural fibers.

Juxtaposing hard surfaces with these softer materials, like a wood bench topped with a sheepskin, helps to blur hard lines and edges to create the desired warm and welcoming vibe. Incorporating warm minimalism into a home creates a balanced living environment that blends simplicity with the warmth and comfort of more traditional designs.


Keeping it Simple

Remove the excess and add some new decor, like these items from local stores that align with a minimalist aesthetic.

light pendant from Nuance
Part of the Lisa McDennon Collection, the mid-century modern SKYE SMALL PENDANT comes as either a single or cluster of glass globes surrounded by a thin black or brass ring, incorporating a sleek modern piece to warmly light the desired space, $269, at Nuance. (949-494-8833; nuance-home.com)
XL SHEEPSKIN THROW
The natural color and texture of the high-quality XL SHEEPSKIN THROW—made with English sheepskin—adds warmth both visually and functionally with dense fleece, $249, at Huit Laguna. (949-715-5617; huitlaguna.com)
BOUCLE ROUND PILLOWS
These cream-colored BOUCLE ROUND PILLOWS add a unique pop of texture when they are styled in the home, from $90, at Abode by Garage Collective. (949-715-0868; shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com)
JOJO LARGE WOVEN TRAY
The handcrafted JOJO LARGE WOVEN TRAY, made by traditional basket weavers in Ghana, is the perfect addition for generating warmth in a space—plus each basket is created by a different person, so patterns, sizes and shape will vary slightly, $108, at Layered by Paige Elise. (714-628-6071; layeredbypaigeelise.com)
CORK FAMILY STOOLS
Designed by Jasper Morrison, the natural, lightweight material used to craft the CORK FAMILY STOOLS make them ideal for a side table or footstool, as they are resilient with a soft feel, $715, online from Laguna-based Vertigo Home. (949-738-0374; vertigohome.us)