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What's Your Style: Comfort and Function Meet in Cosy Minimalism
Minimalism doesn’t have to be grim and cold now that there is a new cosy version of this style
Niki Bruce
2 August 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
When it comes to the minimalist interior design style, the idea is to create a clean, lean and usually white space that features man-made materials. It’s a very rigorous way to live, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There is now a new, more friendly type of minimalism you can try, it’s called cosy minimalism.
‘Cosy’ and ‘minimal’ together sound paradoxical but in many ways, the two ideas are very similar to many types of Scandinavian interior design styles, particularly the more unique ones like that of Finland.
What Is cosy minimalism?
It is a combination of clean lines with more decorative and comfortable touches to create a space that is homely and liveable, but with a fairly spare look. Clutter is frowned upon and in its place, carefully-curated collections.
It is a combination of clean lines with more decorative and comfortable touches to create a space that is homely and liveable, but with a fairly spare look. Clutter is frowned upon and in its place, carefully-curated collections.
Think function with comfort – the lines and functionality of minimalist furniture with the softness of texture and colour to create a warmer environment.
How to get the look
Start by creating the functional foundation of the look through furniture, built-ins and wall and floor finishes.
Start by creating the functional foundation of the look through furniture, built-ins and wall and floor finishes.
The main furniture piece in each room has to be functional in design and will be the ‘hero’ of the design. To this, you add the ‘cosy’ with the bedding, cushions and other soft furnishings.
Get the look: This vintage mid-century modern table is perfect as a foundation piece for the look.
Look for either colours or textures that contrast to add warmth.
You can then add the decorative pieces: paintings, photographs, plants, cookware… if it is functional as well as beautiful, that’s even better.
Tip: It helps to think of layering textures as setting up a ‘look’ for a flat-lay photograph – a clean and simple background, with different textures in similar colours (or even a surprising pop of colour) laid over it.
Get the look: This bathroom keeps it clean with spare lines and brings in the ‘cosy’ via the laminate and woodgrain tiles.
One of the other things that sets cosy minimalism apart from traditional minimalism is the addition of colours, particularly natural and muted shades.
Get the look: The mix of greens, timber and mustard hues adds a cosiness to this otherwise sparse bedroom.
Once you get your head around the concept of mixing minimalism and cosy comfort, you’ll find that these two seemingly opposites create a cool balance.
TELL US
Do you think that cosy minimalism is for you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
TELL US
Do you think that cosy minimalism is for you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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