Skip to main content

Minimalist doesn’t mean stark: 7 incredible ways to make a modern home cozy

What comes to mind when you think of modern homes or minimalist spaces? Likely, it’s images of barren white walls and stark interiors. However, minimalism isn’t about forgoing all adornment and living in a white box. Rather, this interior design style is about using a “less is more” approach to create a simple yet welcoming space that allows homeowners to relax and refresh after a long day.

If you’re interested in modern home design, check out these seven incredible ways to make your contemporary home vibrant and cozy.

Use warm paint colors

It’s a common misconception that modernity is about only using white paint colors. When it comes to creating a cozy but minimalist living space, we recommend selecting warm colors or neutrals that keep your room feeling simple and clean but also relaxing. Hues like warm cream, light brown, and warm off-whites are must-haves for this style. Your home doesn’t have to be monochromatic to be modern, either. Add more variety into your space by playing around with peaches, light reds, warmer browns, sunset yellows, and even light greens. Using a limited palette can create a streamlined design that doesn’t feel sterile.

Regardless of the color you choose, avoid flat sheen finishes as these can make a minimal space feel dull and lifeless. Instead, select paints that come in satin or semi-gloss to give your room a gentle texture that reflects natural light and creates a more bright and open space.

minimalist living room with grey sofa and a wooden chair
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Try out warm lighting

Yellow and orange lighting provides a gentle glow in your home that is easy on the eyes and looks stunning against neutral tones. Harsh white lights can make your home feel more like a hospital room than a cozy retreat since the bright light reflects off the walls and highlights the cold undertones of the existing colors. Instead, opt for warm lighting that will bring out the warmer undertones of your paint colors and make your space feel more intimate and relaxing.

Experiment with wall decor

Focusing too much on the “less is more” decor approach can leave you with barren walls, creating a home that feels empty and lifeless.

Bring in some character and experiment with wall decor, creating small gallery walls, hanging up some artwork that reflects your personality, or placing a few mirrors around the home. Large wall clocks also help add dimension and visual interest to your space without making your home feel cluttered. Picking a few meaningful pieces can go a long way toward incorporating your personality without cluttering the space.

Bring wood materials into your home

While many modern homes lean toward metals, stone, and white and black color palettes, adding wooden accents to the space can invite more warmth and liveliness to your home. Modern homes have a tendency to feel too artificial, so adding organic and natural materials, like wood, can add some much-needed vitality. When picking out tables, chairs, cutting boards, and cabinetry, pick out pieces in dark and medium-colored woods to add some softness to the home.

Decorate with house plants

To add even more life into the space, decorate with house plants. They’re appealing to look at, add natural textures to a room, and help bring a pop of color to the warm, neutral palette. Additionally, house plants are natural air purifiers and mood boosters, so they can clean the air and make the entire space feel much more refreshing.

minimal and modern living room with wood coffee table and pink cushions on sofa
Adobe Stock

Use more colors throughout your space

While it’s best to stick with a simple color palette for a minimalist design, you should still feel free to experiment with the colors you choose to include. Instead of relying on the typical black and white color scheme, pull in more neutral tones by incorporating wooden materials, natural red brick, and rattan decor. Alternatively, adding blues, greens, or pink on cushions and blankets can revitalize your design scheme with more vibrancy and color.

Add a bit of texture

Adding a bit of texture to your space can create more dimension, preventing your minimal space from looking too flat or lifeless. For minimalists and modernists alike, we recommend adding textures like faux-leather, wool, wood, metal, and wicker to your space for a touch of rustic coziness. Use these materials in baskets, chairs, throw pillows, and blankets to create a homey feel that encourages guests to make themselves at home.

Being a minimalist or modernist doesn’t require you to sit at home in an empty space. Don’t restrict your design to white walls, limited furniture options, and a select few materials. Instead, experiment with pops of color, natural materials, and different textures to create a warm and cozy space that feels relaxing and rejuvenating.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
10 creative ways to blend your indoor and outdoor home decor for a gorgeous aesthetic
happiest home design styles scandinavian styled dining room and open plan kitchen with patio

If you're lucky enough to have livable outdoor space, you're probably wondering how you can make the most of it. One way to create a cohesive, inviting area is to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces for a seamless living environment. Not only does this double your living and entertaining space, but you get to enjoy the best of both worlds with your indoor/outdoor experience. One easy way to achieve this harmony is by pairing your indoor/outdoor decor. This helps any adjoining rooms—whether that's your living room, kitchen, office, or dining room—look balanced and open.

Here are ten creative and fun ways to blend your indoor and outdoor home decor, no matter how large or small the area.

Read more
The way Instagrammers are decorating their homes with sage green is so inspiring
Sage green accent wall and decor in modern home design

Since green is this year’s “it” color, it’s no surprise that Instagrammers are jumping to include this tone in their spaces. While green can come in several shades, one hue, in particular, has caught the attention of many designers. Sage green has taken center stage as one of the most inspiring and soothing colors in 2022 home design. With lush, neutral undertones that allow it to thrive in nearly any room of the house, this hue is certainly one of this year's trendiest options.

If you’re eager to learn more about incorporating this subtle yet vibrant shade into your home, we have a few ideas that are sure to inspire your next renovation!
Why is sage green so popular?

Read more
8 modern coastal design ideas that will give you the chic home of your dreams
modern coastal living room with blue and white wicker

Modern coastal interior design is a refreshing way to invite light colors, a beach aesthetic, and simple textiles to your home to create a chic space perfect for relaxation. For homeowners who adore cool tones and woven decor pieces, the modern coastal design style can be a great way to bring what you love into your home. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to achieve this fresh and exciting design aesthetic in your space, or you're looking for some unique ideas to spruce up your existing decor, then we have a few tips you don’t want to miss!

What is modern coastal style?
Modern coastal design blends the minimalistic and simple appeal of modern design with the beachy, cool-toned aesthetic of coastal styles. This blend of styles emphasizes whites and creams in the color palette while also inviting a sense of simplicity and serenity through minimal yet intentional decor pieces. Modern coastal interior design also highlights certain elements of each parent design style. For example, you might find modern light fixtures and glass tables alongside driftwood decor or cool blue tones in a modern coastal design.
Is coastal decor out of style?
A common misconception about coastal decor is that it has gone out of style. However, coastal decor flourishes in many interior design styles, like modernism, Mediterranean, and rustic. Many homeowners view coastal and nautical decor as the same. However, coastal decor is more about soft beach-inspired color palettes, washed-out wood tones, and hints of beachy elements. In contrast, nautical decor takes a more fish-inspired and colorful approach, sometimes making it feel kitsch.

Read more