Strategies to infuse color and design elements into a residence without inducing clutter:
Jazzing Up Minimalism: How to Add Color and Pattern Without Overdoing It
Minimalist decor doesn't have to be boring, with whites and beiges being its usual suspects. If you're hankering for something more vibrant, but don't want a chaotic clutter, here's how our southern interior design experts suggest you strike a balance.
Kickstart with a Subtle Backdrop
Sara Swabb, the brains behind Storie Collective in Washington D.C., recommends establishing a calm atmosphere by starting with a soft, tonal foundation. This subtle background color, such as warm whites, muted greens, or even a subtle brown, will provide a soothing backdrop for your bold accents.
Remember, a small-scale pattern, like a woven texture or tonal print, can subtly add depth without causing visual noise. Once your base is set, you can then proceed to bolder patterns and colors.
Master The Art of Layering Patterns
Mismatched patterns may seem a fashion faux pas, but there's method to the madness. Swabb breaks it down, emphasizing that scale plays a significant role.
For instance, a check or stripe pairs wonderfully with a floral. To maintain balance, go for a large check with a tighter stripe or a smaller floral on a chair with a larger floral on the walls or ceiling. And be sure to stick to a cohesive color palette for harmony.
Embrace Monochromatic Walls
Color drenching, or coating all walls, ceiling, and trim in a single hue, is making a splash these days, and it's a technique that works well for minimalism too. This creates a seamless, cocoon-like effect. To prevent overpowering the space, add one contrasting piece, such as a piece of furniture or art, to keep the design intentional.
Mind the Clutter
When introducing bold colors in a minimalist space, ensure you don't cramp it up with oversized furniture. Streamlined furniture, simple silhouettes, and negative space are your friends. By pairing bold colors with restraint, your space can exude both minimalism and expressiveness.
Offer Visual Respite
Create moments of visual rest amidst your colorful decor. For example, opt for a simple white bed covering in place of a busier option. This relaxation of the eye aids in maintaining the overall minimalist vibe.
7 Things That Make Your Bathroom Look Overwhelming
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Incorporate a serene background color, like warm whites, muted greens, or subtle browns, to create a soothing base for your lively accents, as suggested by Sara Swabb of Storie Collective (southernliving).
Mismatched patterns may seem conflicting, but utilizing appropriate scale and a cohesive color palette can result in a harmonious and vibrant space (southernliving).
To achieve balance, consider a large check paired with a tighter stripe or a smaller floral chair juxtaposed with a larger floral on the walls (southernliving).
For a cohesive and expressive minimalist space, practice the art of layering patterns, remember to leave ample negative space, and introduce monochromatic walls (southernliving).
In case you're intrigued by further home decor ideas, you might find our article on '7 Things That Make Your Bathroom Look Overwhelming' thought-provoking (southernliving).
