Interior decorating ideas: Why warm minimalism, the ‘style of disorder’ is back to remake our homes
Goodbye Marie Kondo. It’s no longer less is more when it comes to our homes, as we search for more meaning in the Covid-age.
Interiors
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Our yearning for clear, uncluttered spaces gains popularity when there’s a broader sense of disorder in the world.
It emerged as a trend in art and design in the US post-WWII, and enjoyed another resurgence following the global financial crisis in 2008.
Today, it’s having another moment; with Millennials especially seeming to have a particular affiliation towards the idea of living with less.
But today’s minimalism is markedly different from the one you might know and love (or maybe loathe). This version, oft referred to as ‘warm minimalism’ is less about tossing everything and more about carefully curating items that are handcrafted or have a history and provide sentimental value.
It makes perfect sense to influencer Tash Sefton, who heads up the site wheredidyourstylego.com.
“There is an art to creating a minimalist home,” she says.
“Simplify it too much, it can become a cold and an uninviting space. The goal is to be free from clutter, but to retain character and warmth and also comfort. It’s a fine line.”
A recent report from insurance comparison site Choosi found that one in three Australians has a strong or extreme desire to declutter their home.
Reynard Lowell is someone who’s done just that.
The 24-year-old IT analyst lives in a minimalist two-bedroom apartment with his girlfriend and until recently, two other flatmates. Not surprisingly, his home is impeccably organised: there’s hidden shoe racks in the hallway entrance, pantry ingredients are decanted into neatly-labelled containers and every hook, basket or bowl has a place and purpose.
Plus, there’s plenty of ‘rules and systems’ that keep things running smoothly.
“Simple things like washing dishes straight after using them or never leaving trash in the common areas of the house,” he explains.
Plus, he has a few handy gadgets to keep things in order, such as a robot vacuum.
“I really like the balance between form and function,” he says of his lifestyle choice.
“It’s about keeping things simple, while staying thoughtful.”
It sounds soothing and it is. Now.
“Today’s minimalist interior may not be as flamboyant or vibrant as other genres but it’s far from sterile,” says Savita Vaghnani, of Domayne Commercial and Interior Design.
She says that as long as each piece is chosen for its ‘design or functional purpose’ you can still incorporate texture and colour.
“Materials that have organic or natural elements add a sense of warmth,” she says.
“Or you may use a pop of colour.”
For Reynard, minimalism is about more than just a tidy house.
“It brings peace to my life,” he says.
“I stop chasing things that don’t bring me any joy or fulfilment. I no longer feel discontent. I still have goals and things to pursue, but I am happy and satisfied as I live my day to day.” Tash adds that the new minimalism is about carefully collecting pieces that speak to you.
“I am all about collecting pieces for your home, not going to one store and buying everything. It takes time to decorate a home and constant changing things around to make it work.”
Less stress, better habits
Studies have shown that too much clutter can trigger the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to unhelpful coping methods such as overeating or binge watching TV. With less mess, your mind is more clear meaning better decisions.
Save money
Minimalism isn’t about an empty room with nothing but a bamboo mat and a single orchid. Minimalists still have ‘stuff’. But they choose wisely; making considered choices and buying only what they need and/or genuinely love. If you plan well, you can purchase more expensive pieces that genuinely speak to you; instead of many cheap items destined for landfill.
Help the environment
A recent survey from second-hand marketplace Gumtree estimated that the average Australian household contains 23 unwanted or unused items.
That’s a lot of purchases that took energy to produce. Less consumption equals less waste, which is always a positive.
Savita Vaghnani, from Domayne Commercial and Interior Design, says there are some simple steps anyone can take to bring a little minimalism into their home.
“Declutter” is her number one tip.
“Use the Marie Kondo way of keeping things that speak to the heart. The rest can go.”
She then advises you pick a hero piece in your home — a piece of furniture, the natural light or perhaps a room’s size and shape, and “scale back on other things to highlight the hero.”
And finally, if your newly clean space needs a little ‘something’ to break up the sparse lines, go for a piece that has texture.
“Incorporate elements from nature, such as timber, stone, linen or cotton,” says Savita.
“A thick knit blanket can be inviting and cosy.”
Domayne Interior Design is based in Sydney.
Originally published as Interior decorating ideas: Why warm minimalism, the ‘style of disorder’ is back to remake our homes
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