If you love the minimalist look but appreciate luxury and comfort too, then ‘cosy minimalism’ could be the style for you.
Minimalism has been gaining momentum since the 60’s and 70’s. It’s a word we associate with white, pared-back and clean, but (sometimes) also cold and clinical – and because ofthis, rarely ever cosy.
The good news? Minimalism is being transformed with a brand-new aesthetic which takesthe best elements of minimalism, mixing them up with a bit of cosy. The output? Some are calling it ‘cosy minimalism’, others are calling it ‘minimalism meets Hygge’ but either way, it’s a happy medium that’s making us jump for joy.
And what better room to transform from minimalist to cosy minimalism than the room we spend a third of our life in? Here’s how to keep your bedroom clean and uncluttered, but at the same time a decidedly cosier affair…
A white base
When it comes to the base of your bedroom, take inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic. The idea is to create a simple backdrop, setting the ideal scene for those cosier details.
And what better way than with a white base? This will maximise the minimalist look with a space-enhancing, blank canvas that will help to amplify your accents. So what can be sleek, uncomplicated and minimal? Given that the minimal style is formed around functionality, this will usually be your walls or floors and your most functional furniture from your bed to your bedside tables and wardrobes.
We love the Ambriella collection from its bed to headboard to bedside cabinets for an understated, contemporary look that follows the fundamental principles of minimalism.
Natural wood
If the all-white base isn’t for you, or you’re just working in some ‘cosy’ in other areas, try weaving the white with some natural materials and hues. This is a great way to counteract theminimalism with some snugness and spread some warmth around.
One of the best materials for this is natural wood – a neutral texture and colour which has the power to perk up any bedroom. This could be the frame of your bed, your furnishings or just general décor from wall hangings to reclaimed wall art. For a double whammy, work both white and natural wood into your space with the two-tone Emily collection, offering the best of both worlds. The Emily 3 Drawer Bedside Chest has the clean cut, fully-functional white base, with a natural-wood cornice top for added warmness.
Layers on layers
Layering is a great way to add some cosiness while avoiding chaos and clutter. The key is to stick with a more neutral palette and make your mark with textures instead.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the best is to choose the things that make us feel nice and toasty. From lovely linens to snug blankets and rugs, these reinforce the comfort element and bring some warmth to the bedroom – all the while keeping distractions at bay.
A trick is to place such accessories with care and thought, so there is a feeling of order and purpose.
Get excited about greenery
If you really want to make sure your bedroom isn’t teetering on the overly cool and clinical, incorporate some plants into your bedroom. Whether they’re real or you decide to rock the artificial style (we get it, keeping plants alive is no easy task!), they’ll breathe life into your bedroom and instantly make it feel homelier.
If you do go for real plants, why not go for those with a soothing effect too? We suggest something like the Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Jasmine or any other plant renowned for its calming properties. The Jasmine plant is known for reducing stress and helping you to sleep better, while the Spider plant will cleanse and purify the air. Both of these will add to the tranquil feel of the minimalist bedroom.
Wall art and accessories
As you will know by now, cosy minimalism is all about the simple, pared-down base withaccessories that help to accent the room.
One perfect way to do this is with wall art, which adds impact and character to an otherwise composed room – through an image, pattern, style or even a splash of colour. The same goes for accessories, which, when used sparingly, can add just the right amount of cosy to yourroom.
Candles
When it comes to keeping a room calm and serene with a cosy vibe, candles ought to be your go to. Why? Because they’re a great, tasteful way to offer warmth, and not just through the most literal sense of the word. While their scent may not be a visual aesthetic, it will offer a familiar and zen-type atmosphere just perfect for that ‘cosy minimalist’ feel.
It’s not hard to see why cosy minimalism is fast becoming one of the favourite trends of our time. Just remember, getting it right is all about balancing the pared-back fundamentals of minimalist living with warmer and more welcoming accents. Long gone are the days where our homes had to be completely sparse of warmth to be considered ‘in’. Here’s to a new, gorgeous and all-round cosier minimalist future.
