Soft minimalist home decor explained

When I read the word soft minimalism for the first time, my heart made a tiny jump of joy.

I had been trying to pin-point the type of look I like the most in home decor and while I knew it was definitely minimalist, I also knew it was surely not sterile, nor edgy.

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I bet that when you read the word minimalism, you, too, picture in your mind a black and white environment, maybe a contemporary open space with high ceilings and geometric decor.

As a matter of fact, the word carries with it a sense of austere feel for most people. However, not all minimalism is cold and sterile, and Scandinavian style is a good example of this. By now we are all familiar with the importance of adding some hygge into our interiors to make them welcoming, as the Swedes and the Danes teach us.

So, when a couple of years ago I read the term soft minimalism for the first time, I knew I had found my style.

As you may imagine from the wording, soft minimalism moves away from the austere look of strict minimalism by adding elements that will create a relaxed and cozy look.

A wide range of styles would fall under the umbrella of soft minimalism - some rustic and modern farmhouse homes, some romantic feminine interiors and some following the beige-aesthetic trend, just to name a few.

Each one of these styles will clearly have very unique decorative elements characterising it. While we will be talking more in details about each specific soft minimalist sub-style in the future, we will have a look now at some of the most common features that all those trends have.

These are elements that could be considered as baselines for creating soft minimalist interiors. Then, you may add the extra touch to twist your style into a specific mood, but here is how you can get started.

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So, the 4 most important features are:

1 - NEUTRAL BACKGROUND

Most soft minimalist homes - whatever the specific trend they may be following - have a neutral background to start with. White walls are often the preferred choice, but neutral tones such as beige and greys are also often featured. If you enjoy more colour, some soft shades of pink have entered the status of “neutrals”, lately, and so have some musk green tones.

2 - WOODEN FURNITURE

Many soft minimalist interiors will have wooden furniture. While sleek white lacquered and black metallic furniture pieces can still be a legitimate choice, wood definitely adds a warm touch. It resonates better with soft minimalism, whichever the type of wood you choose.

A walnut kitchen will create a beautiful slow living vibe. Plywood will create a fresh look that works perfectly in a Japandi or a natural Scandi home. Oak will create a beautiful vintage effect.

3 - SOOTHING HOME DECOR

In all soft minimalist interiors, home decor is there to blend in with the overall aesthetic. While you may have a focal point with a special painting, a feature wall or a more lively sofa, the choices should be always working towards creating harmony. That means, no sudden contrasting element.

The colours, too, are soothing, sometimes kept within the same shades. When more colourful schemes are picked, it is typically in calming tones such as blue-grey, deep greens or rose.

Soothing decor can be achieved also by using textiles that bring in softness into the interiors. Linen, for instance, or wool are perfect for this - and so are soft carpets.

4 - GREENERY & FLOWERS

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No minimalist home would be soft without some nature in the decor. While we have all seen how tropical plants have become a beautiful must have for many, there are more subtle choices to pick from.

Hanging plants seem to be a beloved option for many. Flower bouquets - maybe monochromatic or in muted tones - are another.

Finally, dried branches are another good alternative. Pampas, cotton flowers, lavender - these are all beautiful ways to add some nature indoors.

There are of course many other elements contributing to creating a soft minimalist interiors, but these are those I have seen most commonly recurring.

If you have ideas about other decor features that may be important, leave a comment to the article!