For lovers of Scandinavian design in particular, minimalism has long played a central role in interior design. Pared-back forms bring clarity to a room, while functional furniture and home accessories are not only incredibly practical but also timelessly beautiful. For a long time, the minimalist style was defined by black and white. Now delicate shades of beige, grey and pastel give it a much softer feel.
We present minimalist designs in the "New Neutrals" – gentle earth tones that bring us back to our roots and give your home a warm, calming atmosphere in a completely natural way.
The trend towards natural living – why soft minimalism is so popular
Whether in fashion or interiors, trends always emerge in connection with social developments. In times of climate change, urbanisation, burnout and the like, we are turning once again to slowing down, to the environment and to calm. And that is exactly what these soft colours reflect. High-contrast black and white is giving way to delicate sand shades and earth tones in light grey, beige and brown – inspired by nature.
With designs such as the Wedekind table, manufacturers like OUT show how modern, functional and warm natural materials can be – and how effortlessly they fit into this trend for calm, grounded aesthetics.
The new, softer minimalism is rounded off with gentle pastels in apricot, blush or sage, which feel fresh and friendly – playful, but not fussy.
Design classics meet soft minimalism
Popular labels such as Ferm Living, String, HAY and Broste Copenhagen spotted the trend long ago and presented their classic designs and new releases in soft colour variants at the major interior trade fairs at the start of the year. So the popular String shelf now also comes in beige and blush, upholstered chair classics from HAY look just as good in soft beige, and the new Catena sofa from Ferm Living impresses in natural cotton white.
Soft minimalism for your home – what defines the interior trend
Feel like giving soft minimalism a try, with all its clarity, timeless beauty and pleasant warmth? Here's how to achieve the look in just three easy steps:
Match the wall colour to your furniture
Choose furniture and wall paint in the same or similarly soft tones – this way they visually merge and automatically take a step back.
Focus on soft colours and shapes
It's not only shades of grey, brown, beige and pastel that play a central role – the shapes of furniture and accessories are also key to soft minimalism. Overall, the forms should be straight-lined and understated – typically minimalist, in other words – but still feature rounded edges or organic lines. This automatically makes the room feel softer and warmer.
Choose the right accessories
The original minimalist style gets by almost entirely without accessories, whereas soft minimalism also thrives on a few carefully selected decorative pieces. Textured textiles in matching tones, organically shaped vases and elements made of natural materials such as wood, linen or ceramics give the interior a personal, welcoming touch – and that is what makes soft minimalism so charming. But remember: less is more.
So, are you a fan of this interior trend yet? Enjoy discovering it and refreshing your home!
Photos: Ana Schneider (@my_petit_world)
