The journey to minimalism is a long one, especially for those who are transitioning from many belongings to not quite as many.
It can be hard to give up our things, especially when we’ve been conditioned for so long to believe that having more is a sign of status and power.
However, minimalism does not have to all be clean lines and bleak imagery. Minimalism can be comfortable, personal, cozy, and soft, welcoming you back into your space in a simplified and gentle manner that makes you feel at home in your home without overburdening you with things or clutter.
What is the Concept of Cozy Minimalism?
Cozy minimalism contributes to the idea of comfort and personal space that speaks to you.
You often want the most amount of style with the least amount of stuff, which means you’re going to want to think carefully about what makes you feel comfortable and supported and how you can invoke that feeling with very few possessions.
Minimalism is not about getting rid of 80 or 90% of your belongings, in fact, cozy minimalism is about intentionally thinking through and executing layers of design and possessions that go into creating a functional, beautiful, and comfortable space for homes and families.
The idea is to make your space functional, inviting, and supportive without overwhelming it.
With a cozy and comfortable space, you’re sure to feel happy, warm, and at peace no matter when!
10 Cozy Minimalist Ideas to Apply Today
1. Soften Your Space
The traditional linear look of minimalism is often defined by sharp edges, harsh lines, and straight, angular pieces that create a geometric and firm appearance.
You can create a cozy minimalist appearance by adding in some softer shapes to help balance out the minimalism, such as a beanbag or a round coffee table.
Minimalism doesn’t have to be linear to be welcoming.
2. Accessorize, Accessorize!
Accessorizing is still permissible, even as a minimalist. You do want to try and pare down on the design details in order to stick to more streamlined looks, so try to make the accessories you pick functional and decorative.
A thick, textured throw blanket, soft and decorative pillows, stunning yet interesting coffee table books, scented candles: all of these details can help maintain a cozy minimalist look that makes your space feel as inviting as it is simple.
3. Bring in Wood
Simple and organic materials like wood can help break up the monochrome of a minimalist interior design while still providing a simple and cozy look that many people enjoy.
You can bring in wood accessories or orange or sienna-colored furniture to help create a natural and simple finish to your room.
Wood also seems to bring in an inviting and personal touch, symbolizing a comfortable cabin or a fun escape from the plastic realities of our world.
4. Add Texture In (for Style and Comfort)
If you’re worried about not having enough comfort or coziness in your home, you can consider adding different focal and soft points through the introduction of different textures.
If your living room is mostly sleek and smooth, consider adding in a white shag rug or a tasselled throw blanket.
You can also play with furniture upholstery fabrics to create even more variation and comfortable textures.
5. Plants, Plants, Plants
Nature plays a big role in cozy minimalism largely because the addition of a few plants can help you feel like you’re sequestered in a garden or experiencing your own private retreat from the world.
Whether your plant is serving as an accent piece or as featured artwork, your plants can help make everything feel cozy.
Whether you’re adding in a houseplant or putting up palm prints, the more plant influence you can add to your home the better off you’ll be.
6. Keep Your Favorite Things on Display
Clean and empty shelving often seems like a staple of minimalist design, but with cozy minimalism you can explore putting some of your favorite items on display to help add a layer of personal touch to the space.
Keep a few books or picture frames up to help you feel at home and make sure every beautiful item is uniquely yours and perfect for your space.
7. Go for Warm Neutrals
Muted and monochrome color palettes are staples of minimalist homes, but they have the tendency to feel cold and uninviting.
Sticking to light and simple palettes, such as beiges, neutral tones, whites, or blacks, can make your space feel uncomfortable when you really want to experience something cozy.
Instead, stick to warmer neutrals like buttery yellows, eggshells, or warm beiges that help you feel soft and warm.
8. Open Space is Key
Another highly important part of cozy minimalism and design are open space layouts. The more clear and open space in a room or building, the better.
By designing high ceilings and open interiors, you create more opportunities for flexibility and openness in your design, creating a more natural and modern feel to your house.
Allowing plenty of natural light in also helps warm up your space, making it feel more comfortable overall.
9. Statement Rugs
Rugs are a great way to break up hardwood flooring or other hard, textured surfaces without disrupting the natural style of your home.
A soft, comfortable, and textured floor will help your space feel more comfortable than ever without breaking up the minimalist space.
10. Gold-Toned Accessories
A simple touch of gold is a great way to transform your space into something comfortable and stately without investing heavily in new furniture or design.
Matte fixtures are especially popular thanks to their contemporary and sleek finish, so swapping out your faucets and handles for some matte gold is a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
Cozy minimalism is an increasingly popular trend that allows us to explore comfort, personalization, and minimalism in your own way.
Whether you’re decorating your home, your bathroom, or your office, cozy minimalism can provide some comfort and creativity in your space in an inviting and welcoming way.