Refresh Minimalist Space

We love the clean, clean lines of a modern home and the tranquility that comes with a minimalist look. But we’ve all seen white modernist houses, which can honestly feel a little dull. The truth is, a house is not supposed to look like a museum. A home should look like a place where real people live. Follow the guide on freshening up your minimalist space to add a bit of character to your modernist palace without sacrificing your aesthetics.

Textured carpets

One way to stay true to a minimalist color aesthetic without making your home feel cold is to incorporate textured carpets into your space. Choose a vibrant geometric pattern with neutral colors for a fresh, elegant, and modernist feel.

And if you’re looking for some inspiration for textured carpets, check out the ones we used in the living room of this redesign of your Westchester home.

Colorful art books

Just because you only took one art history class in college doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your home with art books you haven’t read. Show off your inner curator by selectively placing colorful art books in your living room and other public areas.

If you’re looking for examples of colorful additions, check out the coffee table from this New York apartment that we redesigned.

Throw carpets

One of the easiest ways to add character to a minimalist room is to add colorful rugs. While a rug with neutral colors should stick, choose something lighter and more colorful to throw at. These can be exchanged during the year. So don’t be afraid to pick something that is seasonally appropriate.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out our guide to geometric carpets.

Image via CB2.

Architectural objects made of brass

One way to spice up a sleek, minimalist aesthetic is to incorporate brass items into your foyer and living room. Architectural items contrast well with neutral tones and solid patterns, creating a distinctly sophisticated contemporary look.

Check out this foyer that we styled, also from our Westchester redesign.

Wooden furniture

If a mid-century modernist aesthetic is what you want, consider incorporating some pieces of wood into your space. Solid teak pieces and Danish designs complement ever slimmer, more contemporary elements in the household.

Check out the wooden breakfast table and matching chairs that we redesigned for an advertiser in the Upper East Side.

Bold graphics

What goes better with modern furniture than modern art? If you’re trying to add character to a minimalist home, add some artwork. Bright and vibrant colors appear against a white background, giving your guests something to look at.

Check out the piece we installed in this Manhattan living room.

Add pillows

Much like carpets, pillows can add the required dose of color or pattern to your living room. And like carpets, the pillows can be swapped out year-round, so you can choose from both modern and seasonal items.

Check out the pillows we placed in this Soho duplex redesign.

Everything of course

You don’t have to venture outdoors to bring a piece of nature home, you should incorporate some more natural elements into your modern space. Green plants in particular are wonderful additions, and we love more decorative objects that include wood.

Check out the natural elements in our Luxury Condo Redesign on Market Street, San Francisco.