If you’re a regular reader of my articles, you’ll know how I strive to find, promote, and endorse balance while inspiring you with colors and design. Balance is the key to success (not to mention sanity), and if there’s a narrative backbone and message here, it’s that it’s worth the time and effort invested in creating balance and excitement in your design! In addition, today we’re going to talk about a refreshing new approach to design; read on – I think you’ll love it!
In this article, I will cover the style strategy called “colorful minimalism.” Why do I bring this theme up now? I know that approaching interior/exterior design with colorful minimalism in mind is one of the best ways to strike a balanced design that is neither dull nor overindulgent (and it can be so much fun!).
As a color specialist, it’s my passion and duty to help homeowners strike the personal sense of style they need to feel comfortable in their spaces. Let’s explore what colorful minimalism is and how it can help you achieve a more colorful yet balanced presence in your home!
Colorful minimalism is the strategic positioning of bold/bright/excited colors throughout a home with a modern/minimalistic base color scheme. Simply put, it is pops of intentionally loud colors in an otherwise quiet, neutral space. Now you may ask yourself, “Amy, isn’t that the same as using accent colors?” In a way, however, colorful minimalism is a philosophy on color placement, whereas accent colors, loud or not, can be layered into any design scheme, minimalist or not. Accent colors are a feature of most design schemes; colorful minimalism is an entire design philosophy.
I’ve voiced before how today’s modern/minimalist design schemes can go overboard with neutrality in the pursuit of sharp lines and cleanliness. While I appreciate the need to make an area less cluttered or “busy” visually, I think sacrificing color to achieve this is a common mistake. Thankfully, colorful minimalism is appreciated by homeowners of all different generations and tastes, a “best of both worlds” solution, as it were.
Here are a few examples of colorful minimalism to help fully illustrate the idea.
Picture a white kitchen, and I mean white! Everything is white: white marble countertops, white cabinetry, white appliances built into the counter spaces, and a white Viking refrigerator panel. Now, picture three royal blue, leather top barstool chairs pulled up to the white marble island in the center of the kitchen. Also, a vase sits in the middle of the island in luminous cobalt blue glass, filled with yellow flowers illuminated by the morning sunlight. To top it all off, a brilliant yellow teapot sits on the stove at the ready, bookending the colors in the room. The striking colors are not overdone or oversaturated throughout the space but pop just enough to create a fun/unique balance with the rest of the otherwise unexpressive space.
The lounge/living room area is often outfitted with neutral whites, greiges, and greys these days, but colorful minimalism can help bring some life to these spaces as well. Picture a living room with grey sectional couches, a white coffee table, white base wall colors, and even white window trim. It’s so neutral it comes across as sterile to the point of coldness. Now, add a teal blue and tangerine-orange neon clock, and the space becomes alive with personality! Or, if neon is too much, add some wall art, paintings that feature warm yellows, oranges, or reds! Voila! You’ve made a personal statement and added a smile to the room by adding the right splash of color!
You can even add a single piece of furniture to inject a splash of color, whether it’s a Kelly green sofa or a hot pink comfortable chair in the corner of the room. Sometimes a single piece is all you need to get it right. Repeat the added color in another piece, and it all comes together, balancing the room beautifully!
What makes colorful minimalism so enticing is that you can choose a piece of art, a decorative piece, an accent piece, or whatever you like to express your splash of color. My suggestion is not just to add any piece to stand out in the room; make it the conversation piece in the room. Colorful minimalism is most successful when your accent piece is worth talking about!
I appreciate contemporary design and its understated elegance, I really do, but there are times when a space feels unfinished, and it might even feel a little cold. Comparing that to a space with just one piece, like a brilliant piece of art or an artistic floral arrangement in a blue vase, just that one colorful addition can make a world of difference!
Are you looking for color inspiration? The Color911 color app provides a wide variety of color themes and palettes that show you what colors go well together. Find a color theme you love, and use it as your guide!
As a color consultant, I love seeing the excitement of homeowners when they find that one piece that brings color into their space and brings them joy! So, give colorful minimalism a try; it’s a great balance between personality and simplicity, and we could all use more of that!
