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11/01
Everyone and their mother, yes, including me, seems to be embracing the spirit of Christmas, even though we've barely left October behind. I don't know why or how; perhaps that's a topic for researchers and psychologists. Maybe (more like definitely) there's an underlying reason behind our yearning for a more 'joyful' time, but I'm here for it.
I've already indulged in a bit of Christmas shopping myself. After at least 8 years of getting a real tree in the tropics every year, I finally caved in and got myself a faux tree (which sounds better than 'fake,' for sure) for sustainability reasons. Also, well, it's 2023, you know?
I've also spent hours swooning over glass baubles and dreaming of a country Christmas, just like in the pictures above, with a Dutch baby pancake baking in the oven, and more. The anticipation and excitement are real and hard to resist, so have a merry holiday time, everyone.
photos: amber interiors -
10/30
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05/31
Something about these stunning renderings of Dark Zen architecture drew my attention. I'm not sure if it's the tranquil atmosphere or the amazing blend of old Japanese and minimalist styles. One thing is certain: dark zen style creates a beautiful symphony of simplicity and boldness that result in a melody of refinement. Natural materials stand out in the dark and moody palette, while clean lines, low-profile furniture, and dim lighting provide a relaxing ambience. It's form and function working together to create a calm and sophisticated retreat. And I simply love it.
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08/11
The way most minimalists approach color—specially the ones who jumped on the bandwagon as the minimalism fever was starting is a bit limited and we all know that. And even though that contrary to what many believe, black, white and beige are colors, I can also support that we need to stop being so afraid of all the other colors in the wheel.
My constant urge to always question everything that looks "ruly" convinced me very early that there wasn't a point in simplifying, cutting down and making everything functional if that deprived me or anyone else of the joy that life brings and even if you are adept to the thinking that colors that veer from the old black and white (maybe some grey in there) isn't minimalism, you surely can agree that different strokes for different folks and that there is an inherit sense of joy that some colors bring to people's life and it would be pointless to remove that just for the sake of minimalism.
If you, reading this feel daunted by the task of adding more color into your life / interiors and are holding back from fear that you will regret painting that wall or buying that set of blue sheets (that would be me) or maybe you just want to finally get some artwork on your walls let me tell you this: You won't regret doing something that will lift up your mood and that gives you a sense of new possibilities.
The way to introduce color into a minimalist home is "slowly" and also mindfully:
1. Don't tackle a big change but small changes and stick to the values of one in-one out so that you don't end up accumulating unnecessary things
2. Add pops of color first; a vase, a pillow or maybe a nice coffee mug to replace that dodgy old white one with coffee stains stuck at the bottom—we've all had one of those, os is that just me?
3. Stick to a palette by making two colors the base—let's say beige and black (let's give harsh whites a little rest)—and work around that adding complimentary pops of color like desaturated blues, earthy greens or muted yellows, whatever tickles your fancy but in a way it makes sense for you in your minimalist life
4. If you're not ready to paint the walls add texture to it or a nice piece of minimal art
5. If all of the mentioned above still scares you, bring in nature, whether a new plant or maybe flowers in a color you never got — and on that, I have to confess I spent years getting white flowers and clearly missing out. So bring in the hydrangeas, the daisies, the sunflowers — you name it
Personally, I've never had anything against color but it just didn't make sense in my life before. Now I enjoy a beautiful beige surrounding with big pops of black, blues and greens and is it just me or does that dining room seem incredibly inviting, fun and nostalgic for some reason, all that the same time?
© jake curtis -
07/26
Today the term 'minimalism' is at the heart of conversations about sustainability, design, philosophy and mindfulness. And while maximalism continues to make its way back into people's homes, it's a new kind of maximalism—one less about buying more and more about design: more color, more shapes, more contrast.
Warm minimalist design sits in the middle of both extremes. It is not deprived of any color, shape or texture, but it's also not a very out-there or (personally) overwhelming style—and don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with some "kapow"... but warm minimal is where I currently exist and so is my current obsession.
Brands like Menu have equipped the design-conscious minimalist for years now but Menu has truly been a pioneer when it comes to minimal, responsible and durable design and it has long been delivering beautifully crafted furniture, lighting and interior accessories shaped by purposeful details, high-quality products—and now sustainable ones too.
Their newest products carry through their minimalism philosophy while also bringing sustainability and a sense of warmth, calm and comfort to any space and we see it in the raw fabrics, textures, naked woods and organically-structured shapes—creating spaces that make you feel like you're in a welcoming home rather than a white room or a playhouse.
“How do you create a warm minimalist room?”, you may ask? Easy:
01. Warm Colors: Warm colors have an earthy quality to them, meaning that they are colors that can be commonly observed in nature; like the sea, vegetation, land, stones, the sky etc.—as opposed to plain white, which, yes, brings a lot of brightness to a room. These colors help you bring in warmth. But I’m not just talking about your walls, I mean decor items, furniture and everything that comprises a room.
02. Rich Textures: 'Touch' is one of the qualities we overlook the most when it comes to decorating our homes—and this is what brings that sense of "homeliness" to a home. Consider adding natural elements to a room, textured fabrics, naked wood and rugs.
03. Mix Old and New: The combination of modern and vintage has always been a winner, so don't be afraid to bring in a family relic or think that it won't fit your minimalist principles ... because it will! Sustainability is at the heart of the minimalist philosophy, so whatever you can do to repurpose, all the better. Old furniture or decor pieces also usually have more character, which allows the decor to feel more interesting and unique.
04. Think Comfort: Minimalism often feels stiff and uninviting, especially if we have the frame of mind that things just have to be functional. Things around us do need to be functional ... but also beautiful, significant and yes, comfortable. So, bring in softer sofas, mushy pillows, big throws, delicious bedding and soft rugs. Things that make you experience a sense of being embraced by them.
05. Add Personal Touches: While minimalism used to be a little deprived of sentiment, now we understand that there are things we can still have in our homes because they simply bring us good memories and joy. Take out old photos and items you've collected from your travels and make them a part of the entire decor. This will undoubtedly infuse the room with more personality and uniqueness.
Warm Minimalism is about being conscientious but not deprived. Is about understanding and applying the principles of Minimalism without feeling as if you're missing out. It's about choosing better, more durable, sustainable and enjoyable things and not just less for the sake of it.
© Menu07/15
In a week where it feels like the weather has risen to merciless degrees, I find myself drawn to the soothing and cooling darkness of these interiors; and as contradictory as this might sound, I happen to think natural light is everything – but at the same time I also prioritize dark and moody ambiences in my home, because at this point in time everything feels like a smack of sensory overload and my mind feels more at easy in the moodiness of a darker room. I do feel strongly about the images shared here... and perhaps you do too.
© hover over images for credits
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