For years, the Nordic style has dominated the decoration of many homes. Its bright interiors, the predominance of white and clean lines have won over those who were looking for tidy, serene and light-filled homes.
We have already seen what is happening with white, but in recent times the Nordic style has also begun to evolve towards a warmer and more sensory version. It is what interior designers call warm minimalism, a trend that maintains the simplicity of minimalism but incorporates natural materials, textures and more enveloping colors.
Swapping pure white for warmer tones
One of the first steps in transforming a Nordic-inspired interior is to revisit the color palette. Pure white, which has been the main protagonist for years, can be excessively cold if used on all surfaces.
Maika’s proposal is to replace it with warmer and more natural tones. Swap pure whites for sand, beige, or cream tones,” she advises. These colors maintain the luminosity of white, but provide depth and a more enveloping feel.
It is not necessary to paint the whole house. In fact, Maika invites us to introduce this change gradually: to intervene only one wall. “An economical option in which you do not have to paint the entire house is to paint only one wall with the cross-brush technique,” she explains.
What is the cross-brush technique?
This technique consists of applying the paint with crossed movements that generate an irregular and nuanced finish. The result is a visually textured surface, very different from traditional smooth walls.
According to the expert, it can be achieved with
slightly diluted conventional paint
The importance of natural textures
If there is one thing that defines warm minimalism, it is the presence of textures. Compared to interiors that are too flat and homogeneous, this trend is committed to materials that provide relief and tactility. “It is essential to add textures such as linen, natural wood or artisanal ceramics,” says the interior designer.
The interior designer suggests introducing textile elements with personality: “Add rugs, linen curtains, knitted blankets or textured cushions”. In addition, he suggests playing with some shades of color to break the absolute neutrality. “Try to have some of these elements in olive green or terracotta tones to avoid monotony.” These colors, closely linked to nature, fit perfectly into this serene and organic aesthetic.
Less hard lines, more organic shapes
Another characteristic feature of warm minimalism is the softening of forms. While classic minimalism opted for straight lines and very defined geometries, the current trend seeks more natural silhouettes.
“Remove straight and hard lines and add organic and unadorned shapes,” recommends Maika Romero. This translates into tables with rounded edges, mirrors with irregular contours or decorative pieces with imperfect shapes.
It is not a question of abandoning minimalism, but of making it more human and closer. Curves and irregularities add visual dynamism and help to make spaces more relaxed.
Wood and craftsmanship as protagonists
In warm minimalism, natural materials play an essential role, and among all of them, wood stands out. “It would be great to add at least one piece of wooden furniture with natural grains,” explains the interior designer. This type of piece introduces character into very neutral spaces and works as a focal point without the need to overload the decoration.
However, it also proposes alternatives for those who do not want to renew the entire furniture, but do want to provide a sense of craftsmanship and texture. “If you don’t want to invest so much in furniture, you can start with accessories like handcrafted vases with irregular shapes.” “Add accessories made of materials such as clay, matte ceramics or cement,” he suggests.
In short, as Maika Romero puts it, the secret lies in small strategic changes that transform the perception of space. Because sometimes you don’t need to renovate the whole house: just change the texture of a wall, introduce a piece of wood or add natural textiles for an interior to evolve towards that warm minimalism that is trending today.