Whether it’s getting advice from a professional organiser or self-help books on decluttering, we're seeing more homeowners embracing the minimalist approach in today’s space-starved homes.
But if you don’t quite fancy living in an empty-looking, whitewashed box just yet – fret not! Blending the unfussy aesthetic of minimalist spaces with sleek contemporary themes, the modern-minimalist style is the perfect balance between clean-cut and chic. Here, we take a look at 8 local homes that have nailed this easygoing (and timeless) look down pat:
1. Yes, it’s light, bright and almost (all) white, yet this cosy, welcoming 4-room flat manages keep things from looking too stark thanks to a clever use of pale woods and muted hints of colour (like greys and terracotta reds). Another trick? Utilising glass panels to visually ‘expand’ the space, giving it an ethereal, spacious feel.
View this project by Authors Interior & Styling
2. It may be clean and uncomplicated by design, but this sharp, sleek home doesn’t simply fall back on flat whites to achieve a minimal effect. Glossy marbled finishes add a hint of pizzazz, alongside bold strokes of black and a ‘criss-crossing’ ceiling feature to create structure. Meanwhile, neutral shades and woods are used in the bedroom for a warmer look.
View this project by Design 4 Space
3. Sometimes, the modern, minimalist look is not about using the right colour or design, but simply learning how to 'scale down' on the amount of built-ins – and furniture - you have, just like what this simple but decorated apartment has done.
View this project by Charlotte's Carpentry
4. Give an otherwise cold, clinical looking ‘minimal’ apartment a classier feel by using the right lighting and complementary colours! Here, warm cove lighting and honey-hued wood grains cast a golden glow on the entire space, giving the condo unit a sophisticated, upscale look - whilst retaining an uncluttered air.
Interior Designer: AC Vision Design
5. Making the most of this apartment’s narrow, elongated shape, an open concept layout is adopted to allow more light to filter through. Though white walls and closed built ins were used to create a sense of ‘airiness’, we like that it’s balanced with a dose of darker wood finishes for visual contrast. For instance, the wooden slatted panels – which also act as a focal piece separating the study from the communal area.
View this project by erstudio
6. Patterns aren’t just for colourful, eclectic spaces; they can work just as well in a modern, minimal home too! The key is to use subtle shades that take attention ‘away’ from visual motifs, whilst injecting some fun and variety. Take notes from this HDB flat, which keeps patterned surfaces (like its rugs, tiles and feature walls) understated through complementary hues of beiges, creams and greys.
View this project by Tid Plus Design
7. Woods and whites? A natural combination that can’t go wrong. Here, both elements are used in equal measure to create a clean, contemporary home that doesn’t fall short on functionality. But what makes this apartment different, is that it incorporates a touch of the old-school as well – retro iron grilles are installed on the windows (and as a partition) to give the ultra-modern home a unique twist.
Architect: LLARK Architects
8. In this stylish apartment, multiple themes (mid-century modern, industrial, Scandinavian) pair surprisingly well together, thanks to a focus on keeping details and designs to a minimal. The result? A current, contemporary looking abode that’s unfussy yet functional.
View this project by The Local INN.terior
Creating that modern minimalist look is not as easy as one think. Now if you are collecting your keys soon, we can help you match with interior firms who can help design your home the way you have always want it to be. Request for a quote today and we will send you a personalised list of 5 firms that fit your renovation requirements and budget.
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