Soft minimalism is in.
Clean lines, minimal clutter, and monochromatic colour schemes; with its simplicity and elegance, minimalist homes have long been a favourite among homeowners across the globe. But as loved as they are, they’ve also attracted their fair share of criticism – such as looking overly cold, flat, and clinical.
Enter minimaluxe homes: their warmer, cosier counterparts – or the softer version of a traditional minimalist home, if you will.
What is minimaluxe interior design?
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A portmanteau of minimalism and luxury, minimaluxe first trended during the pandemic, when everyone was staying at home for long periods of time.
While minimaluxe may seem paradoxical at first, it’s important to note that ‘luxury’ in this case is less about excessively shiny, expensive things, and more about celebrating what you already have. After all, having a roof over your head and surrounded by the things you love is a luxury in itself!
If you’re unsure as to how this differs from minimalist interior design, here’s a table to compare the two:
| Minimalist | Minimaluxe |
|---|---|
| Neutral, often cooler colour palettes | Neutral colour schemes that feature warmer hues like creamy whites, beige, taupe, and greige |
| Monochromatic colour schemes | Subtle contrasts in colour and texture |
| Sharp, clean lines (e.g. straight-cut, more streamlined furnishings) | Softer, more fluid forms (e.g. curved furnishings and surfaces) |
| Simple, basic materials like wood, stone, and glass | Tactile materials/finishes like bouclé, linen, and limewash paint |
Minimaluxe homes in Singapore
1. This 4-room resale flat in Punggol
View this project by Oblivion Lab
Sleek and clutter-free, this home in Punggol is as minimalist as you can get. But where traditional minimalist homes are all about the sharp, clean lines, this home is instead filled with soft, gentle curves that altogether result in a space that’s more inviting.
View this project by Oblivion Lab
On top of that, you’ll also find various organic textures and finishes that create a sense of depth and tactility. Just to name a few: the plastered wall and ceiling, cement-look carpentry laminates, stone-look bathroom tiles, and more!
View this project by Fineline Design
When creating a minimaluxe home, your choice of loose furnishings are just as important as the built-ins. For this 3-bedroom condo, notice how almost all their furnishings – from seating choices to display shelves – sport a sinuous, flowing shape that complement the soft edges around the home.
View this project by Fineline Design
Varying the materials/textures used for said furnishings is also key, as it creates eye-catching contrasts that contribute to the overall visual appeal. In this home, that comes in the form of wood (in various finishes), rattan, and woven fabrics.
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3. This 4-room BTO flat in Punggol Northshore
View this project by SG Interior KJ
Again, less is more in a minimaluxe home. And rather than choosing multiple pieces of smaller furniture (which can potentially clutter your home), let an oversized statement furniture piece take centre stage instead.
Case in point: this large, curved sofa that spans the edges of the room it’s in.
View this project by SG Interior KJ
Although the colour scheme is worlds away from the usual warm-toned hues of a minimaluxe home, it doesn’t feel cold or clinical in the slightest. The reason for that? The clever choice of fabrics, with the boucle sofa, chenille bar stools, and woven rug all adding a lovely tactile feel to the space.
4. This 5-room BTO flat in Woodleigh
View this project by Ascend Design
While the previous minimaluxe projects all cost over $90,000, this home is proof that you don’t need a huge budget. Costing just $60,000 to renovate, it has all the hallmarks of a minimaluxe home – a warm neutral colour palette, flowing edges, and a variety of textures.
View this project by Ascend Design
You can also try experimenting with subtle contrasts for that sense of sophistication. For instance, see how the straight-cut edges of the fluted panels and kitchen cabinets juxtaposes the curved furnishings, lighting, and flooring – doing so achieves visual balance and overall creates a cohesive look.
View this project by Puromuro Studio
While minimalist interiors tend to be more rigid, minimaluxe homes allow more room for experimentation. The homeowner of this home certainly did just that, incorporating different patterns, materials, and colours that stand out against the neutral-hued backdrop.
View this project by Puromuro Studio
Feel free to also play around with different tiles for additional visual appeal – just be sure to tone down the colours to avoid overwhelming the space.
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