What is Minimalist Interior Design Style?

Minimalist design in interiors is characterised by clean lines, natural light, open spaces, and uncluttered surfaces – prioritising simplicity and functionality to create an environment that feels calm and inviting. While the traditional minimalist approach emphasises a stark and neutral palette, contemporary minimalist spaces have begun to increasingly incorporate decorative objects and pops of colour to add some personality to the space.

The key to successfully blending these elements is intentionality. Each item should serve a purpose or bring joy, ensuring the space remains harmonious and free of excess. By focusing on practical and high-quality pieces, minimalist design creates a serene and aesthetically pleasing home that enhance the space without overwhelming it.

How to build a Minimalist colour palette

Minimalist colour schemes might seem straightforward, but achieving the perfect balance requires simplicity and restraint. While minimalist colour schemes typically consist of neutral colours like white, black, and shades of gray, there’s a risk of causing the space to look cold, boring, and lacking depth. To avoid this common mistake, it’s essential to add more depth and interest by incorporating accent colours that complement the neutral tones. In fact, carefully chosen accent colours can bring warmth and personality to a minimalist space, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Here are some guidelines to help you foster a more thoughtful approach so that you can ensure your minimalist colour scheme remains elegant and engaging.

1. Layered Whites and Off-Whites

For a minimalist interior, consider layering whites and off-whites to create a sophisticated and serene ambience. Adding warm shades of taupe and beige can soften a predominantly white room, preventing the space from feeling too stark. These warm, earthy tones bring a sense of cosiness, making the space feel more inviting.

Here’s an expert tip: try limiting your colour palette to no more than three main colors to maintain a cohesive look. If you’re confident enough with your eye for aesthetics though, you can use multiple shades of one colour to add depth and interest. The gist is that by allowing these shades to play off one another, you ultimately create a dynamic yet harmonious environment without compromising the essence of minimalist design.

Modern living room featuring a minimalist design with a Nippon Paint light beige accent wall, stylish furniture, and natural light. The space includes two gray armchairs, a sleek coffee table, and contemporary lighting, creating a serene atmosphere.

Gray Drops

NP OW 1087P

White Lace

NP OW 1004P

Berry Scent

NP

Minimalistic living room with large windows, a white sofa set and ivory white painted walls

Intimate White

NP OW 1007P

baroque

NP YO 1253A

Berry Scent

NP

2. Chic Contrasting Black and White

Combining crisp white paint colors with intense black creates a classic, dramatic look that elevates the minimalist style. This chic contrast adds sophistication and visual interest to any space. However, if black feels too stark, consider alternatives like muted yet rich dark hues like soothing olive greens, moody browns, and deep blues.

Balance and harmony are essential in minimalist colour schemes, and contrasting these colours helps prevent the space from becoming too monotonous or overwhelming. By carefully blending these elements, you can achieve a minimalist design that doesn’t look too bland.

Minimalistic living room with a grey sofa set, a wooden table, and two-toned walls painted in cream white and chestnut brown

Soft Flutter

NP OW 1006P

legacy brown

NP AC 3443A

Volcanic Black

NP

Minimalistic alabaster white painted house exterior with a black patio cover, black dining set, and some potted plants

orchid garden

NP OW 1048P

fountain blue

NP N 1968D

Berry Scent

NP

Modern living room featuring a sleek gray sofa, black accent chairs, and a minimalist design. Large windows provide natural light and a view of the outdoors. The space is adorned with a stylish lamp and decorative elements, showcasing the elegance of Nippon Paint products used for the wall finishes.

Gray Dawning

NP N 1921P

black magic

NP N 1988A

Berry Scent

NP

Modern bathroom interior featuring a sleek black and white design, accented with elegant lighting and Nippon Paint finishes. The space includes a stylish sink, wooden elements, and decorative plants, emphasizing contemporary aesthetics and functionality.

light mcintosh

NP N 1860P

volcanic black

NP N 1918A

nat king cole

NP N 1911D

3. Monochrome Hues

An intriguing approach to a minimalist colour scheme is to use various saturations and tints of a single colour. By wrapping the entire room — walls, woodwork, ceiling, and windows — in one hue, you create a cohesive and visually striking environment. The key principle is to apply the chosen colour consistently throughout the space, ensuring a unified look.

To prevent the space from looking sterile, you can introduce one or two accent colours in your decor or furniture. Additionally, the sheen selection plays a crucial role in enhancing the minimalist aesthetic with saturated colours. For instance, a satin finish on walls combined with an ultra-flat finish on the ceiling can add dimension and interest to the room. Letting the minimalist style inform the rest of the space ensures a harmonious and elegant design.

Modern dining area featuring a round wooden table and stylish chairs with gold accents, complemented by a neutral wall painted with Nippon Paint. A textured curtain and a soft sofa add warmth to the inviting space.

foggy day

NP N 1858P

handpainted

NP N 1861T

Berry Scent

NP

Closeup of a minimalistic kitchen workspace with mint green walls, a sink, kitchen utensils, and a black shelf with light strips

Young Shepherd

NP BGG 1766

Amazing Touch

NP N 1924D

Berry Scent

NP

Minimalistic pearl white living room with all yellow furniture

Magneto

NP N 3349P

Coachlight

NP YO 1168T

Berry Scent

NP

Exterior of a modern house by the ocean with large windows and walls painted with a cool-toned white, greyish-blue, and dark grey

harbor grey

NP 3074

pebble blue

NP 0529

unstoppable

NP 3072

Conclusion

Similar to modern interior design, minimalism uses the bare essentials to create spaces that are decluttered yet stylish. Contrary to the perception that a minimalist home is a cold, modern space, the right colours and decor can create neat environments that feel warm and inviting. Remember, there is no need to forgo colour entirely; bright hues can be incorporated into minimalist living rooms when applied with care! By thoughtfully selecting colours and decor, you can achieve a minimalist aesthetic that is both appealing and welcoming.

See a colour you like in real life?

Snap, upload, and Colour Match! Take a picture and upload it to our Colour Match tool to identify the closest Nippon Paint colour that it matches.

Interior design concept displayed on a laptop featuring Nippon Paint color swatches: Irish Charm, Pitter Patter, and Bright Flame, set against a modern kitchen backdrop with sleek cabinetry and stylish decor.