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.
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.
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.
Gray Drops
NP OW 1087P
White Lace
NP OW 1004P
Berry Scent
NP
Intimate White
NP OW 1007P
baroque
NP YO 1253A
Berry Scent
NP
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.
Soft Flutter
NP OW 1006P
legacy brown
NP AC 3443A
Volcanic Black
NP
orchid garden
NP OW 1048P
fountain blue
NP N 1968D
Berry Scent
NP
Gray Dawning
NP N 1921P
black magic
NP N 1988A
Berry Scent
NP
light mcintosh
NP N 1860P
volcanic black
NP N 1918A
nat king cole
NP N 1911D
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.
foggy day
NP N 1858P
handpainted
NP N 1861T
Berry Scent
NP
Young Shepherd
NP BGG 1766
Amazing Touch
NP N 1924D
Berry Scent
NP
Magneto
NP N 3349P
Coachlight
NP YO 1168T
Berry Scent
NP
harbor grey
NP 3074
pebble blue
NP 0529
unstoppable
NP 3072
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.
Note: The colour shades displayed are indicative and not precise representations of our actual paint colours.
© 2025 NIPPON PAINT (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. (196701000578) All Rights Reserved