Happy Thanksgiving if you’re reading this on the holiday. As the trees grow more bare ’round these parts, suddenly structures and landscapes hidden for months are now visible. It’s easier to spot wildlife in the backyard, and there’s silhouette where density lived. Just this morning, I locked eyes with a deer outside our bathroom window before I stepped into the shower, and now it doesn’t matter how the rest of the day unfolds since I have spent time in paradise. As airy interiors go, there appears to be a range of varied emotions and tolerances for them. Some folks struggle to objectively view images of minimal designs and pared down looks. I’m a big admirer and practitioner at ease with schemes where restraint is obvious and mindful. My mind is often so swollen with lists, colors, ideas, words, and pictures that the visual rest feels like the very kindest thing! Let’s look at the beauty of less to behold which to my eyes is no less lovely.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Designers to Follow & Beauty of Less
I wasn’t sure how to organize these pretty examples so I’m highlighting talented designers.
Amber Interiors
She just knows her way around California cozy and comfort. Amber Lewis always comes up with luxe yet livable rooms you want to sink into.
The designer describes her style as ever-evolving, and isn’t that just how our personal journey should be? I think I feel drawn to her work also because like me, she battles chronic illness. That will humble a person and provide a grounded-ness that maybe wouldn’t otherwise exist.
Cozy, eclectic, warm, livable, and luxe and even rustic layer nicely in her world.
Since she designs all sorts of furniture and decorative objects, you no longer have to wonder how to learn the look.
It’s a beauty of less look that works with a range of architectural styles and homes.
Brooke Giannetti’s Gorgeous Way With ‘Beauty of Less’
Here’s another designer who brings a California cool relaxed vibe even though she moved on to Tennessee.
With her husband and architect Steve Giannetti, Brooke creates such amazing design work that feels balanced and “not too much.” In her own bedroom (above) in a log cabin at Patina Meadow (with items from Patina Home in Leipers Fork), European antiques mingle with sumptuous linen and velvet. It’s incredible to note they have not yet built a larger main house as they intended…instead, living within a smaller footprint has agreed with them.
While collections, art, and accessories have their place, there’s a light and truly organic approach to styling. There’s also a sense of livability – the fabrics and surfaces lend themselves to people and creatures and time leaving their marks!
Here’s what Brooke says about patina…
“Antiques add their story to our home. They connect us to artisans who share the same appreciation for natural beauty. I like to pair antiques with other objects that have a similar palette to create harmonious vignettes.”
Jenni Kayne
It would seem there’s a bit of a trend and a bias for California designers since here’s another creative whose signature style is minimal and light!
I never tire of her aesthetic!
Light toned woods, pale upholstery, nods to MCM, and a laid back casual aesthetic contribute to the livability of her luxe style.
Lately I have been studying the brand’s approach to built-in shelving and shelf styling. When you’re going for a light-handed approach, it truly requires skills not everyone is blessed to have.
Noa Santos
NAINOA Architecture and Interiors bring atmospheres to life that are more than aesthetically pleasing. Clients are suddenly guided to live in transformed ways.
I would imagine the lucky homeowners who claim this kitchen (above) or bath (below) have a passion for living with quiet, understated, breathtaking beauty!
Ahhhhhhh – that bath reminds me of Axel Vervoordt who articulates why he loves living with art, mixing old and new and living with imperfect objects:
I’m not sure whether this design exists in reality or is artificial intelligence, but it demonstrates what is possible when natural materials take center stage without all of the jewelry we believe is necessary. (And truth be told, it sure seems necessary when the building blocks are not as luxurious as the ones below!)
There certainly seem to be conditions for minimal to be “enough.”
Paige Pettit Design
Based in Manhattan, Paige Pettit describes her aesthetic as timeless, yet modern.
Pleasingly soft neutrals with a mix of traditional and modern furnishings feel tranquil and romantic. The designer sources unique vintage items you can purchase on her site as well.
Phoebe Nicol Interiors
This Sydney-based interior architect specializes in high-end residences and boutique commercial spaces such as this residence:
Here’s an example of a commercial space by the designer:
Louise Hjorth Design
Deep sigh…this work sings with romance and timelessness.
There’s a buoyancy to it all.
And is it just me, or does minimal ethereal interior design somehow invite rest in a way an energetic maximal room simply cannot?
Rose Uniacke
Who could translate her exquisite work any better than this (from her site):
“Interiors matter: They change the way we think and feel…that’s why Rose Uniacke works as hard as she does to design harmonious interiors that are at once reassuring and uplifting. That’s why her furniture, lighting and fabric designs are not simply beautiful but also beautifully made. That’s why, as a dealer in antique, modern and contemporary furniture, she specialises in pieces of real quality with the power, however subtly, to balance, complete or transform an interior.”
Christian Bense
The designer describes his process here:
“My passion has always been creating liveable spaces, which centre around thoughtfulness and combine a strong aesthetic with practical living. The studio’s style reflecting a cross pollination of contemporary and traditional. Mixing the blank slate thinking of my South African roots, with a distinct nod to the more traditional homes and interiors of the UK. The homes we create are well rounded and full of depth.”
Aren’t these inspiring airy minimalistic examples as we approach the excesses of the holidays? Maybe it’s because I’ve been immersed in the trappings since August as a blogger! But I’m already looking forward to a fresh year when it is suddenly again acceptable to pare down and organize. (Of course I don’t need permission to in my personal life, but in blogland, the rhythms must be acknowledged.)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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