Happy Thanksgiving week! As the trees grow more bare ’round these parts, suddenly recessed structures and landscapes hidden become visible. It’s easier to spot wildlife and appreciate silhouette where density formerly was. When in the morning I lock eyes with a deer in the yard, it almost doesn’t matter how the rest of the day unfolds. Paradise is found. How is all of this related to lightened up, unfussy interiors? I’m an admirer of tranquil schemes where restraint is honored. My mind often swims with colorful ideas, long chore lists, and heavy philosophy. Rest is an antidote. Less visual clutter is beautiful and no less lovely.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Less Visual Clutter & The Beauty of Restraint
I wasn’t entirely sure how to organize eclectic examples. We’ll explore them by designer.
Amber Interiors
She knows her way around relaxed California luxe cozy. Amber Lewis always arrives at livable rooms you’d love to sink into.
This designer describes her style as ever-evolving, and isn’t that a brilliant description of how a personal journey should blossom? I’m also drawn to her work also since she battles chronic illness as I do. This extra layer of daily challenge humbles a person and adds an earthy grounded-ness to one’s pursuits.
Cozy, eclectic, warm, livable, and luxe and even the rustic layer nicely in her world.
Since she designs a range of furniture and decor, you need not wonder how to learn the look.
This beauty with less visual clutter look works with a range of architectural styles and homes.
Brooke & Steve Giannetti’s Simplicity
Here’s another design team who bring California cool relaxation to Tennessee.
The work feels balanced and rich yet “not too much.” In their 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. They chose to not build a larger main house as they initially intended. Living within a smaller footprint agrees.
While collections, art, and accessories have their place, theirs is a light and truly organic approach to styling. There’s also a supreme sense of livability in their work. Fabrics and surfaces lend themselves to people and creatures and time leaving their marks!
Here’s what Brooke notes 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
See a pattern developing here with my preference for California designers? It’s no accident. There’s an unfussy quality with less visual clutter for so many creatives in the sunny West.
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 paying attention to the brand’s approach to built-in shelving. When you’re going for a light-handed approach, it truly requires skills not accessible to everyone.
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 & Less Visual Clutter
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? Remember you need not wait to rest. You can move through the holiday lists, gatherings, and occasions with a restful mind and heart. You can adopt a slower pace that honors your nervous system.
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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Hi Michelle,
I love this post. Thank you!
I did my Christmas Decorating with the tulle inspiration and I love, love, love the tulle on the Christmas Tree.
It feels so ethereal and almost like the tree has a veil. So unique and fun. I learned to make tulle bows and tulle balls to put on the tree! Easy Peezy and tulle is so affordable. One spool did so much.
Thank you,
Sarah
Author
Sounds so beautiful, and I’m so happy the tulle is delivering the lovely atmospheric look you were after! Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
I am so happy, Michelle.
Happy Thanksgiving, to you too! 🙂
Author
🙂