Minimalist Interiors With A Twist
It’s that time of year when we emerge from hibernation and think about refreshing our interiors. Today, we are looking at how to create minimalist interiors with a twist.
Minimalism is all about simplicity, a restrained colour palette and clean lines. We love the uncluttered look but prefer to add interest and depth with pattern and texture, using natural materials and handcrafted pieces – this is where the twist comes in.
Riad Le Pelerin, my home from home in Marrakech, is a perfect example of this sophisticated design approach. One of the courtyard seating areas, has been thoughtfully designed to create a sense of calm while maximising the space.
Key design elements include:
- Tonal and monochrome shades in cream, grey, black and white, complemented by a mix of textures and subtle patterns. From the traditional carved wooden ceiling, to the restored stone pillars and the mix of print and hand-woven Indian cushions, which break up the expanse of cream, every detail adds depth and pattern.
- Natural materials, like the curved hand-carved Indonesian stools and table, soften the straight lines of the sofa. The Moroccan crocheted raffia lights, when lit, create patters in the mirrored glass.
- Full length mirrored glass reflects the plant-filled courtyard, bringing in greenery and making the space feel larger.
- The patterned ceramic flooring ties the design together.
Next, this sun-filled bedroom at the Artist Residence in Bristol, in tonal shades, featuring a hand-carved wooden bed. The blanket in shades of natural wool, is a bespoke version of our Driss blanket. Wooden flooring and hints of green in the glass lamp bases complete the look.
Ideas to recreate the look
Images from top left: Hand-woven and hand painted Bogolan cushions from Mali. Our best-selling cotton pom pom blankets hand-woven in slate grey and natural. Vintage Kuba cloth cushions in traditional abstract patterns. A large ribbed artisanal basket from Eswatini. Photos top and bottom left Studio Birch.
Images from top left: Ali fringed throw hand-woven in undyed natural wool. Our popular Asma blanket in undyed wool with turmeric and black pepper stripes. Vintage kilim cube seat Tarik, hand-woven in natural undyed wool. Our Driss blanket in natural wool stripes (see the bespoke version in the Artist Residence above). A large black and natural basket, Bonakele, handmade in sustainable materials by women weavers in Eswatini.