The new, colourful minimalism in today’s modern home

by Raluca Racasan

20th March 2025

We tend to associate minimalist interiors with a mostly white, rather austere aesthetic that cuts out unnecessary details, and creates an effect of stillness. Some find this quite calming to live in, and there is a lot to be said about the benefits of a less is more aesthetic on our general wellbeing. But the human brain also needs visual variety to keep it engaged, and, to put it bluntly, to avoid getting bored. Enter neo-minimalism: a new form of minimalism that still does away with unnecessary ornament but injects just the right amount of colour and texture derived from or inspired by natural materials to create an uplifting and welcoming feeling of warmth in a home.

The winners of Don’t Move, Improve! 2025 competition showed us just how it’s done. Terzetto, by ConForm Architects, and winner of the People’s Choice Award is a prime example of a minimalist look that exudes warmth and calm through the use of nature inspired colours like terracotta, pebble grey, and light green, and the combination of different textures that create depth and interest, removing the need for further detail to be added.

Terzetto by ConForm Architects © James Retief

A great showcase of colourful minimalism is Hartley House, by THISS Studio, winner of the Compact Design Prize, where rooms are each given their unique personality through the use of soft, but characterful colours like yellow and green used next to each other in a pairing which feels refreshing. The marble texture of a fireplace balanced by the rough texture of apparent brick and natural wooden floors create further contrast and a bold look.

Hartley House by THISS Studio © Henry Woide

We loved Nina’s House, by Nina+Co with ROAR, winner of the Environmental Prize. Here again, the detail comes from the materials used, cork being a clear favourite, paired with wood clad ceilings and joinery, stone kitchen worktops, and raw finished walls.

Nina's House by Nina+Co with ROAR © French + Tye

Winner of Best Interior Design and Best Outdoor Space Prizes, RAW House by O'Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects, is a delicate balance of light colours on walls and accents that draw the eye, such as natural textures from red stone countertops, blue or yellow cabinets, and smooth green tiled floors.

RAW House by O'Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects © Stale Eriksen

If you want to bring this new minimalism style into your home, the recipe is simple: stick only to the necessary in terms of form and matter, and stay away from stylistic flourishes; instead, think of your colours and materials as your details and play with them to bring interest and depth in your space.