Robert Downey Jr.'s 'quiet minimalist' living room is exactly the trend we need in 2024, say experts

A far cry from Tony Stark's modernized mansion in Malibu, the character Robert Downey Jr played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his actual thin-shell home is an aerodynamic, environmentally conscious hobbit-style house, and it ticks the boxes of a surprising interior design trend – wellness in design. 

In a conversation with The New York Times Style Magazine, the actor described his elaborate vision for the home as a 'a crucible of faith'. The property, also known as a Binishell, is a form that originated in 1964 by Dante Bini. The celebrated Italian designer discovered that by topping a nylon-coated neoprene air bladder with wet steel-reinforced concrete, he could make a durable thin-shell bungalow. 

Downey’s Binishell was designed by the creator’s son, Nicolò, a Beverly Hills-based architect who’s reimagining his father’s innovation. The final look is a humble home that aims to cocoon and comfort – a far cry from the fictional home he shared with his advanced personal A.I., J.A.R.V.I.S in Iron Man.

Despite its unusual, futuristic architecture, Downey's Binishell living room embraces a minimalist yet warm aesthetic. The look is easier than you think to achieve, claims Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute.

'Instead of filling the empty room with what might be standard for a room – a light fixture on the ceiling, paintings on the wall, chairs, or a couch – start with what you would like that room to give you,' he says. 'It is a more humanistic approach that puts you as a person at the core of the space.'

You'll be surprised by how little you need in your home in order to create a happy environment. In this busy modern world, having a restful sanctuary to return to has never been more important, so it’s no wonder that homeowners are turning to the principles of minimalism and creating pared-back spaces perfect for switching off and unwinding. 

A minimalist living room scheme, similar to Downey's, is rooted in the principle of ridding your home of clutter. It is about harnessing the power of a 'clean' space that not only reduces eye strain but is restful, contemporary, and budget-friendly.

To follow suit, prioritize quality over quantity. A living room should be kept simple and meaningful, with every item contributing to aesthetics or functionality. Invest in pieces that will make you feel happier at home. Keep the color scheme simple and refined. Here, the Downey's have decorated with neutrals for a calming color scheme that is at one with nature.  

Another important aspect to note is how much natural light your space receives during the day.

'Integrating natural light into homes, or arranging our homes to make the most of the light we have, reduces the need for artificial lighting,' says Wiking. Also, pay attention to the effect greenery outside your home is having on the light levels inside.

Meik Wiking

Meik is the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, an independent think tank that explores why some societies are happier than others. The Happiness Research Institute aims to inform decision-makers of the causes and effects of human happiness.

Shop the minimalist look