5 minimalist decor myths designers urge you to forget if you want to embrace this style in 2025

When we think of minimalism, many of us envision quite a stark space, void of clutter. But minimalism can be more than just the basic definition, so we spoke with designers to help us prove all those stereotypical minimalist decor myths simply aren't true.

Many of us pair minimalist decor ideas alongside the cold and clinical. Whether it's decorating with an all-white color palette or sparingly scattering decor, there are some dated rules often associated with this interior design style. But the minimalism of today is entirely different, and there a so many different variations on the look. Many designers are still channeling the iconic design style, just tweaking the traditional connotations and creating thoughtful yet refined interiors filled with personality.

We spoke with interior designers about which myths and outdated decor rules we need to start ignoring when it comes to minimalist style, and how this look can, in fact, be warm, inviting, and current.

Myth one: Minimalist interiors are void of personality

Leigh Kirby, founder of design studio Weatherleigh Interiors, has long favored the minimalist approach when designing everyday spaces. She says, 'There is often a misconception when it comes to "minimalism" in design. People believe that a space has to be stark white, void of color, and decluttered of one's entire identity to be minimalist, which perpetuates the belief that minimalism is inevitably cold. This couldn't be farther from the truth.'

Leigh adds, 'Minimalism doesn't require the absence of heirlooms and sentimental objects; these pieces can be embraced within a minimalist space and sometimes even highlighted as a focal point.'

Whether you're decorating with art or scattering meaningful objects, there are ways to make a minimalist space feel interesting. Leigh says, 'I practice minimalism within my interior design projects, and I try not to stray from utilizing antiques, color, various materials, or unique personal heirlooms, which is why I feel there can be warmth to a space even when it is a minimalist design.'

Myth two: Minimalist interiors don't feel cozy

Believe it or not, minimalist interiors can feel cozy, in fact, the warm minimalist trend proves this theory. Embracing the on-trend look can be achieved by layering soft textures and materials that bring warmth and coziness.

Using texture in interior design is always important but it couldn't be more crucial in minimalist spaces. Leigh explains, 'One of the ways I create a warm minimalist environment is by adding tonal textures such as a boucle pillow, wool drapes, velvet slipper sofa, and a cashmere blanket within a monochromatic palette. This allows for a space to have more depth without being overwhelming or cluttered. Another benefit of using textures in a monochromatic scheme is that it creates visual intrigue. A space slowly reveals itself to the eye of the beholder, where varying elements of texture are less noticeable from afar and are exposed once up close.'

The minimalist living room idea pictured above incorporates a range of soft textures like the boucle chairs and the soft woven rug which all work together to make the space feel snug and serene.

Myth three: Minimalist interiors feature hard materials

We're all familiar with the clinical associations with minimalism, lots of clean lines and hard surfaces. While you might initially envision a kitchen decked out in marble or a bathroom covered from head to toe in white tiles, there are actually many organic materials that make a minimalist scheme feel warm.

Much like the organic modern trend, channeling nature will make a minimal space feel homely. Leigh says, 'Bringing the outdoors in is another technique I use to bring warmth and coziness to a minimalist space. Personally, I like to incorporate wood, stone, metals, branches, or flowers to create a calming and tranquil environment. I find that warmth is enhanced when utilizing materials found in nature or colors that mimic the exterior landscape.'

'Wooden tones interact and embrace a hominess in a room and will help a minimalist interior feel balanced and warm,' says Suzie from Lucas Interior. 'In our Meriwether Way project (pictured above) there is a constant presence of warm wood throughout walls, cabinetry, furniture pieces, and the kitchen island. This helps to warm up the feel of a space while honoring the minimalist style.'

Myth four: A minimalist space lacks ambiance

There is a long-established belief that minimalist interiors lack ambiance, but embracing warm lighting ideas will ensure that a simple, curated room feels inviting and cozy.

Putting to bed the old belief that minimalist interiors lack warmth, Leigh says, 'I believe lighting can be a jewel of space; a small detail that has a big impact. The benefit of having several different types of lighting (sconces, pendants, recessed, table, and floor lamps) is that it can illuminate and uplift a space while dimming the lights can blanket a space with warmth.'

Leigh adds, 'Lighting can evoke emotion; just as a strikingly bright doctor's office feels cold and uninviting, a dimly lit room can surround you with warmth and evoke a sense of coziness.'

'Beyond the tactile, lighting plays a critical role in executing a minimalist design', says Laura Hur, Founder of Lorla Studio. Laura tends to avoid one type of lighting when designing a minimalist space. She says, 'Except in areas that require task lighting, such as kitchens and entries, we often avoid overhead lights in favor of lamps, sconces, and other localized lighting options to stay consistent with a minimalist design, while also avoiding cold, dead voids.'

Myth five: You have to decorate with an all-white palette

Although your mind might instantly conjure up an all-white room when you imagine a minimalist interior, there are other colors besides the classic neutrals that work in this style of space.

Minimalist color schemes tend to balance warmth and light and while they can favor the lighter end of the color spectrum, there are a range of shades that you might not initially consider. Stray from the clinical white shade by opting for warmer oatmeal or magnolia that have richer undertones yet still tie in with the overall design style. For even more color, incorporate pops of green within your scheme by decorating with plants that will bring life to a minimalist interior and nod to the outdoors.

These warm neutral shades are the perfect transitional colors that can help minimalist and maximalist styles work together. It's these rich and comforting shades that make minimal interiors feel fresh and alive and add to the list of reasons why this classic design style is still popular in 2025.

Minimalist decor essentials for a fresh and on-trend space

The designers have proven that to create a minimalist interior in 2025, you must avoid the stereotypical design rules that have given the style its cold and clinical reputation. Designing with personality and warmth will put an end to the question 'Is minimalism out of style?' and make your space feel contemporary, curated, and one-of-a-kind.