Barefoot Contessa’s Ina Garten Transforms a Minimalist Living Room Into a Stylish Winter Retreat That’s Surprisingly Cozy

Minimalist decor is having a highly anticipated moment in the spotlight, but the days of stark, cold interiors are behind us. This autumn and winter, designers and decorators are embracing a new era of warm minimalism, stealth wealth, and quiet luxury.

In our fast-paced modern world, having a restful retreat to return to has never been more important. It's no surprise that homeowners are turning to the principles of minimalism, creating pared-back spaces perfect for switching off and unwinding as the days get shorter.

Streamlined spaces that don’t compromise on style or comfort are the epitome of this popular interior design trend. This is the direction of Ina Garten's minimalist living room.

Unlike its colder, more clinical predecessor, a warm minimalist interior promises to exude more character and comfort in a clean, functional space. The result is a welcoming, calm, and uncluttered sanctuary that perfectly embodies the quiet luxury trend, ideal for cozying up during the cooler months.

Shop the look

When creating a light-filled and relaxed living room, it's always best to remember that less is more, says Genna Margolis, interior designer and founder of Shapeside.

'You don’t want furniture that is going to fill the entire space. You want pieces that still leave a lot of room, so the size of the pieces should be a little bit smaller than usual to get the look.' And, when it comes to wall decor, 'do not overdo it,' she says, 'you want to have decor on the wall without overcovering the wall space.'

In Ina Garten's space, the artwork is limited to a single black-and-white photograph of Audrey Hepburn, carefully chosen to balance the predominantly beige color palette. We've found a similar print of Audrey herself (available at Etsy) that will look just as beautiful above your fireplace.

As an alternative to accessories and wall decor, a statement living room fireplace adds much-needed warmth – perfect for an evening glow. Black and white living room paint ideas always look smart.

A monochrome decorating scheme is a minimalistic choice that requires an element of bravery, as it calls for careful editing and a strong design eye.

This type of interior can appear 'flat' if you don’t introduce texture and subtle tonal variety, which is especially important as we crave richness in our decor for seasonal nesting. But, when put together carefully, it’s a great way to enhance a minimalistic living room.

Tone and texture are important. Remember that the most successful monochrome interiors combine movement and depth with tactile pieces – like wool throws and velvet cushions – to create a warm and inviting minimal scheme.

If you want to mimic Ina Garten's scheme, remember to prioritize quality over quantity. This pared-back look will work in any setting and is particularly effective at creating a calm, restorative environment for the holiday season and beyond.