Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten has crafted a minimalist living room that is perfect for the winter, and surprisingly cozy

Minimalist decor is having a much anticipated moment in the spotlight, but gone are the days of stark interiors. This year has seen designers and decorators usher in a new era of warm minimalism, stealth wealth, and quiet luxury.

In a fast-paced modern world, having a restful retreat 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. 

Streamlined spaces that do not compromise on style or comfort are the epitome of this popular interior design trend, and that is the direction that Ina Garten has taken for her minimalist living room.

However, unlike its colder, more clinical sister, a warm minimalist interior promises to exude more character and comfort into a clean and functional space. The result is a welcome, calm, and uncluttered space that embodies the quiet luxury trend.

When creating a light-filled and relaxed living room it's always best to remember remember 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.'

Here, the artwork is limited to a single black-and-white photograph of Audrey Hepburn, carefully chosen to balance the predominantly beige color palette. As an alternative to accessories and wall decor, a statement living room fireplace adds much-needed warmth,

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 requires careful editing and a strong design eye.

This type of interior can also appear ‘flat’ if you don’t introduce texture and subtle tonal variety. But 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 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.

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