Kim Kardashian turns her living room into a 'work of art' with just one furnishing – it's an unexpected masterclass in adding interest to a minimalist scheme

The internet has turned on minimalism, and for the most part, I can see why. Critics argue that the style is 'boring,' 'depressing,' or 'cookie-cutter.' Though these words describe some minimalist spaces, I still believe there is inherent value to these sparse schemes; that they have the power to bring emphasis to standout pieces and create an unfussily elegant energy in a home.

Exhibit A: Kim Kardashian's minimalist living room. It features a sculptural couch, two half-moon coffee tables, and a tree in a beautiful clay planter. These furnishings are the foreground to sloping white walls. The gray and white space is a standout example of how minimalism can create elegant, gallery-like spaces.

So, what sets Kim's space apart from these less successful minimalist rooms? It all comes down to the living room sofa. Rather than choosing a traditional couch, Kim's designer has opted for a Paulin Paulin Paulin Dune Ensemble.

This celebrity-favorite sofa transforms her space for several reasons.

First, the hilled and valleyed shape adds visual interest to the sparsely furnished room. Rather than a furnishing, the modular shape of the dune ensemble creates a landscape in the room. The parts can be moved to create different configurations, introducing the feeling that the room can constantly change. It's a welcome contrast to the clean lines of the fireplace and sloped ceiling.

Second, the communal nature of the sofa allays concerns that a minimalist scheme feels cold or unwelcoming. The furnishing's space taps into the 70s design trend of conversation pits. Looking at the shape, it's easy to imagine Kim and her family sprawled across. It's ideal for family time and ideal for entertaining because it facilitates interaction.

Finally, Kim's sofa works well because of its color that is the perfect complement to her gray living room. Rather than going monochromatic, she's chosen two colors (gray and white) and then integrated different things into the room in varied shades of the key hues. Her sofa is slightly darker than the carpet, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

Elevating a minimalist scheme comes down to choosing the right furnishings. As with everything, thoughtful decisions make all the difference.