Lewis Hamilton's warm minimalist living room is a lesson in balancing form and function

Lewis Hamilton may be known as a leader on the race track, but a glimpse inside his home shows he's a trendsetter in the design world, too. His home, or, more specifically, his living room, is a lesson in how to create the warm minimalist aesthetic that's dominating design trends.

Warm minimalism, categorized as one of 2023's most sought-after interior design trends, is admired for its soft neutral tones, textures, and harmonious organization system (meaning clutter is always out of sight). 

The aesthetic is similar to traditional minimalist living rooms; only its earthier tones make the room feel warmer – creating an inviting but stylish space epitomized by the racing star. 

From his retro rattan to his failsafe paint choices, we should all take notes on Lewis' space, and designer Stephanie Meyer agrees. 

'Warm minimalism is uncomplicated, clean, reminiscent of nature in its soft earthen tones, and approachable. The look is design-done-well: simple and effective, high-end but not overdone,' Stephanie comments.

'As the world feels like it is moving faster and maximal trends run parallel, this is the equal and opposite reaction that feels restrained but curated and composed.'

Tapping into this trend begins with a soft base (much like the off-white seen in Lewis' home). 'These warm white tones will envelop and give a serene glow to rooms looking to achieve openness and depth.' Stephanie recommends colors like Benjamin Moores's Olympic Mountains or Coastal Path, which are her go-to choices for a grounded, bright, warm glow. 

Paint ideas aside, the choice of textures is equally influential. 'Choose monochromatic warm whites and muted organic tones to create a consistent look,' she says. 'Also, opt for a more textured rug (instead of a more fitted upholstery choice). The contrast and relationship created are key.'

Stephanie Meyer

Stephanie opened AVCO’s doors after the Tubbs Fire to help with rebuilding efforts. Before that, she spent 10+ years working on commercial projects, including a blueberry wine-tasting room, a net-zero bank, and multiple themed hotels and museums for international architectural firms Stantec and VOA Associates.

The last step in achieving a warm minimalist space? Organizing your living room to perfection. This includes the art of decluttering, but as Stephanie explains, it's also about choosing furnishings that prioritize form as well as function. 

'Warm minimalism reflects an alignment of form and function. Furniture choices are sculptural, and textural layering is employed to give subtle and tactile depth,' she says. 

'You can also achieve this by decluttering and finding a way to store everything in an aesthetically pleasing way or hidden behind doors. The key design principle of design here is harmony, so taking out anything that doesn't visually belong is key.'

We're tapping our way into Lewis' space with these inspired picks below.

Warm minimalism may be one of the most popular design aesthetics of the year, but with its roots in smooth neutrals and versatile furnishings, we predict this trend is going to become a classic.