Interior designer Sashya Thind reveals her secrets for creating warm minimalism at home

Sashya Thind describes interior design as not so much 'a career, but a way of life'. 

This translates, in her work, as beautifully minimal spaces that are functional yet incredibly warm and inviting.

Here, she imparts her top interior design tips for minimalist lovers, who want their homes to feel welcoming.

Sashya Thind

Sashya Thind's mother and grandmother are both architects and designers. Thanks to her father's job as a pilot, she spent much of her childhood travelling the world. Though she says she didn't appreciate it at the time, her childhood helped her develop a strong intuitive sense which informs the design direction for her clients and their strong cultural backgrounds. After interning in Dubai, she worked in the UK, before moving to a boutique firm in Boston. In 2012, she set up her eponymous practice in the city.

1. Create layering with texture and form

'Every client and space is unique. Within this room, we wanted to create a rich layering by employing different textures through the rug, sofa and coffee table. 

'The form of the sofas create a cozy seating layout, which I mimicked within the shape of the rug. 

'These elements created subtle hints to a warm and inviting space while being intentional and minimal. 

'The family room has a much higher pile rug and cozier sofa which creates an opportunity to snuggle up on the sofa or on the floor while watching TV, basking in the warm sunlight that cascades over the sofa midday.'

2. Play to a beautiful view

'The views in this frame were as important as the dining function. Taking into consideration the proportion and silhouette of the light fixture (unobtrusive to the view) and the legs of the fairly simplistic dining table that sit in contrast to the tiled terazzo floor were key. 

'The wood, tile and sculptural lines felt balanced and minimal to me when forming the vignette. The bar cabinet under the window has fluted glass doors to mimic the light fixture and continue the soft lines.'

3. Match natural stone with wood for warmth

'Natural stone and wood are meant to be together. The pairing creates balance, contrast between soft and hard and the cool to warm. The tones found in each are soothing. 

'The veins in the stone are not high contrast; they have the muddled look found in the ocean; and the wood could be seen as washed up driftwood. These are the concepts that drove the palette.

'Wood is warmth personified. The ease with which it brings nature indoors is always thought provoking. The joinery of wood is something I have been drawn to lately, to highlight and celebrate the maker. It makes you think about the persons who crafted this particular piece – who they are, what they represent in our highly automated and fast paced culture. 

'Minimalism is within the silhouettes and exposing of the joinery, going back to the simplicity of keeping things consistent.'

4. Balance functionality out with soft furnishings

'Quirky spaces often become the most interesting ones. The sloped ceilings challenged me into creating a built in that created functionality and warmth within the space. 

'Built-ins are a great way to streamline the palette and the lines with the space through consistency. 

'Bedding is often underrated but is one of the largest elements in a bedroom to bring in warmth and a softened approach that one looks for in their restful spaces. 

'I often select window coverings that are tone on tone with the paint to go away altogether. A plush wool rug underfoot is essential on those winter mornings.'

5. Choose soothing color palettes

'Minimalism to me is when palettes are soothing and seamless, almost effortless. This bathroom has a lacquered vanity which pulls the colors from the travertine natural stone. 

'Again, a moment of subtle contrast: lacquer to honed marble; tactile and indulging. We further softened this with the use of a satin nickel finish on the fixtures. Being intentional about what was the most important element in the room or if we wanted all of it to feel calm, with contrast only within the sensation of touch.'