Minimal, Not Sterile: Designing Clean Spaces That Feel Alive

1. Add depth through flooring choices

If both your walls and floors are of the same colour, you might end up with a monotonous design. To avoid this, use flooring with patterns or of a contrasting colour. A popular classic example is the use of herringbone patterns which also provides a sense of motion.

Featured Project: Tampines Parkview | Nordic + California Casual Interior Design | The Interior Lab

2. Warm lighting to soften the mood

When you have an all-white colour palette, avoid using cool white lighting as it can result in an overly sterile look. Layering various light fixtures such as pendant lights, table lamps, or even LED strips with warm lighting around the house creates a more cosy ambiance.

Featured Project: Thomson Grand | Modern Farmhouse Interior Design | The Interior Lab

3. Use of wooden materials

The idea of minimalism typically brings to mind clean, white interiors. As an alternative, try embracing wooden elements for an undeniable warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can use it sparsely as an accent or the base of the design. 

Featured Project: Rochester Residences | Japandi Interior Design | The Interior Lab

4. Plants are your best friends

They bring in colour, texture, and a sense of life— exactly what a minimal space needs to avoid feeling too bare. You can consider having a collection of small potted plants or a huge one that’s eye-catching. If you don’t find the idea of taking care of live plants appealing, feel free to opt for synthetic options!

Featured Project: Tampines Parkview | Nordic + California Casual Interior Design | The Interior Lab

5. Put up some art

While we’re aiming to maintain a clean look, don’t hesitate to add some art or decor but be sure to curate carefully. Display a few but meaningful pieces that reflects your personality or simply just adds character to the space. It could have colours that compliments the palette of the room or something striking for a bolder look.

Featured Project: Avenue South Residence | Modern Minimalist Interior Design | The Interior Lab

6. Play with textures

Combining different textures in the room provides interesting focal and tactile points of interest. For this project, there is a mixture of smooth and rough finishes as well as an accent wall with wood slat panels that all goes well together because of the mutual neutral and earthy tones.

Featured Project: 325B Sumang Walk | Modern Japandi Interior Design | The Interior Lab

7. A pop of colour

If you don’t feel like adding decor but the room still feels stark, add some colour or fun patterns! Having an accent or feature wall immediately adds depth and contrast to the space. This also helps visually segregating the different sections of the layout without interrupting the design flow.

Featured Project: 870 Tampines | Scandinavian Interior Design | The Interior Lab

A minimalistic home is not just about keeping the environment clutter-free but also about being intentional and thoughtful of what we include in the space. Once you find the right balance, you’ll have a minimalistic interior that’s undeniably warm and full of character.