The Secret to Decorating Uncluttered Yet Cozy Rooms

Written by

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
updated Apr 3, 2020
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(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

I love the idea of living a more minimally minded lifestyle. And it would seem that many others have been gravitating toward that decor philosophy, as well. But one of my biggest concerns — and a fear I’ve heard echoed by others — is that moving one’s home toward a more minimal look might also leave it cold, characterless and uninviting.

(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

Irene and Rob Burg’s house in the Netherlands was built in 1934. And while they’ve done a beautiful job of respecting many of the home’s architectural features, the design-forward couple has also managed to infuse the space with a lot of minimal, modern design. I wouldn’t call them minimalists, but some of their rooms are definitely minimalist-friendly, among them the master bedroom and guest room.

(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

Both rooms aren’t filled to the brim with “things.” A bed, some art, some bedding and a few accessories. But yet, both rooms feel cozy, inviting and appealing. Even with all the white in the spaces — from white walls to white ceilings to white floors — the rooms don’t feel cold or empty. And though these bedrooms might have more stuff in them than you might prefer if you’re a strict minimalist, they hold the secret to creating streamlined spaces that feel warm and welcoming: Texture, texture and texture!

→ 6 Ways to Add Texture to a Room Without Spending a Ton of Money

(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

At each opportunity to add in an item in these bedrooms, the couple chose something with intense texture. The light fixture in the guest bedroom? A dramatic woven basket hanging pendant. Instead of art or a headboard, they hung an over-sized tapestry on the wall. The bedding features sumptuous materials. Even the planter at the foot of the bed has a rough, visible surface texture.

(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

In the master bedroom, the same ideas were used. Soft, luxurious bedding that begs to be touched. A bold hanging tapestry instead of art above the bed. A colorful and natural fiber woven basket hangs from the corner of a large standing mirror.

(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

But the master bedroom also exemplifies the idea that texture doesn’t always need to come in the form of a textile; the intricately punched metal Moroccan hanging light fixture gives the room texture. Even something as seemingly small as a peacock feather adds visual texture to this room.


(Image credit: Winkie Visser)

Minimal and Modern Homes: