FROM THE MAGAZINE
Warm Minimalism: Minimalism with Maximum Impact
"I’ve learned that minimalism isn’t about what you own, but why you own it." – Brian Gardner
While shades of white are timeless and classic, and the minimalist style can be breathtakingly beautiful, Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements by K. Sorbe in Storm Lake, is giving the go ahead for those homeowners who love color and warmer, inviting spaces to change how they think.
“After years of white walls and furniture, homeowners are craving something different,” says Sorbe. “The ultra-minimalist trend that’s dominated our social media feeds is evolving into something more livable, and honestly, more achievable: warm minimalism.”
This shift represents a change in how we approach our living spaces. Rather than the sterile perfection of traditional minimalism, warm minimalism embraces comfort, personality and the human need for connection with our surroundings.
“We’re still keeping things uncluttered,” says Sorbe. “Years of smoothing things out helped us get rid of stuff that had no meaning to us or no particular function. Now we’re leaning toward having our favorite things around us again. Not just stuff for ‘stuff’s’ sake, but carefully curated pieces that make us smile when we see them.”
The foundation of warm minimalism starts with color – specifically, the new generation of sophisticated neutrals that are moving away from the stark whites of years past. Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, perfectly embodies this shift toward warmer, more complex tones that feel both contemporary and timeless, while still embracing the simplicity of shades
of white.
“Light creams and soft beiges are wonderful options, but darker, richer, deeper blues, greens and taupes can create dramatic impact in even a small space,” says Sorbe.
These colors provide the perfect backdrop for the style that defines warm minimalism.
“We’re seeing homeowners embrace colors that feel grounded and connected to nature - mushroom grays, warm putty tones and soft sage greens,” says Mishelle Lalone, a member of the Design Team. “These aren’t the neutrals of the past; they’re colors that make you want to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine.”
The key to successfully implementing these warmer neutrals lies in layering.
Different textures, finishes and depths of the same color tones create visual interest without the clutter that traditional minimalism seeks to avoid. A cream sofa paired with a slightly deeper cream throw and accent pillows creates sophistication through subtlety.
One of the most noticeable shifts in warm minimalism is the move away from sharp, angular furniture toward pieces with softer, more organic shapes. This transitional style of furniture is one of the Design Team’s favorites.
“Furniture is rounder,” says Sorbe. “Strong earthy colors are making a huge comeback. It’s remarkable how a piece of furniture with a more modern silhouette is elevated by adding traditional color or pattern in the upholstery.”
Sorbe and her team live to bring in their favorite designer - Mother Nature - with lots of greenery, stone, natural pottery … even bark - for texture and warmth.”
Today’s warm minimalist homes feature curved sofas, rounded coffee tables and chairs that invite you to sit, stay and relax. The Elements’ showroom showcases numerous pieces that embody this trend – from curved sectionals that create intimate conversation areas to organic-shaped side tables that feel more like sculpture than furniture.
The materials matter just as much as the shapes. Natural wood, stone and woven textures bring that essential connection to nature that makes a space feel warm and inviting rather than cold and stark.’
For homeowners ready to make a bold statement while maintaining the design philosophy of warm minimalism, color drenching offers an unexpected and bold solution.
This dramatic technique involves painting everything - walls, woodwork, ceiling and even incorporating furniture - in the same color or even shades of the same color.
“Color drenching, sometimes called color flooding, is almost a seismic shift in interior design and not necessarily for the weak of heart,” says Sorbe. “After homeowners were able to get around to all shades of white on the walls, trim and doors, this is the big move. While it’s the opposite end of the spectrum, the principle is the same - dramatic impact of one color or subtle shades of one color.”
The beauty of color drenching lies in its simplicity. By eliminating color contrast, the eye isn’t interrupted by different elements in your space, allowing the architecture and carefully chosen furnishings to take center stage. It’s minimalism with
maximum impact.
“If you’re not ready to jump into the deep end of the color drenching pool, consider a smaller room – like a guest room or powder room,” suggests Sorbe. “Many homeowners worry that deep colors in small rooms will make them appear smaller, but don’t fret – this trend can actually make the space feel larger because there is no interruption to the eye.”
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of warm minimalism is how beautifully it accommodates what designers are calling “grandmillennial style” – the thoughtful incorporation of traditional and vintage elements into homes for today’s families.
“That means a trend toward mixing a lot of styles and, ultimately, very personal living spaces,” explains Sorbe. “We’re moving toward cozier, softer, gentler and warmer areas that give us comfort.”
This approach allows homeowners to honor their family heirlooms and favorite vintage finds while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic they crave. A single antique chair becomes a focal point in a room of contemporary pieces. Traditional patterns in wallpaper or textiles add personality without overwhelming the space.
The key is restraint and intent. Every piece must earn its place in the room, whether it’s a big piece of contemporary, abstract art you love or grandmother’s writing desk that you just can’t bear to part with. The result is a space that feels collected over time rather than purchased all at once.
Achieving warm minimalism doesn’t require starting from scratch. The Elements’ Design Team helps clients edit their existing spaces, keeping only the pieces that truly matter while adding warmth through texture, color and carefully chosen accessories.
“Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when they look at their rooms and see ‘too much,’ but they can’t figure out what to remove,” says Lalone. “That’s where we come in. Sometimes the solution is as simple as paring down accessories and introducing warmer pieces. Other times, it means investing in one perfect piece that can replace three that you just don’t love.”
The process often begins with The Elements’ famous House Call, where the Design Team works with existing furnishings, editing and rearranging to create a more curated look. They might introduce a single statement piece – a curved sofa in a rich taupe or a coffee table with organic lines – that transforms the entire room’s energy and vibe.
Creating a warm minimalist space is about finding that perfect balance between “enough” and “not too much.” It’s about choosing quality over quantity, comfort over perfection and personality over trends. Most importantly, it’s about creating a home that feels like a sanctuary rather than
a showroom.
The result is a space that will be the envy of your friends on Instagram but, more importantly, feels wonderful to live in every single day. After all, the best design is the one that makes you love your home.