When it comes to creating a welcoming home, there seem to be two camps of thought. Some believe beauty lies in abundance, that the layers of books, baskets, and found objects make a room come alive. Others prefer the calm of simplicity, where each object has its place and purpose. Both approaches can create comfort, but they speak to very different personalities.
The first approach celebrates individual personality and charm. Designer Rita Konig captures this spirit perfectly, seeing rooms as a reflection of life and memory. “I’m like a magpie. There are too many things that I like. Too many things that I want in a room, that I can’t live without.” — Rita Konig
British designer Penny Morrison adds another layer to this idea, noting that “rooms that may look cluttered when photographed feel entirely different in person.” This sentiment reminds us that warmth is often found in using your home, in the scattered belongings that tell the story of who we are and what we love.
Minimalism, on the other hand, carries its own quiet appeal. It is sleek, ordered, and serene. The open surfaces and clean lines can feel peaceful after a busy day, though it can sometimes seem difficult to achieve or sustain. For many, this kind of minimalism feels more formal than lived-in, beautiful yet distant.
Somewhere between the two lies what author Myquillyn Smith calls “cozy minimalism“. She encourages us to keep only what truly adds beauty or function to our space, creating a home that feels calm but still deeply personal. It is not about having less for its own sake, but about making room for what matters most.
In these two kitchen pictures one may notice, first, that our previous kitchen and our current kitchen are very similar. Secondly, one may notice that while there are decorative objects on both the walls and the countertops, there are large stretches of clear surfaces. Our kitchen is very hard-working and we need to be able to get in there and cook without moving, or working around clutter. On the other hand, I want this space to be beautiful. By decorating, primarily, vertically we’ve been able to find that perfect form & function balance.
Perhaps the most welcoming homes are those that find balance. A shelf filled with beloved books beside a clear tabletop. A favorite painting hung above a simple chair. A room that feels layered, yet easy to breathe in. Because in the end, the most inviting spaces are not defined by how much or how little they hold, but by the sense of peace they offer to those who wish to use them.
Until next time, take care,
Rachel
