How to Bring Color to a Minimalist Home
Brussel's apartment - Michel Penneman
Do you love the clean lines and minimalism of Nordic design but crave more personality and warmth in your home? Many people assume that adding color means spending thousands on new furniture—but that’s not true!
If you’re stuck with neutral, Scandinavian-style furniture (white, beige, gray, or light wood) and want to inject life into your space without a full renovation, here are four budget-friendly ways (under €1000!) to make your home feel vibrant and uniquely you.
1. Add a Colorful Rug (Instant Focal Point!)
A rug is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a room. If your space feels bland, a bold rug can become the hero piece that ties everything together.
How to Choose the Right Rug:
Classic & Timeless? → Go for an Oriental rug (saturated colors ).
Modern & Playful? → Pick a geometric or abstract rug (Moroccan, Turkish, or Scandinavian brands like Kasthall).
Color Matching Tip: If your furniture is all white/beige, you can pick ANY color you love! If you already have some color in your decor, pull 1-2 shades from existing pieces to keep harmony.
Budget: €200–€800 (check vintage stores, Etsy, or Black Friday sales but prefferably buy a second hand item with more personality than a new anc cheap mashine made rug)
Family Home by Studio Ashby
2. Hang Colorful Curtains (Softness & Drama)
Curtains aren’t just for privacy—they add softness, texture, and personality to a room. If your walls are white and your furniture is neutral, bold curtains can become a statement.
How to Style Them:
Go for a dominant color (deep green, mustard yellow, terracotta) or a playful pattern (florals, stripes, or ikat).
Floor-to-ceiling curtains make rooms feel taller.
Sheer + blackout combo lets you control light while keeping color.
Budget: €50–€300 (IKEA has great affordable options!)
Good Book to Know: In With the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z
3. Paint the Walls (Most Powerful Change!)
If you own your home or have landlord permission, painting is the fastest and most dramatic way to transform a space.
Color Ideas for Nordic Homes:
Muted & Cozy: Soft terracotta, sage green, or warm beige(We are going to paint our own living room in warm beige this summer).
Bold & Dramatic: Deep navy, emerald green, or ochre yellow (try an accent wall if you’re hesitant).
Rental-Friendly Hack: Use removable wallpaper for a pop of pattern!
Budget: €100–€500 (depending on room size and paint quality). Sometimes you can find discounted paint buckets in K-rauta.
AD , Jack Pierson's Dreamy Greenwich Village Apartment
4. Accessorize with Color (Cheapest & Most Fun!)
If you can’t change big elements, small colorful touches can still make a huge difference.
What to Add:
Cushions & Throws – Mix textures (velvet, linen, knit) in jewel tones or pastels.
Art & Prints – A large colorful painting or gallery wall adds instant personality.
Decorative Objects – Vases, candles, books, and trays in bold hues.
Budget: €10–€300 (thrift stores, flea markets, and H&M Home are goldmines!).
Source: houseofisabella
If these options aren't colorful enough for your maximalist soul... throw them ALL together! Once I heard when you mix 4-5 colors in a room, they magically start dancing together.
Source: Pinterest
Too much? Fine, dial it back to one colorful rug. But where’s the fun in that? 😉
