logo
Warm Minimalism: The Soulful Simplicity Transforming Small Urban Homes

Warm Minimalism: The Soulful Simplicity Transforming Small Urban Homes

News1811-05-2025

Last Updated:
Warm minimalism blends clean lines with earthy textures to create soulful, space-savvy homes that feel both modern and deeply personal
In the heart of India's bustling cities, where compact living has become the norm and space is a premium, a new design philosophy is taking root—one that softens the sharp edges of traditional minimalism with the warmth of earthy materials and comforting textures. Known as Warm Minimalism, this trend is redefining the way small Indian homes look, feel, and function.
Gone are the days when minimalism meant stark white walls, cold steel finishes, and a sense of emotional detachment. In its place is a gentler, more human-centric design approach. 'Warm Minimalism is a design style that blends the clean, clutter-free appeal of traditional minimalism with the comfort and character of warm, earthy elements," explains Anuj Ramchandran, Associate Director, Design & Build, Livspace. 'Instead of stark white spaces and cold finishes, warm minimalism uses soft neutrals like beige, taupe, and muted greys, paired with natural materials such as wood, cane, linen, and stone."
This evolution in style is more than aesthetic—it's deeply functional and responsive to real-life needs. With cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune seeing a rise in compact apartments, homeowners are seeking solutions that not only make their homes look larger but also feel more inviting. Warm minimalism offers just that: a sense of openness without sterility.
'Warm Minimalism works exceptionally well in small Indian homes because it aligns beautifully with both our evolving lifestyles and spatial realities," says Ramchandran. 'It offers a clean, clutter-free layout while still celebrating the soul of an Indian home through earthy tones, natural materials like khadi or terracotta, and thoughtfully chosen accents like block-printed cushions or brass lamps."
In many ways, warm minimalism is the bridge between past and present—a way to embrace the efficiencies of modern living without losing the warmth and personality of traditional Indian interiors. It's not just about what you remove, but what you keep: pieces that speak of craft, culture, and calm.
At its core, warm minimalism reflects a desire for a home that feels both contemporary and grounded. 'This approach is not just about decluttering physical spaces and creating a calming, restorative environment," says Mandrekar. 'As more homeowners embrace thoughtful living, warm minimalism is redefining how urban India envisions the dream home: simple, soulful, and sophisticated."
Whether it's a cane-back chair in a reading nook, linen drapes filtering soft sunlight, or a modular sofa that hides away your clutter, warm minimalism is proving that elegance doesn't have to be extravagant—and that even the smallest of homes can be a sanctuary.
First Published:
May 11, 2025, 15:52 IST

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work
No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work

Economic Times

time12 hours ago

  • Economic Times

No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work

Ashutosh Samal, an Indian software developer based in Sweden, has gone viral for a video comparing office life in Sweden and India. His Instagram post, which has crossed 8.5 million views, highlights the flexible work hours, flat organisational structure, and strong work-life balance in Swedish companies. Samal's observations struck a chord with many Indian professionals abroad, who shared similar views. The viral response has reignited conversations around corporate culture in India and the push for healthier work environments. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early starts, early exits Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No 'sir culture', no fixed desks 'It spoiled me for life': Expats echo the sentiment Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads An Indian software developer now based in Sweden has reignited a national conversation on workplace culture. In a video that has now reached over 8.5 million views on Instagram , Ashutosh Samal lays out a blunt comparison between daily office life in Sweden and in India.'You can tell after watching this video how different office life is in India compared to Sweden,' Samal post quickly gained traction, drawing support and reflection from working professionals across continents. Samal's clear-eyed account of Sweden's relaxed yet productive environment has offered a glimpse into what many say is a healthier way to Sweden, most employees arrive at work by 8 am. Some offices even offer free breakfast to get the day going. Samal, who regularly shares snippets of life abroad on social media, says the tone of the workday feels entirely different.'Work-life balance is a reality here, not just a buzzword,' he no pressure to stay late. In fact, many employees leave by 4 or 4.30 pm, heading home to spend time with family or unwind. During the summer months, office hours are often cut from eight to seven per caught the attention of many was Samal's description of office hierarchy—or rather, the lack of it.'Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works,' he are no assigned desks. Employees can sit wherever they like, including next to the top boss. It's a flat structure with minimal formality. Samal described the absence of the common 'sir culture' in Indian offices as are encouraged, too. A coffee, a quick game, or just a pause from the screen are all part of the rhythm of the comment section of Samal's video became a gathering space for voices who've experienced similar Kumar (@ranjan4195), who now works in Luxembourg, wrote, 'I enjoy the same work culture in Luxembourg and I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture.'Sukanya (@ who worked in Finland, added, 'I worked in Helsinki. And it has spoiled me for life. I never knew work-life balance exists! 8-4 working shifts. Everyone is so respectful of each other. Scandinavia rocks!'Some added humour to the thread. Vivek (@vivvek_always_) quipped, 'Narayana Murthy would get a heart attack watching this.'Others shared a more balanced view. One user said, 'This is basic corporate culture everywhere in the world. You get free breakfast, but in some Indian corporations, we also get free lunch and snacks. Plus free movie tickets, gym, cab facilities, and corporate dinners.'Another added, 'It is somewhat similar to me right now in Noida. I think new generation founders are changing work culture here.'This isn't the first time Samal's perspective has struck a chord. He had earlier gone viral for another video listing employee benefits offered in Swedish firms. That video too reflected how Scandinavia takes a holistic view of employee well-being—something still being debated in Indian experience mirrors that of Ankur Tyagi, another Indian techie who moved to Sweden in 2021. Tyagi, who had posted on X (formerly Twitter), noted the contrast between India's 'hustle culture' and Sweden's focus on balance. 'There is an understanding that a balanced life leads to better work,' he said, calling the shift a 'whole new world' compared to his life in model is not built on flashy perks. Instead, it rests on respect for time, a sense of equality, and a belief that work should support—not consume—life. It's a sentiment that many in India are beginning to see as more than just a video may have started as a casual reel, but it has landed like a wake-up call. For many Indian professionals, it's not just about better hours or free food—it's about dignity, trust, and the right to switch off.(This article is based on a post on Instagram. has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of

No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work
No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work

Time of India

time12 hours ago

  • Time of India

No fixed desks, no stress: Why an Indian techie says Sweden changed his view on work

Early starts, early exits Live Events No 'sir culture', no fixed desks 'It spoiled me for life': Expats echo the sentiment (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel An Indian software developer now based in Sweden has reignited a national conversation on workplace culture. In a video that has now reached over 8.5 million views on Instagram , Ashutosh Samal lays out a blunt comparison between daily office life in Sweden and in India.'You can tell after watching this video how different office life is in India compared to Sweden,' Samal post quickly gained traction, drawing support and reflection from working professionals across continents. Samal's clear-eyed account of Sweden's relaxed yet productive environment has offered a glimpse into what many say is a healthier way to Sweden, most employees arrive at work by 8 am. Some offices even offer free breakfast to get the day going. Samal, who regularly shares snippets of life abroad on social media, says the tone of the workday feels entirely different.'Work-life balance is a reality here, not just a buzzword,' he no pressure to stay late. In fact, many employees leave by 4 or 4.30 pm, heading home to spend time with family or unwind. During the summer months, office hours are often cut from eight to seven per caught the attention of many was Samal's description of office hierarchy—or rather, the lack of it.'Everyone is on the same level. Even our CEO sometimes sits next to me and works,' he are no assigned desks. Employees can sit wherever they like, including next to the top boss. It's a flat structure with minimal formality. Samal described the absence of the common 'sir culture' in Indian offices as are encouraged, too. A coffee, a quick game, or just a pause from the screen are all part of the rhythm of the comment section of Samal's video became a gathering space for voices who've experienced similar Kumar (@ranjan4195), who now works in Luxembourg, wrote, 'I enjoy the same work culture in Luxembourg and I feel I made a great decision to skip India's toxic corporate culture.'Sukanya (@ who worked in Finland, added, 'I worked in Helsinki. And it has spoiled me for life. I never knew work-life balance exists! 8-4 working shifts. Everyone is so respectful of each other. Scandinavia rocks!'Some added humour to the thread. Vivek (@vivvek_always_) quipped, 'Narayana Murthy would get a heart attack watching this.'Others shared a more balanced view. One user said, 'This is basic corporate culture everywhere in the world. You get free breakfast, but in some Indian corporations, we also get free lunch and snacks. Plus free movie tickets, gym, cab facilities, and corporate dinners.'Another added, 'It is somewhat similar to me right now in Noida. I think new generation founders are changing work culture here.'This isn't the first time Samal's perspective has struck a chord. He had earlier gone viral for another video listing employee benefits offered in Swedish firms. That video too reflected how Scandinavia takes a holistic view of employee well-being—something still being debated in Indian experience mirrors that of Ankur Tyagi, another Indian techie who moved to Sweden in 2021. Tyagi, who had posted on X (formerly Twitter), noted the contrast between India's 'hustle culture' and Sweden's focus on balance. 'There is an understanding that a balanced life leads to better work,' he said, calling the shift a 'whole new world' compared to his life in model is not built on flashy perks. Instead, it rests on respect for time, a sense of equality, and a belief that work should support—not consume—life. It's a sentiment that many in India are beginning to see as more than just a video may have started as a casual reel, but it has landed like a wake-up call. For many Indian professionals, it's not just about better hours or free food—it's about dignity, trust, and the right to switch off.

Apparel Group Brand ALDO Steps Into Style With Janhvi Kapoor
Apparel Group Brand ALDO Steps Into Style With Janhvi Kapoor

Business Standard

time13 hours ago

  • Business Standard

Apparel Group Brand ALDO Steps Into Style With Janhvi Kapoor

India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], June 10: ALDO, the global leader in fashion-forward footwear and accessories, took center stage in the capital with a bold and unforgettable glamorous celebration at DLF Promenade, Mall. Making the moment iconic was Bollywood's acclaimed actress, fashion icon and ALDO's Brand Ambassador, JANHVI KAPOOR, who perfectly embodies the vibrant energy for the brand. She visited the ALDO store at DLF Promenade Mall, where she celebrated her love for the brand with the fans. From showcasing her ALDO favourite picks in footwear and handbag to meeting the crowd, she turned the store visit into a style statement & That's how much Janhvi loves ALDO! It was a glam show that engaged everyone. Apparel Group, a leading powerhouse in the retail industry, orchestrated a high-impact brand takeover in Delhi, featuring their popular footwear and accessories brand, ALDO. ALDO, a global leader in its category and a key brand within Apparel Group's diverse portfolio, consistently blends modern design with lively energy, making it a favourite among the region's youth. This momentous brand engagement was a celebration of ALDO's growing footprint and deepening connection with its consumers. The event brought together fashion enthusiasts, loyal customers, and top content creators, creating a vibrant experience that reflected ALDO's signature blend of it products being fun, youthful and comfortable. ALDO offers standout sneakers to breezy sandals, sleek mules, and effortless platforms, every piece is crafted to move with you. Designed for the modern women & men who thrives everywhere, the collection pairs trend-forward looks with Pillow Walk™ comfort technology and dual-density padded insoles--so every step feels as good as it looks. Wherever life takes you, step out in style and comfort. "Being part of ALDO's style celebration in Delhi is such an exciting moment for me. ALDO is all about celebrating personal style and confidence, and their collection makes it so easy to feel both fashionable and comfortable. I love how this event brought that energy to life--encouraging everyone to shine in their own unique way.," says Janhvi Kapoor. "ALDO's collaboration with Janhvi Kapoor perfectly captures the essence of our brand--celebrating individuality, bold style, and effortless confidence. This event marks an exciting chapter for ALDO in India, as we at Apparel Group, continue to inspire our consumers to embrace their unique style while enjoying the comfort and quality that define us. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating unforgettable brand experiences and connecting with our customers in innovative ways." -- Mr. Abhishek Bajpai, CEO, Apparel Group India. At DLF Malls, our constant pursuit is to create retail destinations that bring together top global and Indian brands with the evolving aspirations of today's fashion-conscious consumers. Janhvi Kapoor's visit to DLF Promenade as the face of ALDO is a great example of how we continue to deliver such experiences that go beyond just shopping. Engagements like these offer consumers a unique opportunity to interact with their favourite brands in more meaningful ways, further cementing DLF Malls' position as the preferred destination for fashion, lifestyle, and experiences. - Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director & Business Head, DLF Retail. As brand's long-standing face in India, Janhvi energized the celebration, connecting with fans and showcasing her favourite styles from the brand. With all eyes on ALDO, the event solidified its place as the ultimate destination for modern, expressive fashion that doesn't compromise on comfort. Your favourite styles are now available at ALDO stores across India and online at About ALDO: Founded in 1972, ALDO, the group's flagship brand, delivers fashion to a diverse customer base at prices that make keeping up with seasonal styles a luxury within reach. For more information, please visit and follow @aldo_shoes on Instagram and #AldoCrew , #ALDOIndia , #ALDOShoes , #ALDOxJanhviKapoor #JANHVILovesALDO on social media for updates. Facebook: ALDO Shoes Website: About Apparel Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.: Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy - Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to eager shoppers through its 2025+ retail stores and 80+ brands on all platforms while employing over 20,000+ multicultural staff. Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines. Apparel Group India has created an omni-channel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyle such as Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret PINK, Charles & Keith, Crocs, Aldo, Aldo Accessories, Bath & Body Works, Tim Hortons, Inglot, Call It Spring, Anne Klein, Herschel, R & B, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Carrefour, and Daiso Japan. Apparel Group has a multi-brand partnership with Marquee Brands for the licensing of the BCBG Max Azria, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli, Sur la table, and Martha Stewart brands, across GCC and India. With 250+ stores and 20+ brands, the company serves thousands of customers across 38 cities in India. Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades. For more information, please visit: Apparel Group India Download Club Apparel App

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store