MINIMALUXE &ME

A fusion of minimalism and luxury, this design trend blends timeless sophistication and simplicity to create spaces that are as functional as they are fabulous.

- SAADIQAH SCHROEDER

Remember when Kim Kardashian first showed off her multibillion-dollar house in all its pristine perfection, as if nobody lived there? That was minimalism to the extreme. Minimaluxe may sound similar, but this on-trend style is much warmer and more lived in, with a clear emphasis on functionality and accentuating your belongings.

It's all about showing effortless simplicity, and using a careful curation of objects, light, colours and natural materials to create a mindful space, says interior designer Susanne Brodnik of My Place in Cape Town. "The fusion of two design trends - minimalism and luxury-results in a timeless style of both simplicity and sophistication that combines form and function," she says.

Need some inspiration? Here's how you can curate a place of well-being that pairs minimal effort with maximum luxury...

An easy feat

The minimalist movement may seem too daunting for some, but minimaluxe eschews the overcomplicated process of creating the perfect' simplicity, in favour of one that creates a calmer sense of self.

It's simple: Use what you have. While the trend has rules - neutral colours, clean lines, uncluttered spaces, abundant light, high-end materials and luxurious finishes - these rules can be broken. A key feature of minimaluxe is enhancing your space by focusing on all the things that bring out the best in you. As with the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, there is beauty in imperfection - in the grain of every wooden furniture item and every thread of draped linen.