Cool, crisp and serene, these two minimalist home interior tours redefine the idea of a ‘welcoming’ space. Our modern world is a chaotic and fast paced environment with many distractions. We are plugged in and on the go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so maybe simplification of our surroundings is what’s needed to quieten our minds. “Tidy home, tidy mind” many might say, and these calm and uncluttered interiors would certainly be conducive to a more present state, or even a meditative mindset. Let's look at how to pare back to a minimalist aesthetic whilst still striking a stylish note with beautiful furniture and lighting, and uplifting natural elements.

Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, our first home starts in a cool grey and white living room. The modern sofa stands in a minimalist profile with a low back. The coffee table is simply the table top itself, laid flat on the floor for minimal fuss.

A tiny floor lamp shines bright enough at dusk, making a cosy reading corner and showcasing the large artwork that’s propped behind the arm of the couch. Thick grey curtains give the minimalistic room a sense of comfort and sophistication.

Dual aspect windows throw natural light into the bright room. A single white armchair has a beautifully curvaceous yet unfussy design; it also follows the floor hugging, sans leg furniture theme of the sofa and coffee table.

A modern fireplace wraps the chimney breast on two sides, which echoes the shallow L-shaped arrangement of the sectional sofa opposite, and the layout of windows in the room. The TV has been wall mounted above it, aligned perfectly to its left frame for streamlined simplicity.

Where the modern fireplace wraps around the return of the chimney breast, a neat log store has been recessed into the volume. The cut logs become part of the decor, adding attractive natural tone into the predominantly white scheme, and matching the coffee table top.

Tall larder cabinets along the back wall have been given a flush built-in aesthetic. A white kitchen island takes up the centre of the floor, with the dining table set right by its side.

One super long thin bar suspension light spans the entire length of the kitchen island and dining table, linking them as one cohesive unit.

The same pale grey curtains applied in the lounge draw closed across the kitchen windows too. Perimeter lighting casts an intimate glow.

Indoor plants bring life to the crisp staircase design.

Up in the minimalist bedroom, a comfy beanbag chair makes a cosy and repositionable reading spot.

A comfortable chair sits at the sleek white desk.

A slimline desk lamp lights the minimalist workspace.

Moving into the minimalist bathroom, we find a double shower installation, and a freestanding bathtub for longer soaks.

There is an extra window to the side of the bathtub, which looks through into the bedroom. A window blind can be pulled down for privacy.

The floor skimming bedside shelf links the bed base to the closet wall. A low hanging bedroom pendant light drops a spot light on the shelf, whilst LEDs highlight the headboard.

In a second home workspace we find a floating desk–another way to avoid the visual chaos of furniture legs.

Our second tour takes place in a 65 square metre home in Moscow, Russia. GH10 was created for seclusion and comfort, focusing on simple forms and materials, natural light and airiness.

A white dining table set stands behind the grey sofa, flanked by white kitchen units and a white sideboard.

Architectural white allows the colors of sunrise and sunset, grey clouds and blue skies to reflect over the interior.

Two vases adorn the basic white dining table, with a red glass vase adding a tiny spark of heat.