The Inheritance

Do you remember when you bought your first house and everything felt wonderful simply because it was your first house. The floor could have been slanted, and you would not have cared because that home represented forward movement in your grown-up life. It was a beginning and beginnings have a way of softening every flaw. Fast forward to your second home and you are a little older. You have had time to think about what you do not want, and when you buy that next house there are things you inherit that you assume you will change right away. This cycle of buying and changing continues for anyone who is not purchasing a brand-new home. Yet there are often good things in those inheritances if the new homeowner pauses long enough to see them before replacing everything. Inheriting pieces from a previous owner is common and can lighten your financial load if you build on what is already there rather than wiping it out. Warm minimalism fits beautifully into this idea. It does not demand a blank slate. It simply requires that you notice what has potential and let the room evolve from there. Sometimes a single inherited element becomes the anchor for the entire space. Let’s peek into the Master bedroom of a Zinnia model to see how the new homeowners used their inheritance to create a warm minimalist space that invites relaxation and soothing vibes somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Wallpaper Focal Wall
The previous homeowner left the new homeowners a beautiful wall of blue grass cloth wallpaper. It sits on the back wall of the bedroom, and anyone who has ever installed grass cloth knows what an investment it can be, so finding a way to keep it was the wisest choice. The color suited the new homeowners perfectly. I especially liked that the wallpaper was placed on the back wall because when you stand in the living room and look into the bedroom, you catch a subtle punch of color that draws you in. The wallpaper adds texture and warmth that elevates the entire space.

  •  Drapes
The new homeowners also inherited draperies that match the blue grass cloth wallpaper perfectly. The draperies carry the color around the room, and that accomplishes two important things. The windows look softened and finished, and the blue is repeated throughout the space in a way that feels well thought out. In design, this repetition is called rhythm. It means placing the accent color in several locations, so the eye moves comfortably around the room, and the space feels balanced and connected.

  •  Rugs
The homeowners also inherited several rugs that were in great shape and surprisingly beautiful. The pattern was more traditional than they would normally choose, but we were able to make them work. The rug in the master bedroom carries all the right shades of blue to connect visually with the grass cloth wallpaper and the draperies. The traditional pattern looks wonderful in the room without locking the space into a traditional style. The room still feels fresh, warmly minimal, and inviting. We placed the rug under the bed so that when the homeowner gets out of bed their feet land on something soft, while still leaving enough of the rug exposed to enjoy the pattern around the bed.

  •  Bed
The bed is new. It was purchased in a soft grey tone that blends beautifully with all the warm tans already in the room. The headboard is large and tufted, which gives a nod to traditional style, yet the room still feels far from traditional. The bedding is intentionally simple because the homeowners wanted something easy to make each day. The base coverlet they use at night is white, as are the pillowcases. This layer is pulled up smooth and tight, with the sleeping pillows resting flat at the head of the bed. A grey coverlet is folded neatly at the foot of the bed to add color and a finished look. In front of the sleeping pillows sit four square Euro pillows in shades of grey and blue, which visually tie the bed back to the wallpaper, the draperies, and the rug. We placed a large basket by the entrance to the bathroom, and it holds all the bedding when it is not in use. This makes the bed easy to make and unmake, encouraging a clean, finished look each day.

  •  Side Tables and Buffet
The homeowners brought the buffet with them from their former home. They purchased new bedside tables, and although the pieces are different, the wood tones coordinate beautifully, so everything feels as if it was chosen at the same time. I like building on what homeowners already have to create a space that feels curated rather than matchy. The buffet stands out against the blue wallpaper, and the artwork above it adds a gentle coastal note that ties the whole room together.

  •  Tall mirror
I think it is important to have a tall mirror in every bedroom so you can take a final look at yourself before leaving the house. The homeowners already had a tall leaner mirror, and it looked perfect in the corner. In the future they could add a bench under the abstract art on the wall opposite the window, but it is also nice to let a room grow slowly and have a few things to look forward to as the space continues to evolve.
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