Bringing Color into a Minimalist Home

FORMULATED is the Tortuga Forma journal about the rituals we create around the home, the objects that bring us joy, and the stories behind how things are made. Every object has a story.

Bold napkins as brushstrokes on a linen tablecloth canvas.

Colorful patterns and hues can coexist with even the most minimalist of homes. Against the backdrop of eggshell white painted walls, natural wood flooring and table surfaces, our colorful textiles and accessories look right at home. In fact, a well-placed hue—whether in the form of table linens, decorative bookends, or thoughtfully curated accessories—can add warmth, personality, and depth to an otherwise neutral space.

Bookends as design statements – A set of architectural bookends in a rich hue transforms a stack of books into an intentional display.
Same dinner napkins - can you spot the difference?

Table Settings: A Balance of Pattern and Simplicity

A beautifully set table is one of the easiest ways to introduce color into your home. Against a backdrop of natural wood surfaces and crisp white walls, vibrant napkins or patterned tablecloths feel intentional and effortless.

Mix and match with ease – There are no rules when it comes to table linens. Play with contrasting dinner napkins and tablecloths to create a layered, inviting tablescape.

Everyday elegance – A richly hued napkin not only brings depth to the table but also helps disguise stains, making it perfect for daily use. Meanwhile, a set of classic linen napkins in muted tones is ideal for more formal gatherings.

Striped Dinner Napkin in Marine on natural oak dining table.
Bold napkins as brushstrokes on a linen tablecloth canvas.

More from Home Rituals

  1. Dressing the Table for Entertaining

    How did we evolve as diners from Medieval revelers using the tablecloth as a communal napkin to creating elaborate table settings with layers of linens, chargers, and up to seven pieces of flatware? How did we shift from wiping our hands on dough like the Romans to mastering 25 different ways to fold a napkin? We take a style detour into history and the art of entertaining.

    Read more →

  2. Portfolio 02: Winter Quilt

    Part 2 of film images commissioned by Tortuga Forma. Helena Goñi approaches still objects as though they were human subjects. The objects look the camera directly in the eye without flinching. Other times, they hide themselves in the shadows of a cyanotype or within a domestic scene. 

     

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  3. Bringing Color into a Minimalist Home

    Color and patterns brings immediate warmth into the home. It's easy to default to whites and beiges but there are ways to weave in joyful moments of color - even for the self described minimalist.
    Read more →