Minimalism is having a moment—and a backlash. In this episode, Barb and Jessa unpack what minimalism really means, why it’s often misunderstood, and how to make it feel warm, personal, and livable—not cold and sterile. From the Cracker Barrel rebrand debate to the famously sparse Kim/Kanye home, they dive into the idea of “less, but better,” offering real-life tips to cut the clutter, embrace texture, and let your furniture (and natural light) do the talking.

Listeners will walk away with small, high-impact ways to simplify surfaces, choose multifunctional pieces, and bring the outdoors in—all without erasing nostalgia, personality, or neighborhood charm.

• 00:00 — What minimalism really means: intention, function, and simplicity (not emptiness)
• 01:06 — Why the backlash? Branding, nostalgia, and the “all houses look the same” problem
• 07:53 — Designer definition: soft shapes, neutral base, edited color, purpose-led pieces
• 10:25 — History notes: Mediterranean/Greek forms, local materials, harmony with landscape
• 12:13 — Neighborhood fit: honoring context vs. copy-paste modern townhomes
• 14:16 — “Sterile mansion” critique and what actually makes a room feel cold
• 22:08 — Warm minimalism: texture, natural light, plants, and a few intentional accents
• 23:20 — Declutter drill: clear a nightstand/counter, then only add back what’s truly needed
• 26:25 — Kitchens and calm: flat-front cabinets, hidden hardware, light as a design layer
• 29:16 — Quality over quantity: buy fewer, better; thrift for character and sustainability
• 35:11 — Minimal in any style: Western, coastal, traditional—edit, don’t erase
• 45:35 — Furniture picks that warm up minimal spaces: Jasper sofa, sculptural tables, leather textures
• 48:43 — Listener challenge: “The Calm Surface” before/after—edit one zone and share pics

• Start small: empty one surface (nightstand, dresser, kitchen counter), clean it, and only return essentials like a lamp and coaster for daily ease.
• Lead with texture: combine warm wood grain, matte stone, boucle or nubby rugs, and leather accents to add depth without visual clutter.
• Double-duty pieces: choose coffee tables that moonlight as ottomans, storage benches, and low, multi-functional seating to reduce item count.
• Light for mood: layer ambient, task, and accent light; use warm color temperature in living/sleep zones to soften minimal palettes.
• Edit with “Coco Chanel” logic: style the shelf, then remove one or two items for an intentional, airy look.

• Barb Chandler — Interior Designer, Furniture Row
• Jessa Murphy — Marketing Director, Furniture Row

Suggested SEO keywords

• warm minimalism, minimalist home decor, cozy minimalist, minimalism vs maximalism, decluttering tips, neutral living room, Japandi, minimalist interior design, minimalist living room, natural materials, neutral palette

• Follow and rate Seated with Furniture Row to help others discover the show, and share a screenshot of the episode with a favorite takeaway.
• Explore minimalist furniture and decor at Furniture Row, and learn even more on our blog!
• Visit a Furniture Row showroom near you to explore warm textures, low-profile seating, and multifunctional tables that fit a minimalist look without the chill.

Additional Links:

• Mentioned Furniture Row Products:
  • Capri dining
  • Sol dining
  • Jasper sofa
  • Jasper Coffee Table Ottoman
• Netflix documentary: The Minimalists, less is now.
  https://www.netflix.com/title/81074662