The Marshmallow Aesthetic Is the Cozy Home Decor Trend You Need
Embrace soothing comfort in your home with this chic and cozy design approach.
There’s a new interior design trend in town, and it may be one of the coziest yet. Marshmallow decor is taking the internet by storm, and we’re not talking about the sweet treat. This aesthetic is characterized by plush, overstuffed, and (often) white couches, ottomans, and lounge chairs paired with sleek and modern furnishings. The result is chic, cozy, and effortlessly luxurious—like you stepped into your favorite spa or luxury hotel.
Why Now?
What’s behind this sudden obsession with marshmallow-style furnishings? Experts theorize there are a couple of possible reasons, but mostly, they say homeowners are looking to embrace comfort and quiet luxury in their homes now more than ever.
“In the midst of our fast-paced, technology-driven lives, there’s a profound longing for comfort and for spaces that act as gentle retreats from the outside world. This aesthetic, with its plush charm, offers that delicate balance between contemporary design and soul-soothing comfort,” says Rudolph Diesel, a top London-based interior designer.
If you’re dying to try this eye-catching design style in your home, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Nail the Marshmallow Aesthetic
Achieving the marshmallow aesthetic in your home is about more than just adding a plush white couch to your space. Here are a few expert tips for nailing this cozy design style at home.
Opt for Round, Overstuffed Furniture
Overstuffed, marshmallow-like furniture is the hallmark of this trend. These pieces usually feature curved edges, button tufting, overstuffed upholstery, and light neutral colors like white and beige. Pastel shades like light pink and light green are also popular choices. This doesn’t mean your space has to be exclusively white or pastel. Take the opportunity to add pops of color using rugs, candles, mirrors, or throw pillows. Diesel recommends sticking to colors that evoke a sense of luxury, such as soft pastels or deep jewel tones.
Related: The Best 13 Places to Buy Couches of 2023, According to Testing
The key to incorporating overstuffed furniture into your home like a pro is to practice restraint and not go overboard. “While you want things to feel abundant and soft, having every piece of furniture ‘overstuffed’ can make a space feel cluttered,” Diesel says. Stick to one piece per room to avoid overwhelming the space and making it feel smaller than it is.
Provide Balance with Clean Lines
Another crucial component of decorating with large, overstuffed furniture is providing balance with clean lines. This aesthetic is an interaction of modern design, so don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from this style when choosing the rest of the furniture for your space.
“I particularly love pairing a marshmallow-like sofa with a cool, sculptural coffee table to bring an architectural element to the scene,” says Heather Goerzen, design director at Havenly.
Keep Decor Minimal
When furniture is big and eye-catching, it’s best to keep the decor minimal to reduce visual clutter, says Camie Anderson, co-owner of Seattle-based interior design firm Arden + Sienna.
Down-filled cushions and throw pillows are excellent additions to an overstuffed sofa or chair, while a warm throw blanket adds to the cozy vibe. Anderson also recommends incorporating natural elements like plants or a couple of fresh stems to lend to the sense of spa-like relaxation that this aesthetic creates.
Things to Know Before You Try the Marshmallow Trend
This aesthetic may look effortlessly luxurious, but effort is necessary to get the look just right. Here are a few important things designers want you to consider before trying the marshmallow trend.
Consider the Size of Your Space
Marshmallow-style furniture is big by design, so it’s essential to consider the size of your space before diving headfirst into this trend.
“Though it sounds light and airy, this furniture is typically larger, so one key to nailing this design trend is to incorporate it into larger rooms with equally large furniture,” says Victoria Meadows, principal designer and owner of Victoria Meadows Interiors based in Palm Springs. That’s not to say you can’t make this aesthetic work in small spaces, but it’s best to pick smaller pieces for those areas rather than full-sized sofas. Think accent chairs, desk chairs, or even ottomans.
Keep Practicality in Mind
Experts agree that it’s important to keep practicality in mind when it comes to the marshmallow trend. There are a few things in particular that are important to consider. First, Goerzen recommends sticking to performance fabrics when choosing marshmallow-style furniture.
“You can absolutely have white furniture that lives as you live and can stand up to spilled coffee or messy kids—so long as you invest in the right fabrics,” Goerzen says. Performance fabrics are specifically developed to be more stain-resistant, easier to clean, water-resistant, and fade-resistant, which makes them no-brainers for homes with kids and pets.
Additionally, overstuffed furniture requires more ongoing maintenance—and not just because of the cleaning. Down-filled furniture settles differently than solid foam cushions, meaning it’ll require regular upkeep to maintain the perfectly “fluffed” look, and it may look different after it’s broken in with regular use, says Allison Lind, principal designer and owner of Allison Lind Interiors.
“I’ve had quite a few clients love the look when spotted on Instagram or a store’s catalog—but I always send them to the showroom to really test it out first ... seeing how this style of sofa looks after a day’s use in a showroom can give you an idea of what it will look like after some use by your family,” Lind adds.
For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
