WARM MODERNISM: GROUNDED IN TONES OF ESPRESSO

We have always believed in a simple yet profound approach to design: the concept of “less but better.” This philosophy touches every aspect of what our team accomplishes––from our concept boards to the final photoshoot. As a bespoke interior design firm, design is about curating environments where you truly feel at home––a place where comfort and character come together and every detail reflects who you are.

In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in design - an unspoken step back from cool, minimal tones that have dominated the design world. In their place there has been a renaissance of something much warmer and more grounded. People still want clean spaces, but they want them to feel inviting. By introducing brown tones, such as deep espresso hues, design is shifting towards something more natural and welcoming.

Brown is a color that doesn’t demand attention, but quietly invites it. At its core, it's durable and comforting. When we use brown in our designs, we’re embracing the warmth that speaks to our human need for stability. Kristen often emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that feel authentic and anchored. She states,

“Brown grounds us in nature - it’s the color of tree bark, rich soil, and aged wood. It’s timeless and enduring.”

Brown carries an organic quality that makes it essential to warm modernism. The combination of clean lines and rich, natural tones creates environments that feel both refined and approachable. The simplicity of brown is what makes a space feel peaceful.

Brown is incredibly versatile, and when used intentionally, it can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. Whether this is through wood tones, furniture, or accent details, brown has the ability to add dimension, without feeling overwhelming. It’s this subtle depth that draws us to work with natural materials. Wood has always been central to our approach. It’s through layering warmth and texture, from rich wood floors and handcrafted ceramics to woven textiles like linen throws or wool rugs, that we create homes that feel timeless. The organic nature of wood feels familiar and enduring, which is something we aim to create in all our projects. We love using a range of browns to bring depth and texture into our designs. From light taupes and beiges to darker espresso and walnut tones, brown adds layers of refinement that elevate any space.

When you use brown thoughtfully, it transforms a room bringing peace, depth, and connection. For us, warm modernism is more than aesthetics, it’s about creating environments that feel effortless and lived-in. By incorporating rich, natural tones like espresso and walnut, we design homes that feel grounded and timeless.

Less, but better. It’s a philosophy we live by, and one that allows Studio Thomas to craft spaces where life can unfold beautifully and intentionally. If you’re ready to create a home that feels collected and considered, we’d love to help you get there.