5 minimalist design tips from these painfully aesthetic apartments in Washington DC

If we're going to take minimalistic style tips from anywhere, it is Washington DC's newest luxury apartment building, Whyle. These brand new residences combine the ambiance of the capital's Le Droit Park neighborhood with the most fashionable elements of Danish mid-century design – and the results are indisputably stylish.  

Whyle's ultra-modern homes are available to rent for long-term stays, but if we can't make it to the DC just yet, then there is no reason we can't mirror its effortlessly cool style in our own interiors. Here are five of our key design notes until we land in the capital. 

1. Curate a colorful flow between your art and home decor pieces

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

A limited color palette is one of the keys to minimalist design, but how is this possible for art lovers? Artists, and enthusiasts, fear not. It is more than possible to create a Scandi-cool haven and still showcase your favorite pieces by streamlining the colors of the furnishing with the rest of your scheme.

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

Take inspiration from this apartment's living room that captures the blue tones and soft, warm hues from the photograph and injects them across the breakfast bar and lampshade. This same technique is also exhibited in the bedroom, where the linen and accessories draw from the circular artwork sourced from the esteemed LUMAS Gallery.

2. Experiment with stylish space-saving storage 

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

In a compact urban apartment, an organized storage system is essential – but these practical features don't need to taint your interiors. Instead, follow Whyle's lead and choose a storage system that integrates with the space and creates a statement while serving an essential purpose. Our favorite space-saving tactic includes the ingenious dining bench that doubles as a seat and storage and the breakfast bar with discreet shelf space for hiding kitchen utensils and recipe books.  

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

See: Interior expert reveals Scandi storage tip that is almost too stylish to be practical

We're also lusting over these office shelves (above) that have room for work essentials whilst acting as the Zoom backdrop of dreams (followed closely by the panoramic view across the capital).  

3. Accentuate all-natural light  

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

Organic sunlight is the secret to making space feel brighter – and therefore bigger – so whether you're in a city or a country home, we can all benefit from emphasizing our luminous tones. It's a bold move, but we're inspired by the apartment's stripped-back window setting that overflows the room with light without impairing any of the glorious rays. 

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

However, if you don't want to remove your curtains or blinds completely, we suggest hanging sheer transparent fabric such as voile, as seen above in the lobby. Then you and your home can indulge in the extra vitamin D in the most fashionable way possible.

4.  Inject vibrancy through velvet 

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

From the neutral-toned paint to the monochromic kitchen cabinets, Whyle's apartments demonstrate all the signature characteristics of minimalist design. However, that hasn't stopped designer Morris Adjmi from infusing pockets of color through bold pieces of velvet furnishings nod to the retro interiors trend whilst crowning these spaces as the most stylish and fun-filled residences in the city. 

Morris has taught us two things; the first is that minimalism certainly isn't dull, and the second is that we need to invest in a velvet sofa at the very first opportunity.  

5. Continue the minimalist scheme outside  

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

See: Vintage, Colourful and Eclectic Pieces Bring This Historic Townhouse To Life

While we can't all enjoy a rooftop pool with views of the Washington Monument, we can follow Whyle's lead when it comes to creating a seamless indoor/outdoor living space by continuing the minimalist aesthetic to your exteriors. Choose subtle wood furnishings that bless your outdoor space with Danish charm and ensure your outdoor color palette mirror the soft hues of your home to make the two areas feel like one, and bring your home outside, wherever you are. 

The newly designed Whyle apartments are now available to reserve for long-term stay (30+ days). Prices start at $139 per night.