Less or More: Minimalism and Maximalism
STORY BY VIRGINIA BESHEARS
Most people have an idea of whether their personal style is more minimalist or a maximalist. However, the practical side of these interior design styles is far less frequently considered.
Additionally, minimalism vs maximalism can be a very helpful framework for better understanding how you want your environment to make you feel.
Below is a breakdown of minimalism and maximalism, both aesthetically and practically, to help you create a space that makes you comfortable and happy.
MINIMALISM
Minimalist design is all about simplicity and functionality. It emphasizes the use of clean lines, neutral colors, and a limited number of decorative elements to create a space that feels calm and uncluttered.
In a minimalist space, every item has a purpose, and nothing is extraneous.
This design style is ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined, modern look or who want to create a sense of spaciousness in a smaller room.
It can be a challenge to create a beautiful minimalist space that doesn’t feel empty or unfinished. Using lots of warm accents and subtle textures is key.
MAXIMALSIM
Maximalist design, on the other hand, celebrates bold colors, patterns, and textures, and encourages the use of decorative elements in abundance.
A maximalist space is often filled with layers of artwork, textiles, and accessories, creating a space that feels lively and energetic.
This design style is perfect for those who enjoy a more eclectic look or who want to showcase their personality through their home decor.
Maximalist design requires a careful balance and a discerning eye for it to feel both expressive and harmonious. When done right, a maximalist space can feel like a true reflection of your creative spirit.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The choice between minimalism and maximalism ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
If you value a sense of calm in your environment and you want your home to make you feel relaxed and centered, minimalism may be right for you.
On the other hand, maximalism is right for you if you value self-expression and creativity and you want to feel energized and visually stimulated by your environment.
Minimalism and maximalism both have their challenges. Minimalist design does require a commitment to curbing levels of clutter, because random items really stand out in a space with limited decor. Likewise, maximalist rooms can make certain people feel distracted or even overwhelmed. It’s important to consider the practicalities of different design styles, because your environment can have a large impact on your mood.
Additionally, minimalism and maximalism are not all or nothing design styles - there are varying degrees of each that can be incorporated into a space. For example, a minimalist space may have a few pops of color or subtle patterns that bring in personality. Or, a maximalist space may have lots of fun patterns and textures, but keep them and other elements within the same color family. In fact, there are so many rooms that fall firmly in the middle, and couldn’t be categorized as either one.
While it can be tempting to follow the latest interior design trends, it's important to remember that your home should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. Of course, it's still possible to incorporate elements of current trends into your home decor, but it's important to do so in a way that feels authentic to you. Ultimately, creating a home that reflects who you are is the key to feeling truly happy and comfortable in your space, and minimalism vs maximalism can be a very helpful framework for figuring out what you want from your space.
