Minimalist or Maximalist? How To Decide Which Aesthetic Suits You Best
Our homes are who we are. They are our sanctuary but also the canvas on which we express ourselves and our lifestyle. Deciding on the right interior design can feel daunting, and choosing between minimalism and maximalism can feel like choosing between two completely opposite worlds.
But it doesn’t have to be that difficult. To some, the sophisticated, stark home with bare walls is what brings peace and calmness at the end of the day, helping them appreciate the little things in life. For others, however, it’s the explosion of colour and vibrancy in maximalism that gives them energy throughout the day.
With this guide, we aim to help you navigate through the different philosophies of both styles and the characteristics they bring to your home. Choosing one is not just about interior design; it is about your own personality and how you want to reflect it in your home, turning it into the ultimate sanctuary of who you truly are.
Minimalism: The Art of Appreciation & Its Presence in Home Décor
Despite the common misunderstanding, at its heart, minimalism doesn’t try to deprive you of the things you love or stop you from owning the things you enjoy. It’s more about learning to choose quality over quantity. It teaches you to be more thoughtful when choosing the items you want to surround yourself with, to take care of them instead of discarding them soon, to learn to mend them, and, overall, simply appreciate them. At its core, minimalism is a form of stoicism, and it believes that when we learn to value what we have, we will cease to want more.
And when it comes to home décor, minimalism is quite easy to recognise. Some of the main characteristics include:
- Clean lines
- Monochromatic colour palette
- Natural materials
- Limited furniture
- Uncluttered space
- Natural Light
- Limited ornamentation
These might sound familiar, as minimalism has really become a popular interior style in recent years. Home decoration has been influenced by the staples of minimalist design, such as Scandinavian, Japanese zen, Mid-century modern, and contemporary interior design styles.
If you feel drawn to these and the philosophy of minimalism speaks to you, maybe it is time to embrace it as a reflection of your personality in your own home.
Maximalism: You, Yourself & The Beauty of Life in Home Decor
In full contrast to the Stoics’ less is more, maximalism preaches more is more. But it’s not about glorifying owning a lot of things, but rather celebrating abundance, celebrating life in all its vibrancy and complexity. At its core, it is also about personal expression and all the layers of what makes us who we are. When it comes to home décor, it is about beauty in excess, about embracing textures, patterns, and colours in a way that represents what it means to be alive, enjoy life, and express your complex self through décor.
If you are looking for maximalism presence in interior design, you will recognise it by the:
- Bold colours
- Rich textures
- Layers
- Clashing patterns
- Ornamentation
- Ornate accents
- Statement Pieces
All of these characteristics can also be found in some of the staple styles of home interior design that inspire the maximalism trend to this day. These include Eclectic, Bohemian, Victorian Revival, Hollywood Regency, and, of course, Art Deco.
So, if you are someone who bursts with personality and enjoys the many colours of life and freedom of expression, maybe maximalism is something that can represent the real you in your home.
How to Choose the Right Aesthetic: Consider the Pros & Cons
The key to choosing between minimalism and maximalism is to consider your character. Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages, but finding out which one would suit you best depends on your personal energy and preferences.
Minimalism, for example, will teach you to keep a decluttered space and timeless elegance at home. It will suit you the most if you are someone who seeks calm and serenity. But, to some, minimalism deprives a space of its character and makes it feel sterile.
Maximalism, on the other hand, can be ideal for those who feel energised by bold colours, patterns, an abundance of personal touches, and the high personalisation of their space. But it might be too overwhelming if they overdo it, and it can mean owning a lot of things and coordinating a lot of colour combinations and textures.
To decide, consider what brings you more comfort, peace, and happiness: calm or vibrancy. Maybe think about which colours and patterns you like. If you have a tendency to prefer light monochromes, maybe the answer is minimalism.
Finally, ask yourself: Is functionality or self-expression what matters the most to you when creating your ideal home, and which philosophy of life applies the most to your own lifestyle? The answer will also show you the way.
Minimalism vs Maximalism or…Both?
If you find it difficult to choose, you are not the only one. As humans, we rarely exist in complete extremity, so fully committing to one style is often hard to do. The good news is that you can blend styles to achieve that unique feeling in your home.
To combine minimalism and maximalism, you can start with a minimalist base—natural furniture and neutral tones—to create a sort of serene canvas for maximalist accents like combinations of modern wall art prints, vibrant rugs, or statement ornaments.
You could also begin with a maximalist foundation – rich wall colours and vibrant furniture patterns to balance minimalist zones that can provide a calm corner amidst the vibrancy.
It is about mixing and matching the different characteristics of both styles to create harmony in your home.
It’s All About Finding the Perfect Balance
In the end, the choice is yours. Remember to stay true to your personality and lifestyle, and you won’t make a mistake. Ask yourself: What brings you comfort? What brings you joy? How will your lifestyle affect your space? Answering these questions will guide you to the right path of turning your home into a reflection of who you are.
