Which Interior Style Suits You Better

Minimalism or Maximalism?

Minimalism and maximalism are polar opposites in the interior design spectrum. Both have their distinct strengths and weaknesses in terms of aesthetics and function. None is better than the other. It is all just a matter of whether or not the style works for you – taking into consideration your behavior, personality, design taste, and lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the characteristics of each style, how they rise to popularity, and which between the two is the perfect style for you.

Let’s dive right in!

What is the philosophy of minimalist interior design?

Modern and minimalist interior designs are extremely similar in the way that they both focus on employing the bare minimum of furnishings to create uncomplicated, clean spaces. It has simple, uncluttered lines and a monochrome color scheme with accents of color.

How did minimalism start and why did it become a trend?

An American psychologist, Thorstein Veblen recognized the negative effects of excessive consumption on the environment and lifestyle in general. The anti-consumerism movement paved the way for the popularity of the minimalist movement. Anti-consumerists viewed minimalism as a fresh approach to buying that helped individuals cut less on mindless and irresponsible spending.

Furthermore, others contend that having a limited quantity of possessions will enable one to feel less disorganized and more productive. Minimalism then became a form of artistic expression. Instead of the traditional way of producing art that conveys emotion, artists started to draw a new concept of rawness and simplicity by crafting works of art that enable audiences to focus on the material, structure, and craftsmanship of the piece.

Designers that adhere to the minimalist aesthetic put an emphasis on simplicity, usefulness, and the simplest sense of beauty. Clean lines, monochromatic color schemes, and a lot of empty space are all features of minimalist designs

What are the characteristics of a minimalist interior?

• Open floor plans
• Simple geometric forms
• Uncomplicated decorations
• Neutral wall paints and finishes
• Strategic use of texture and color

Minimalism is for you if…

Minimalism is the style that suits you best if you prefer to live in a simple, modest, and practical interior space. Minimalism is easy to achieve but that doesn’t imply that it can be for everyone. Many people have tried to adapt this concept not just in interior design but in their lifestyles as well but many failed to stay consistent and actually become certified minimalists.

It is best to go for minimalist interior design if you live in a small condo unit or apartment where there’s limited space to add tons of décor and accessories. Keeping your decorations to a bare minimum will help you live a streamlined, practical, and convenient life that you will truly adore.

What is the philosophy of Maximalist interior design?

Maximalism is the complete opposite of minimalism. It emphasizes the use of a variety of materials, colors, and patterns to layer décor and accessories within a space. Maximalism celebrates abundance, ornamentation, vibrancy, and opulence.

A great example of maximalist interior design is traditional ones like Victorian, Regency, and Gothic Revival. However, the maximalist interior design style has evolved in the past decades. Designers were able to creatively integrate maximalist concepts into contemporary settings creating design styles like Hollywood Regency where the use of art deco elements is popular and Mediterranean interior style where many vibrant colors and exquisite décor pieces can be added.

How did maximalist start and why did it become so popular?

The musical genres of German and Russian music, whose frequent sound intensification is a defining feature, are where maximalism first emerged. The concept eventually spread across all forms of art including painting, home design, interior design, fashion, and others. Traditionally-designed interior spaces commonly embody the maximalist concept.

Maximalism was more popular and utilized interior design style compared to minimalism because of great craftsmanship and the use of decorations and accessories with ornate details are regarded as a symbol of prominence and wealth.

Today, maximalism is more than just a symbol of affluence and distinction. It has also become a form of expression wherein individuals who love to use a variety of colors and spruce their homes up with certain pieces they love can creatively and cohesively exhibit them without making their spaces look overcrowded and cluttered.

What are the characteristics of a maximalist interior?

• Bold and bright colors
• Antique décor pieces
• Statement pieces
• Fun and creative integration of patterns
• Play of textures

Maximalism is for you if…

Maximalism is geared towards a more traditional approach so it is a good design idea for you if you love traditionally-designed interior spaces. If you have a big traditional house, designing it with the maximalist concept in mind will help you showcase its full potential.

There’s so much that you can do with a big space. So, rather than leave a few areas barren, spruce everything up with décor. From ornate moldings to colorful wallpapers, to rugs, paintings, lamps, and furniture items. Showcases the decorative pieces that you love the most and put a little bit of your personality in every corner. Maximalism is for the color-lover. It blends playfulness with elegance in a contemporary setting and sophistication and tradition in a traditional one.

The style that suits you best is the one that works for you. An interior design style can be the best among the rest but if it doesn’t fit the lifestyle you want or are currently in the setting you envision, and your habits and behavior, it will only become a liability in the end. So, when deciding which style to pick to design your rooms, go for something that works for you.

Find out what their advantages and disadvantages are. Finding a style that suits you best is like exploring different aspects of yourself that you didn’t know yet. Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you are finding it hard to choose, you can always try out the two and make an informed decision about which style you should stick to. Hope you find this short blog helpful!