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Whether you want to get your home designed or you are the one designing it for someone else, you will face the never-ending dilemma of choosing between minimalism and maximalism. Both have their inherent pros and cons, making it difficult to choose between them.
The two interior design styles portray different personalities. Those who like clutter-free spaces, white walls, and a peaceful atmosphere choose to go with minimalism. While those who like their space to be loud, eclectic, chaotic, and most of all, very colorful, prefer to go with maximalism.
There isn’t any design that is good or bad, it just depends on the preference of the one seeing it. For those of you who are still confused about which one to go for, this article will help you decide with a thorough comparison between the two.
What is Minimalism in Interior Design?
If you are a design enthusiast, you must be familiar with the term “minimal design”. It means using all the design elements to their most basic form. By using clean lines, and a monochromatic palette, we can create a simple and uncluttered space.
Key Features of Minimalist Interior Design:
Uses an open plan layout to create a sense of freedom and relaxation.
The monochromatic color palette using white, beige, or grey is complimented by an accent color which might be in the form of an artwork, flower vase, or even a small piece of furniture.
Flat, smooth surfaces and strong, clean lines are used with minimal or no detailed or ornamented elements. Instead, the main focus of this design lies in the purity and simplicity of the shape and form.
Natural lighting is a fundamental part of this design which creates a warm and cozy feel by making the space airy and breathable.
Plain or light-colored walls are mostly used instead of heavy cladding or dark colors to create a calm, attractive, and interesting feel to the space.
One of the main characteristics of minimalism is to eliminate unnecessary objects and use only a limited number of necessary objects.
What is Maximalism in Interior Design?
Completely different from minimalism, maximalism is all about highly saturated colors, layered patterning, ample accessories, and art. This design style is loud and chaotic with a contrasting combination of colors, materials, textures, patterns, and modernity with traditional elements. However, this “chaos” is always tamed and thoughtful.
Key Features of Maximalist Interior Design:
The most important feature of this design style could be its rich and intensive color palette. Colors such as emerald, navy blue, violet, sapphire, fuchsia, golden, etc. are commonly used.
It uses bold patterns and materials in a creative way and fills the room with interest and variety.
- Maximalism is about juxtaposing any element from French-patterned wallpaper and animal prints to vintage furniture and art.
- It uses interesting pieces of furniture, mirrors in decorative frames, table lamps, birdcages, and other eccentric pieces.
How to decide whether you are a Minimalist or Maximalist?
Minimalists focus on simplicity and like to surround themselves with only what is truly necessary. Meanwhile, maximalists follow the idea that embracing an abundance of objects can be an escape from a world and culture that at times seems bleak. Here are a few ways you can decide whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist.
The colors you Prefer to Use:
What colors you prefer tells a lot about your personality and if you are a minimalist or maximalist. Take a look around your room or even in your wardrobe and figure out what type of colors you have surrounded yourself with.
The Kind of Lifestyle you Prefer:
Do you prefer a slow-paced lifestyle that allows you to take the time to relax? Or do you prefer a busy lifestyle with always something going on to keep you entertained? If you prefer the first type, then you are more or less a minimalist. However, if you prefer the second type, then you are more like a maximalist.
What you Feel about Clutter:
Clutter can be a nuisance as well as a design element depending on how you use it. If you are a minimalist, then clutter can make you feel stressed or anxious and you’d always want to clear it. However, a maximalist wouldn’t feel the same way about it and would even try to purposefully incorporate it in their space.
The Bottom Line:
It can be difficult to define people as minimalist or maximalist since they can appreciate both styles.
To find your perfect in between, it may take a lot of self-reflection and time thinking about what aspects of each you like or dislike. For those who are always confused between the two, find pieces that you love and accentuate them.
Whether it is surrounding them with negative space or adding to a collection of similar items.
You can also use your favorite colors, whether they are neutrals or bright hues. After all, what is more, important is to create a home you feel comfortable and happy in.