Almost everyone knows the principles of minimalism, and its opposite, maximalism, is just as the name suggests. But while I've always loved the clean lines and clean look and feel of minimalism, I also enjoy color, pattern, and other playful elements, so the term never really suited me. In fact, I only recently realized that I'm a “midimalist.”
That's right, there's a new interior design term and home decor trend going around called midi-malism. Just like midi dresses are halfway between mini and maxi, midi-malism sits somewhere between the two extremes of minimalism and maximalism.
I believe that midimalistism creates the perfect balance in your interiors because it allows you to incorporate elements of both without any constraints. And interior design experts seem to agree. It's something I've been doing for a long time, but I didn't have a name for it. And now I have one! Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm a midimalist.
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Damian Russell)
The interior philosophy of midi-malism
In fact, as we started talking to editors at the Ideal Home offices, they all agreed that they practice much the same thing in their own homes: maximalism can often feel like too much, and minimalism can feel too simple. In other words, true minimalists and maximalists are in the minority, with most of us falling somewhere in between. But we've been going unnoticed for years.
But perhaps we should first clarify what exactly midi-malism is as a design principle.
“The concept of midimalism in interior design is a style that has characteristics of both minimalism and maximalism, but is less extreme,” says Lucy Mather, design expert at Arrighi Bianchi. “It incorporates elements of the minimalist approach – clean lines, order and uncluttered environments with a few carefully selected items – but also incorporates hints of maximalism, characterized by bold colors and patterns.”
Lucy explains why the term is trending now: “The term midi-malism has entered the mainstream on the back of the growing popularity of the maximalism trend in interiors over the last few years. For decades we've often spoken about minimalism in interior design, and more recently about its opposite, maximalism, but what about an aesthetic that sits in between? That's midi-malism.”
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
What do the experts think about middimension?
As a midi-malist myself, getting an expert's opinion on this interior style felt like asking for my and my tastes to be scrutinised, so you can imagine I was thrilled when the expert gave me and midi-malism their stamp of approval.
“I've always been a big fan of balance, and that's what I love about midi-malism: it offers a design approach that blends the best of both worlds,” says Alex Stubbs, interior stylist at Fritch. “It creates dynamic, functional spaces that are visually appealing and also very practical.”
Lucy agrees: “Midimaism works because it's flexible and gives the appearance of a designed decorating scheme. I love colour, but when applied in a way that doesn't overwhelm a room or scheme. Taking a midimaist approach achieves that – it still has a 'look', but it's not as rigid as a pure minimalist or maximalist concept.”
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
How to achieve the midimalist “look”
If the idea of midi-style still seems too abstract to you, our experts share some tips and formulas for a balanced midi-style home.
“It's a trend that needs balance to look curated, not random, and the key characteristics of minimalism and maximalism are evident,” says Lucy. “Choose a neutral wall color as your base, then layer on a brighter accent color or pattern.” Try an unexpected shade of red to make your space look great with a bold splash of color.
It's best to start with a more neutral, minimal, and timeless canvas, like a wall or a large piece of furniture, and then you can inject color and pattern with carefully selected décor.
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Mary Wadsworth)
“Incorporate bold, well-chosen decor pieces that add personality and interest without overpowering the space, like statement art, unique lighting fixtures and textured textiles. I recommend sticking to a cohesive colour palette with strategic accents of neutral tones. The key is to balance white space with décor to make the room feel spacious yet inviting,” advises Alex.
Lucy concludes: “Unlike minimalism, you can have an eclectic mix of accessories – something that's unique to you and doesn't have a uniform decorating style. Incorporate statement pieces that reflect the maximalist in you, alongside calmer, simpler elements and pieces with clean lines. A maximalist decor scheme may come across as cluttered, but make sure your spaces are spacious and practical. You can achieve this with clever storage – even brightly coloured or patterned storage can help keep a room from feeling chaotic.”
(Image courtesy of Future PLC/Jon Day)
Midimalist wishlist
All of these pieces are or were once on my wishlist (and are now in my home).
M&S Home has been on a roll with beautiful lighting fixtures over the past year or so – it's hard to pick just one, but new this year, the Ollie table lamp won me over with its striped pattern (I love stripes) and similarity to the cult favourite Kirsten table lamp.
Mustard Made The Standard Locker (Sage)
Like Lucy said, clean lines and storage are key to keeping a clutter-free space, but storage can also be infused with colour, and that's the best thing about these storage lockers from Mustard Made.
Floral and Striped Art Print by Carla Llanos
I love the colorful, floral art prints by illustrator Carla Llanos, and even though I've followed her for years, I still haven't been able to make the decision to buy one. I guess I just can't decide which print to pick, but for now this one is at the top of my list.
Fine Little Day Tennis Embroidered Cushion
To be honest, I own the football-centric version of this cushion, but considering the current tennis-centric trend started by the movie The Challengers, this one is probably more on-trend.
DUSK Brooklyn 3-seater sofa, ivory
I recently (finally) bought a new sofa. In the end it wasn't my favorite but I was seriously considering it. It's a shame I only got to sit on it at DUSK's press day after ordering another one, but I can assure you it's very comfortable and cushiony.
H&M Home Mango Wood Side Table
Totem side tables may be on trend right now, but we think a clean yet playful silhouette like this version from H&M Home will never go out of style. It looks great placed next to your sofa.
Dunelm Lara Wishbone Dining Chair
Classic, clean designs like these Wishbone Dining Chairs from Dunelm are my dream come true, and I hope one day (soon) I can own a set of these design icons.
Hot ceramic sputtering pasta bowl
Splattered ceramic is a weakness of mine. I think it adds a subtle touch of color and pattern to a table without overpowering it. I have this bowl in cranberry color, and it was my first choice. It's pretty large for a pasta bowl, so I tend to use it as a serving bowl.
Ruggable Gaia Ivory Multicolor Rug
I love the eclectic, abstract pattern and earthy colors of this Ruggable rug. It currently covers most of my living room floor, but remember the 18″ rug rule. I am so happy with this rug.
So what has midi-malism taught me? First, a word for what you do will come along sooner or later, so you don't have to follow it. Second, when in doubt, it's often best to choose what brings a sense of balance to your home and life.