If you've been paying attention to interior design trends, you may have noticed an interesting fusion of both minimalism and maximalism appearing in magazines, TV shows, and social scrolls. These different aesthetic approaches mostly thrive independently of each other, although some successfully embrace both philosophies under one roof. Perhaps most interestingly, it somehow works.
To better understand how minimalism and maximalism are having a heyday at the same time, we took a little peek into both worlds.
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Minimalism: Thoughtful editing
In the truest sense of the word, minimalism embraces simplicity. It doesn't necessarily focus on a “less is more” approach. Instead, it requires intentional design that emphasizes the architectural form and function of the space.
“Minimalism seems easy to achieve, but it's far from it,” says interior designer Benjamin Johnston. “Every item has a purpose and clutter is generally absent. We see a lot of sculptural furniture and synthetic forms as an impactful way to display creativity. There's also an increased focus on natural light and a monochromatic palette; the addition of color is very intentional.”
minimalism in history
Minimalism has no single roots. Its origins span the world and throughout history. This is thought to be due in part to the tranquility of Japanese Zen gardens, the Dutch De Stijl movement, and the nature-focused Scandinavian design (which has become synonymous with simplified mid-century modern design). Masu.
“It also arose as a response to the superfluous nature of Victorian architecture. In the post-war era, glass, steel and concrete were new fixtures in the building process, so minimalism was very closely linked to the Bauhaus and modernist movements. ,” says Johnston. “Of course, each new generation seems to resist its predecessor, but the evolution of design also reflects the state of the world at a particular time.”
modern minimalism
Christina Simon, lead designer at Ashby Collective, says today's adaptation of minimalism also incorporates principles of sustainability and less consumerism. She points out that it's more than just aesthetics, it permeates the idea of collecting only the essentials and focusing on well-crafted, thoughtful, timeless structures. In that sense, this is a direct response to mass, fast-paced consumerism, a full-scale pendulum-like movement.
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Maximalism: the more the better
Maximalism may be a new word in today's lexicon, but we've seen this approach repeated throughout history. It was the quintessence of Baroque design, with its gilded walls and ornate architecture, and as mentioned earlier, it was also in the vein of Victorian design, with its eclectic collection of knick-knacks and extreme luxury.
maximalism in history
“The British were known for layering patterned fabrics, wallpaper, and curtains and pairing them with family crafts, objects, and collections,” says Simon, who also points to French interpretations. . “In my opinion, Versailles will be a clear example of maximalism through its elaborate fanfares, details and patterns, collections, and fuss.”
modern maximalism
According to interior designer Jess Klein, modern examples of iconic maximalism include Hollywood Regency and the layering of colors and palettes that defined the 1970s. Of course, that same “more is more” approach is on the rise again today, and it coincides with his 70's revival that's happening right now. “Today's maximalism is more about personal style than status,” says Johnston. “Thoughtful clutter, expansive gallery walls, and often vintage or antique furniture bring a combination of high and low. What makes maximalism truly work is its ability to tell a design story.”
Johnston says this can be accomplished by repeating patterns. Think pleated lampshades in the same fabric as the cushions, wall art displayed salon-style, and a vibrant, carefully edited color palette of three to five shades.
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A harmonious fusion of both aesthetics
We tend to categorize different design aesthetics into separate buckets, sometimes even going so far as to pit two channels against each other, pitting them against each other as “this versus that.” Maximalism and minimalism are perfect examples of this. But if we reframe both as coexisting on the spectrum, it becomes easier to understand how they can easily match.
In that sense, it's not a binary choice about which aesthetic comes first, but rather finding a way to embrace both to suit your personal style. “In our work, we hear from clients who want to reduce clutter and visual stimulation in their homes, but still enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by their belongings. That's why we created this mashup of minimalism and maximalism. “I think it's happening,” Klein said.
Simon agrees. “Playing between minimalism and maximalism is actually one of her ways of making a home feel continuously fresh, and designers use this all the time,” she says.
How to incorporate both styles into your home
Try wild, colorfully patterned fabrics on super-sleek, modern-lined chairs, or utilize modern cabinetry as a way to showcase your eclectic collection, or keep other areas of your home more streamlined in your powder room. for a maximalist splash. Perhaps it is this tension between both worlds that makes for great and interesting design.
After all, our homes aren't the perfect expression of today's biggest trends, they're an expression of ourselves. These expressions take years to develop and are forever in flux as we are influenced and attracted to different things. At the end of the day, prioritizing what's really important to you is one of the best ways to create a home that's functional and feels like an authentic sanctuary. Whether it's a sleek and streamlined home, a colorful and ornament-filled home, or a strategically combined home.