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MINIMALISM vs MAXIMALISM

Researching for your mood board or wish list when embarking on your home project, it is common to come across minimalism style. In fact, it has been a popular option that homeowners will include in their lists. However, what about its contrasting style opponent – maximalism? While it is a style that has been around for many eras, it is rarely talked of. This issue, let’s put a spotlight on these two opposing styles and how one may be more suitable to your way of living as compared to the other.

Minimalism

Simple, neat, easy to clean, would be just some of the adjectives to describe this popular style especially in contemporary times. With homes being more compact in size and homeowners opting to maintain their homes personally, low maintenance tends to be a priority and that is where Minimalism gets associated to.

Functionality is a priority when you think Minimalism. Minimalism embraces empty spaces usually keeping décor to a minimal and just the necessary furniture becoming the focal. Minimalism tends to gravitate towards neutral colour palettes from monochromatic black, white, and greys to earthy tones like khaki, browns and creams. In addition, minimalism style tends to choose low maintenance materials to make it easier to upkeep the home.

Minimalism can be seen in two ways – cold and/or simplicity. In one perspective, cold because of the blandness of the space but with the right material choice can still be neatly attractive. Similarly, simplicity because of sparsity yet it is highly practical and makes upkeep a breeze. Either way, it boils down to suiting your way of life.

Maximalism

On the other end of the spectrum enters its vivacious counterpart, Maximalism. Not to be confused with hoarding, Maximalism is more thought-of, even an art form of bringing together a myriad of colours, textures, patterns and accessories together producing an eclectic symphony of design.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash
Maximalism in contrasts to Minimalism looks at ways to make use of as much of space as possible. With a more-is-better perspective, there is a gaudy extravagance about the style much like navigating a museum that possibly holds a story to each and every piece. Maximalism is essentially stories told through interior design. Maximalists gather items and mementos as part of their diary of life and display them throughout their home to reveal an extension of who they are.

Maximalism can sometimes be portrayed as cluttered but with thoughtful orientation of materials and colours, it can be dynamically decadent. On the flip-side, it can be the canvas of reflection that narrates a story of the home dweller’s taste and personality.

Breaking it down, choosing either one of these styles can become a useful starting point for your mood board in order to decide how to move forward in the aesthetic of your next home project or room refresh.