Minimalism vs. maximalism: Finding your perfect balance

Minimalism vs. maximalism: Finding your perfect balance

Our homes, our wardrobes, our lives – they all reflect our personal aesthetic and values. In the realm of design and lifestyle, two contrasting philosophies have captured our attention; minimalism and maximalism. One champions simplicity and clean lines, while the other embraces abundance and vibrant expression. But which one is right for you? The answer, like most things in life, lies in finding your own perfect balance.

Minimalism: The art of less

Minimalism promotes a lifestyle focused on intentionality and functionality. It’s about decluttering your physical and mental space, embracing simplicity and prioritising experiences over possessions. Think clean lines, neutral palettes and a curated selection of meaningful items.

Benefits of Minimalism:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Less clutter, less overwhelm.
  • Increased focus and productivity: A clear environment fosters a clear mind.
  • Financial freedom: Fewer purchases, more savings.
  • Enhanced creativity: A blank canvas for inspiration.

Maximalism: The joy of more

Maximalism, on the other hand, is a celebration of abundance, colour and personality. It encourages layering textures, patterns and objects to create a rich and stimulating environment. Think eclectic collections, vibrant hues and a fearless approach to design.

Benefits of Maximalism:

  • Expressive and personalised: Reflecting your unique style and interests.
  • Stimulating and joyful: A vibrant and uplifting environment.
  • Comfort and nostalgia: Surrounding yourself with cherished objects.
  • Conversation starter: A space that invites interaction and engagement.

Finding your sweet spot: The power of balance

While minimalism and maximalism may seem diametrically opposed, the truth is that most of us reside somewhere in between. The key is to acknowledge your preferences and find a style that truly resonates with you.

Here’s how to strike your perfect balance:

  • Identify your core values: Are you drawn to tranquillity and simplicity, or energy and excitement?
  • Consider your lifestyle: Is your home a sanctuary for relaxation or a hub for entertaining?
  • Embrace a hybrid approach: Incorporate elements of both styles. For example, a minimalist foundation with pops of maximalist colour or texture.
  • Prioritise functionality: Ensure your space remains practical and comfortable, regardless of your aesthetic.
  • Curate thoughtfully: Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist, choose items that truly spark joy and serve a purpose.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one that makes you feel happiest and most at home. Don’t feel confined by labels or trends. Experiment, explore and create a space that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle. Whether your haven is a serene sanctuary or a vibrant explosion of colour, embrace your individuality and find your perfect balance between minimalism and maximalism.

7 ways to give your home a minimalist makeover

7 ways to give your home a minimalist makeover

The minimalist style is fashionable in-home décor trend. It gives a home a clean and organised look that makes a space relaxing to be in. You don’t need to try too hard or make any substantial changes to give your home a minimalist makeover. Here are 7 things you can do to make going minimal simpler.

Clear your clutter

The minimalist style is all about clean lines and tidy spaces. You need a place for everything and everything to be in its place.

Consider storage options for furniture that doesn’t fit the style or space. Expert storage solution providers such as Stored Away can keep your old furniture out of the way until you decide what to do with it. You could always bring it back later if you change styles again.

Mute your colour palette

Bright and bold colours won’t work well if you’re going for a minimalist look. Tone down feature walls by repainting or papering them in muted, natural shades.

Stone and sand colours are perfect. Accent them with deep browns where appropriate. This makes a minimal room feel warmer.

Add minimalist art to your walls

If you do want some colour in your space, you should introduce it via art on the walls. Prints by artists such as Mark Rothko and Bridget Riley have a very minimalist style but will often use strong colours or patterns.

Monochrome prints look good in minimal spaces. Black and white photographs can help create an atmosphere. Use them to define spaces. Hang a painting of a still life with food above your dining table, for example.

Use textures to warm things up

The clean and clinical look of the minimalist style can make a living space seem cold and uninviting. Style is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort.

Clever use of materials can make a room a warmer, friendlier place. Balancing a living room’s crisp lines and muted colours with a soft and comfy suede sofa or fluffy cushions works well.

Make the most of natural light

Fussy curtains and blinds don’t suit the minimalist style. Letting in the light helps the natural colour tones bounce light around a room. This makes a space seem larger and airier.

The downside is a lack of privacy. Use sheer, monochrome curtains to cover windows if you must. This will still let a lot of light into your interior without compromising on the simplicity.

Pick quality accessories

The minimalist style makes furnishings and household objects stand out. Bear this in mind when picking out accessories like lamps or wall art.

This is an opportunity to focus on quality. You want to keep the level of clutter down so you have a little extra to spend on the few things you need. Use what you have available to buy a few, high-quality things.

Find a place for pattern

Floor rugs and sofa cushions are good candidates for introducing pattern into a space. Use them to add some contrasting colours to accent the minimalist shades in your living room.

Simple geometric patterns suit minimalism. Try to avoid complex patterns of many colours. These can seem a little chaotic in an ordered, minimalist space. Messy patterns spoil the vibe.

Try a few of these simple tips to get a more minimal look in your home. They make it easy to give your interior a modern, stylish makeover.

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Get their look: Minimalist plywood kitchen

Minimalist plywood kitchencredit

This minimalist plywood kitchen is located in a historic 19th century apartment building in north-western Romania.

The owner, Lavinia Onit, an architect, lives here with her partner and pet dog. They designed and made the birch plywood kitchen themselves. In an Apartment Therapy feature she describes the style as, “Neutral, simple, Scandinavian-inspired”.

I love the idea of the uniformly drilled holes on the splash-back. You’re able to insert different lengths of wooden dowel, in any number of permutations, to create shelf space or to hang kitchen utensils and other tools.

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Semi-sheer pencil pleat white curtain
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Black pull-down spray kitchen tap
Wooden dowel rods
Wooden dowel rods
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Handmade Baltic birch plywood kitchen doors
Basic ceiling pendant light
Basic ceiling pendant light

Get their look: Stunning minimalist kitchen

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia (@hannahbeaumontlaurencia)

This stunning minimalist kitchen wouldn’t be out of place in a chi-chi apartment in France or Italy. It’s, in fact, much closer to home. Manchester actually – in the sought after suburb of Didsbury. Who needs Paris or Milan?

The polished concrete floor, resembling luxurious granite or marble, is pretty amazing, isn’t it? As is the rather opulent candelabra dangling from the lovely high ceiling. Décor is kept simple and subtle with layers of calm, neutral tones. A whole host of metallics are evident too – steel, copper and brass. They all work really well together.

Cramped, cluttered kitchen this ain’t; there’s so much light and space. What a wonderful place to set about preparing meals or gathering to socialise.

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Aēsop Reverence duet
Aēsop Reverence duet
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
Shaw’s double bowl sink
Shaw’s double bowl sink
La Chamba black clay pot
La Chamba black clay pot
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Lacanche Cluny range cooker
Lacanche Cluny range cooker
Aēsop Reverence duet
Aēsop Reverence duet
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
Shaw’s double bowl sink
Shaw’s double bowl sink
La Chamba black clay pot
La Chamba black clay pot
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Lacanche Cluny range cooker
Lacanche Cluny range cooker
Aēsop Reverence duet
Aēsop Reverence duet
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
deVOL aged brass ‘Ionian’ tap
Shaw’s double bowl sink
Shaw’s double bowl sink
La Chamba black clay pot
La Chamba black clay pot
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Michael’s range legumiera con coperchio
Lacanche Cluny range cooker
Lacanche Cluny range cooker