Understanding the Differences Between Minimalism and Maximalism in Interior Design
Interior Designer Rebecca Denis explains the difference, and common approaches to create them in your home
When customizing interior design spaces, there are many different ways individuals can put their own unique style and personality into them. But whether you’re a professional interior designer or a homeowner looking to take on their first home renovation project, there are certain design principles that you’ll want to follow.
Although there are many different ways to style a home, many design approaches are broken into one of two categories - either minimalism or maximalism. Understanding the concepts of each approach and how they differ will help you decide on optimal design choices for your custom spaces.
What Does It Mean to Use a Minimalist Design?
A minimalist design places more emphasis on creating simple aesthetic layouts with very clean lines and subtle but impactful elements. One of the most recognizable features of minimalist designs is uncluttered living spaces, with all visible elements having a clear purpose.
The idea behind creating minimalist spaces is to create a more calming atmosphere, mimicking the tranquil settings typically found in settings used for meditation or quiet reflection. To achieve this ambiance, furniture pieces are carefully selected to maximize the space of the room and natural colors and texture are incorporated to provide an open and airy feeling.When you flip through a print publication magazine like Architectural Digest or D Home, you are looking at pictures constructed with editorial pitching and placement at the front of mind.
Minimalism Design Principles
There are several key design principles that come into play when trying to achieve a minimalist interior design. These include:
Less is More: This core principle emphasizes prioritizing only design elements that offer limited distractions or a high amount of function. This ensures everything in the space has an actual purpose and helps avoid unnecessary clutter. Each item should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Quality over Quantity: Minimalism means choosing longer-lasting furniture pieces over having a number of items rarely used or made from poor quality.
Neutral Color Selection: Minimalist spaces often feature a limited amount of neutral colors, such as white, gray, and beige. These colors are less noticeable and help to create a more calming and spacious-looking atmosphere.
Clean Lines and Simple Forms: Furniture and décor with clean lines and simple forms also help to make a space look less cluttered. This helps to reduce stress when walking through rooms and creates a sense of order and organization.
Natural Lighting: Many minimalist designs use open floor plans and ensure ample natural lighting is available.
Types of Minimalism
While many people may think minimalism is just a single style choice with pre-defined parameters to follow, it is actually made up of a variety of different sub-categories, each with its distinct characteristics and influences. Below are some examples of minimalist style choices:
Japanese Minimalism
Japanese minimalism is a design and lifestyle choice Inspired by traditional Japanese cultural influences. In this style, design choices typically use more natural materials like wood and bamboo and incorporate various elements of nature. Interior spaces may also use shoji screens or tatami mats to create a relaxing atmosphere that still exhibits a lot of personality.
Scandinavian Minimalism
Scandinavian minimalism originated from the Nordic countries and is well known for its focus on functionality, simplicity, and use of light. Scandinavian designs often feature lighter wood tones, white walls, and warm textiles to create functional but inviting spaces.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern mimics 20th-century living and uses a combination of materials like wood and leather to highlight more iconic furniture pieces and design aesthetics. While relying on warmer wood tones, mid-century modern designs can also incorporate subtle pops of color when portraying older works of art or when using graphic patterns in textile flooring.
What Does it Mean to Use a Maximalist Design?
Some people may look at minimalism as “old fashioned” or “boring” and want to add more flare and personality to their designs. This is where maximalism shines.
Maximalism is a design philosophy that focuses on making bolder statements and incorporating fearless forms of self-expression in various rooms and living spaces. If a minimalist design philosophy is grounded in the principle that “less is more,” maximalism shifts the narrative to “more is more.”
Maximalist designs have fewer rules to follow and make full use of available living space to fill it with a certain level of “organized chaos” that keeps it highly engaging and enjoyable to be in.
Maximalist Design Principles
Below are some of the common approaches to creating maximalist interior designs:
Embracing Bold Colors and Patterns: Maximalism encourages the use of vibrant colors and a mix of patterns to help create a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. Designers are encouraged to experiment with contrasting hues and bold aesthetic combinations.
Applying Design Layers: Layering different textures, patterns, and styles adds more depth and visual interest to a maximalist space. Bringing together contrasting elements, such as vintage and modern furniture pieces, creates a much more impactful experience.
Showcasing Personal Collections: Maximalism provides the perfect opportunity to display personal collections or unique items collected over the years. These items add personality and tell a story while adding unique character to spaces.
Types of Maximalism
Just like minimalism, maximalism had different sub-categories, each with its distinct characteristics and influences. Some of these include:
Grandmillennial
Grandmillennial designs draw inspiration from traditional design elements and often use floral pattern arrangements, medium-weight cotton fabrics, and antique furniture in rooms and living spaces. This creates an added sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Hollywood Regency
Hollywood Regency is a collection of design concepts inspired by the home interiors commonly found in Hollywood's “Golden Age.” These styles use more luxurious materials like velvet or silk, as well as higher-end accent materials like metal, to present bold centerpieces, commonly using a collection of geometric patterns.
Bohemian
Bohemian maximalism embraces a more free-spirited and eclectic aesthetic and uses a wider range of global influences. It commonly uses bright colors and a large range of different textiles and patterns in designs. Bohemian maximalisms also tend to feature more natural elements like plants or macrame to create a more “homely” feel.
Choose the Design Options That Speak to You
While minimalism and maximalism are two very different approaches to interior design, there is no right or wrong when choosing a style that’s right for you. By taking the time to consider your lifestyle and what speaks to you, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and a true reflection of who you are as a designer.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Denis, Head of Design at Revive Real Estate, is an accomplished and highly creative interior designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. With a passion for transforming spaces and a keen eye for detail, she has successfully completed numerous projects ranging from commercial spaces to custom show homes.
