Many people are minimalists these days. They want to live a life that has less clutter and more simplicity in it. Some minimalists have even gone so far as to get rid of their most prized possessions in order to simplify their lives even further! On the other hand, maximalists tend to choose flashy designs with lots of color schemes and patterns on them - they like having everything around them be bright, bold, and eye-catching. Both of these styles have waxed and waned in popularity, but remain strong aesthetics to this day.
So, what are minimalism and maximalism?
Minimalism is a design style that focuses on using clean lines, simple shapes, and muted colors. It usually features an open floor plan with furniture that is multi-functional and can be easily moved around. This type of design gives the illusion of more space. Maximalism, on the other hand, is a design style that uses lots of different patterns and bright colors. It features heavy furniture and many accessories. This type of design usually feels very busy and cluttered.
Which design style should you choose for your home?
Well, it depends on what you want out of your space. Minimalism is great for minimalists who want to declutter their lives, but it can make your home look barren and not lived in. Some enjoy that look, the illusion of cleanliness and order. Maximalism is best if you like having lots of color around the house and enjoy being able to surround yourself with things that make you happy. It can appear overwhelming to some, with a thin line between hoarder or treasure trove.
How to Decorate in These Styles
Minimalism:
For sofas in a minimalist style, absolutely no patterns. All upholstery should be in solid shades. The same goes for the walls and flooring in minimalism - any patterns will clash with minimalistic furniture.
The Wallace Sofa in Peyton Chocolate by Couch Potatoes. A solid shade, and its simple lines and clean design are minimalistic.
Multi-functional sofas, like pull-out couches and sectional sofas, are functional and don't take up space.
Keep your minimalistic space clean and clear by storing used or unused items in storage cabinets. Minimalists tend to have a lot of open floor plans, which can be decorated with rugs that are simple but eye-catching - no colors should clash!
Minimalist spaces aren't for overly decorative lamps; instead, go for minimalism-inspired lamps that have a sleek design and one or two colors.
Floor Lamp by Signature Design by Ashley. This lamp's sleek and simple design is perfect for a minimalist home.
Maximalism:
Maximalists have the complete opposite problem of minimalists - they have too much stuff! The key to decorating in maximalism is to edit down your accessories, choosing only your favorite pieces.
The Ladybird Reversible Chaise Sofa in Bella Peacock. This sofa is a bright color, and a blank canvas to decorate with funky pillows.
Use bright colors on walls and furniture. Maximalist spaces tend to be more brightly colored than minimalism. Try using vibrant reds, yellows, and blues for your walls! Choose furniture that is large, like sectional couches or dining tables with big leaf extensions.
Maximalist designs often feature lots of patterns on their walls - try making a patterned wall mural in a minimalism-inspired style. You might also want to consider hanging mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
Accent Mirror by Signature Design by Ashley. The irregular shape and texture would fit in well with the maximalist mix of accessories.
Maximalist spaces are best for accessories like lamps and tables, as well as decorative pieces in general. They're also good if you have a lot of large photos that you want to display on your walls - minimalists will shy away from them because they do tend to compete with each other when placed too close together.
In the end, it all comes down to what you want your home to look and feel like. If minimalism is too sparse for you, maximalism might be a good choice - or vice versa. Just make sure that whatever style you choose, you edit down your accessories so that it's not too cluttered, but instead a cohesive look.
The Furniture Mall is filled with furniture that can fit into either category. We have both minimalist and maximalist pieces that you can look through to find the best fit for your home.
Written by Emily Holleran