More the better or less is more? Trends change, yet thriving in modern times where maximalism and minimalism coexist is an exciting prospect. Today, there’s more to maximalist and minimalist interior design than meets the eye.
An abundance of colour, pattern, scale, and drama work together to grab an individual's attention and is how maximalism interior design works. In contrast, minimalism captures the essence of elegant design using simple forms, neutral colours, limited materials, and avoiding clutter.
This article helps understand what works for you: Ikea-esque minimalism or loud-and-vibrant maximalism.
Maximalism in Interior Design
Maximalist interiors are hard to miss. Colourful accents, pop or historical elements, ample accessories, rich patterns, textures, and saturated colours are some of the elements in this interior design style.
Maximalism adds a layer of texture, print, colour, and meaning to each room. Interior designers often interpret this as a hyper-personal space, bordering on controlled chaos, especially in their use of pattern and colour and taking cues from the past. Everything from art, décor, and furniture is layered beautifully and strategically.
Think of a contemporary home filled with eclectic elements, such as patterned wallpaper and curtains with animal prints or florals that harmoniously blend with a treasure chest of art and antiques.
Maximalism is all about fearlessness, individuality, and playfulness. If you feel maximalism is for you, here are a few common features that you might like:
1. Extensive, rich colours
Maximalism is about an abundance of colours. However, there's more to bold colour blocking and paint effects - think stripes, textures, larger accessories, pattern clashes in stripes and geometrics.
Related: What Makes Luxury Interior Design Truly Standout?
2. Pattern play
Do you love a riot of colour and pattern? Here are some of the tips that can appeal to the maximalist in you:
Add bold patterns to your living room that can give it a heightened sense of character.
Include more than one pattern by going for figurative patterns with contrasting graphics for a knowing clash. Say, floral sofa with a striped rug.
Use a bold colour for your entryway to make a statement and add personality.
3. Unique statement pieces
The interiors of luxury style homes with maximalism usually contain many items that have been collected over the years or have been brought by their owners from numerous travels.
A lot of family memorabilia and quirky objects make a way in maximalist homes, many of which are unique.
In such an interior, one wouldn't be surprised to see interesting furniture or mirrors in elegant, gold frames or open shelving flaunting pretty pottery or colourful dishware.
4. Boho style decoration
Maximalism will likely appeal to fans of boho style. Boho and minimalism both celebrate excess. You can easily embrace maximalism by embracing a bohemian aesthetic while staying true to your love of print fabric, colour, and beautiful visual elements.
For instance, you can get a velvet sofa, quirky flea market finds, colourful walls, bold wallpapers with clashing patterns, layered textures, and saturated colours to get the desired maximalist bohemian look.
Related: Heard of Shabby Chic Interiors? Here’s All You Need to Know
Minimalism in Interior Design
The minimalist concept is defined by clean lines, reductive design, uncluttered surfaces, monochromatic colour schemes, simplicity, and the philosophy of "less is more".
The concept contrasts with highly decorative styles of the past, such as Abstract Expressionist art. Minimalism is for you if you like simple, uncluttered space, clean lines, thoughtful furniture, and neutral colours.
Minimalist interior design has sometimes been cost-effective eco-friendly and has helped democratise and make good design accessible.
It draws inspiration from modern architecture, mid-century modern design, and Bauhaus architecture. Here are some of the approaches to minimalism that can help you decide if “less is more” resonates with you:
1. Monochrome
A combination of crisp white and jet black is common in minimalist interior design. However, designing a room with a monochromatic colour scheme will allow you to avoid coordinating colours.
To create the illusion of space in an apartment, you can have white-coloured walls and use black as an accent or statement. Moreover, greyish-coloured furniture and decor can also be added to the space.
2. Clean lines
The functionality and practicality of minimalist furniture and accessories are the centrepieces of minimalism. Strong, clean lines and flat surfaces create bold statements that emphasise an item's essential nature.
There aren't any decorative details or highly patterned furnishings. Instead, the emphasis is on the shape and form as much as possible.
3. Essentials and functionality
Light, form, and functional materials are used in minimalist environments to create a sense of relaxation and freedom. There is a minimum of decor.
A few details with uncomplicated functionality is used in the setting, which harmoniously blends with the scene. For instance, you can add a single piece of artwork adorning a wall in the living room or a white vase gracing a dining room table to achieve this.
4. Thoughtful furniture
Make your minimalist interior with thoughtful furniture to forge a well-balanced room. When designing a minimalist home, you should invest in quality minimalist home decor for a simple approach to interior design, and each piece should stand alone.
Consider classic pieces and heirlooms instead of trendy pieces. With minimalist decor, you have a limited space to work with, making each piece you bring in even more exceptional.
5. Neutral colour palette
Clean, light-filled, and open spaces are the principles of minimalist design. Clean, modern details with neutral colour palettes create an atmosphere of calm, attractive and interesting appeal in the minimalist design.
Furthermore, because most rooms contain only necessary items and use neutral colours, the space feels warm and welcoming.
Now that you have a fair idea of minimalist and maximalist interior design and which one you’re in, it’s time to begin renovating if you are planning to do so.
While you are your best designer, we at Hipcouch can assist you in making informed decisions and approaches to the interior design of your dreams.
Hipcouch is a premium interior design brand that helps you make your best home. We take pride in bringing style-forward interiors with our accessible personal service. Reach out to us at contact@hipcouch.com