For many homeowners, being able to customize the look and feel of their property is the perfect way to express who they are as a person. It lets you express certain emotions and create a space that’s warm, inviting, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
However, while interior design choices might just seem to be a collection of random elements, most of the time, these changes fit into one of two design categories – minimalism or maximalism.
To decide on which option speaks to you personally, it’s important to understand the principles of each concept and how they can be applied in home design projects.
What is a Minimalist Design Concept?
Minimalism is all about presenting spaces as cleanly and as organized as possible. It typically involves the use of straight lines and removing as much unnecessary clutter from rooms as possible.
However, minimalism isn’t just about living in an empty room. Instead, everything in a space has an actual purpose or function – things are not just left in the space for the looks they provide.
Core Minimalism Principles
- Focus on What’s Essential – While it can be fun to add unique style options to a space, minimalism, as the name suggests, is all about “less is more.” This means refraining from adding elements into a space unless they serve a real purpose and are necessary additions.
- Invest in Quality Furniture – Since minimalist design concepts are all about function, the furniture items you choose for the space should be of higher quality and built to last. Instead of picking trendy pieces because of their looks, you’ll be incorporating useful items that don’t need to be recycled or replaced too often.
- Use a Restricted Color Palette – Minimalist spaces typically don’t use “loud” or distracting color palettes. Instead, they feature more neutral colors like white, grey, or eggshell. This also applies to artwork choices or other design elements.
- Incorporate Simple Shapes – To help create a more serene space, it’s important to limit distracting furniture or centerpieces that have odd shapes and sizes. Minimalist designs focus on shapes with clean lines and basic forms at all times.
- Let More Natural Light In – Natural lighting is an important element of minimalism. It helps you avoid the need to add too many artificial lighting sources, like extra floor or table lamps, that add to cluttering a space.
Common Minimalism Formats
While minimalism may seem highly restrictive, there are actually many different formats that can be used to incorporate the design concept with your own unique personality and tastes. A couple of these formats include:
Japanese Minimalism
Japanese minimalism focuses on interior design choices inspired by traditional Japanese cultures and ways of living. Some of the common elements that support this design format include the use of natural materials like wood and bamboo, as well as adding shoji screens and tatami mats.
Scandinavian Minimalism
Scandinavian minimalism, also referred to as “Scandi,” originated in Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark. The idea behind this design format is to make smart use of natural light while presenting highly practical and clean elements. This includes using lighter shades of wood placed against white walls and backgrounds to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What is a Maximalist Design Concept?
For some people, minimalistic designs don’t give them the freedom to truly express who they are. Maximalism flips the script on the “less is more” concept and opens the doors for individuals to incorporate much more expressive design choices or take on more unique custom home remodeling projects.
The foundational concept of maximalism is about expressing more confidence in the design decisions you make, allowing you to incorporate bold visual statements without feeling like you have to “paint within the lines.”
Core Maximalist Design Principles
- Bold Colors and Patterns – Maximalist design concepts use bright, bold colors and contrasting patterns to create a large visual impact. Rather than using muted or neutral design choices, maximalism leverages colors and shapes to make spaces feel more energetic and alive.
- Layered Designs – Maximilasm gives individuals the freedom to explore uncommon design choices, especially those that use a variety of layers. This includes combining different textures, colors, patterns, older items, and newer items altogether into one unique combination of styles.
- Unique Personal Collections – For individuals who want to display their personal collection of antiques or souvenirs, maximalist design formats are a great choice. Maximalism provides individuals with the freedom to display these pieces in a variety of different ways throughout a space to help tell a personal story or inject a unique element of charm that can’t be found in other homes.
Common Maximalism Formats
Just like with minimalism, there are several different ways individuals can express maximalism in their design choices. Below are a few commonly used maximal design formats:
Grandmillennial
Grandmillennial design elements focus on creating a cozy and elegant interior design while also incorporating elements of romance. This is achieved by bringing in floral patterns on the walls and furniture, using brighter fabrics and wall colors, and incorporating older, timeless furniture pieces.
Hollywood Regency
Hollywood Regency is a fun and highly unique way to build a space that people regularly talk about. It’s designed to provide a wow factor, pulling different design elements commonly seen in classic movie sets and resembling classic Hollywood scenes. For individuals wanting to make a bold statement in their design choices, Hollywood Regency is a great style choice to incorporate.
Make Interior Design Choices That Resonate With You
The great thing about renovating your home is that there are so many different ways you can express who you are through your interior design choices. While minimalist and maximalist design options both have their own structure, there are plenty of ways you can make each option personal to you.
Regardless of which design choices you make, take the time to explore options that let you create a space that resonates with you and helps you feel relaxed and welcomed in every room of your home.
Rebecca Denis
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.
