The minimalism movement is rooted in the less is more philosophy, which originated in the visual arts scene of 1960s America. It has since crossed over to other areas like music, literature, fashion, and even interior design, the latter two seemingly resonating with the "living with less" ethos of the Millennial and Gen Z crowd.
Maximalism is its opposite and came to the fore as a reaction to minimalism’s spareness. Whereas minimalism's conviction lies in reducing a thing down to its barest essentials, maximalism stands for the idea that more is more.
If you, like countless of others during quarantine, have started playing around with your home's mood and theme, then we recommend you take a leaf out of maximalism’s book and incorporate some vibrance, prints, and patterns in your personal space.
Pop of Color
Maximalism doesn't necessarily mean messy or excess; it's all about personalization, incorporating your own style, and breaking a few rules here and there. Consider having pops of color in your personal space, like a bright yellow lamp to break the monotony of an all-white desk or an orange sofa against a neutral wall.
Busy Prints and Patterns
Don’t be afraid to use busy patterns and prints. The rule that you should never mix prints was never a rule to begin with, so feel free to experiment with printed wallpapers, floral curtains, and leopard or tiger-print throw pillowcases in your home.
Mismatched Furniture
Play around with styles when it comes to your furniture. For your dining setup, for example, why not integrate chairs of different textures or colors and use mismatched plates and bowls for your ware?
Deck Your Walls
Your wall is your canvas, so don’t be afraid to go crazy. Hang vintage tapestries and eclectic wall hangings, vintage posters, framed pressed flowers, artworks, old records, and photographs. The possibilities are endless!
Go Granny Chic and Consider Vintage
Think of your grandmother and her wall-to-floor collection of cherub figurines, her mantel brimming with framed pictures of her grandchildren (including you), her rattan and seashell decors, or perhaps the gilded mirror in her bathroom. Chances are, you’ll only find some of these in a thrift shop. Next time, get your hands dusty and scour the thrift stores near you, you might just come home with an ornament or two that’ll give your space that vintage flair.
Customize Your Bookshelf
If you’re a booklover and found yourself pressured to throw your books away at the height of the KonMari decluttering trend, know that you actually do not have to get rid of any of them if they spark joy. In fact, show off your vast collection of books by investing in a sturdy shelf and make your bookshelf the centerpiece and conversation piece of your living room.
Plants and More Plants
We’ve seen the rise of plant enthusiasts amid the pandemic; perhaps this is because plants can brighten up any room and space. Apart from wild and eclectic prints and furniture, consider incorporating a myriad of plants in your home, both potted and hanging, big and small.
