By Rania Dawud

Minimalism and maximalism are often terms used in reference to décor and interior design, however, they really encapsulate an entire lifestyle. We tend to fall into either the minimalist or the maximalist category, or are at least closer to one or the other on the spectrum. However, this isn’t as simple as being neat versus messy. 

In fact, it isn’t related to mess at all. 

Minimalism is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, empty spaces and neutral colours. It follows the philosophy of “less is more,” and with this simplicity, the most important items are the centre of focus. This way, minimalism allows for flexibility and versatility with its appearance and character. 

Minimalism tries to embrace living with only the bare essentials, there is an emphasis on purpose and intention. Any expendable element is eliminated. The issue with this though is that extreme neatness can result in feelings of guilt when buying or owning any items deemed “unessential.” Trying so hard to maintain a minimalist lifestyle can be restrictive and might trigger an obsession with upholding a tidy setting. 

On the other hand, a common misconception about maximalism is that it tends to encourage consumerism and buying things you might not need, just for the sake of creating an exciting environment around you. Despite its excessiveness, a maximalist approach is about convenience, with anything that one might need being available and at the ready. This approach is more spontaneous and indulgent, and the creative energy from a maximalist space could be motivating or inspiring for some. 

Though an extreme approach may lead to that point, maximalism is defined by a busier aesthetic. It’s more colourful and cluttered, although the clutter does not have to be useless and overwhelming; it’s about bold patterns and lush designs. A maximalist room would also be filled with history, representing the evolution of a space by the artifacts accumulated over different stages of someone’s life. 

As with everything, an ideal tends to lie in balance. Despite levitating towards one or the other, the reality is that many of us will probably fall somewhere in between both, especially when living with others as it can be difficult to maintain the ideal minimalist space with zero-clutter or the calculated chaos of a maximalist room. 

What about you? Do you have a maximalist or a minimalist approach?