Decorating & Design
Design Debate: Are You A Minimalist Or Maximalist At Heart?
Published on August 6, 2021
When you think of the home of your dreams, is it a clutter-free sanctuary filled with neutrals or is it swathed in washes of saturated color and “notice me” pattern? We put some of our favorite minimalist and maximalist spaces head to head to see which end of the design spectrum reigns supreme. Scroll down to vote, and let us know in the comments below: are you “less is more” or “more is more?”
Minimalist Entryway
In this renovated Tudor-style home in West Vancouver, the floating staircase and front door are clad in light wood to create a calm vibe as soon as you walk through the door.
Maximalist Entryway
This bold entryway may only be three by three feet, but that didn’t stop Cynthia Ferguson from taking the plunge with a cherry red color (Lyons Red (CC-68) by Benjamin Moore to be exact), spiky pendant and lush wallpaper.
Minimalist Staircase
“We really wanted the bench, the stairs and the wardrobe to read as a whole,” says Aránzazu González Bernardo, principal designer of Odami, of this eye-catching entryway. A soft peach shade on the wall and runner draw the eye to the upstairs.
Maximalist Staircase
Treat leopard print like a neutral, like designer Erin Gates did with this wild runner. She also layered the traditional stairwell with an eclectic array of artwork.
Minimalist Living Room
The secret to adding interest to a pared-back palette? Texture! Panelling on the walls, a wood-clad ceiling and a mix of upholstery keep this summer seating area from falling flat.
Maximalist Living Room
Designer James Davie is no stranger to the more-is-more mentality: a teal sofa in a faux-bois fabric, pops of purple and vintage German botanical charts make a memorable first impression.
Minimalist Kitchen
Sleek, white kitchens are popular for a reason — they feel bright and clean, and when maxed out with storage, are hardworking, too. Opt for contrasting elements, like gilt hardware and faucets or black stools to keep things feeling fresh.
Maximalist Kitchen
A black and white buffalo check roman blind tie in the moody appliances and dark stool without taking away from the star of the show: the fairytale-like Zoffany wallpaper mural.
Minimalist Breakfast Nook
A cozy banquette turns into a major design moment with a black and white photo of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. A simple pot of succulents is all that’s needed for the tabletop.
Maximalist Breakfast Nook
In PMQ for Two blogger Ariel’s kitchen, walls are adorned with Hygee & West’s Copper Peonies wallpaper. She created a cozy banquette with turquoise paint, yellow Sunbrella fabric and hot red chairs.
Minimalist Dining Room
To keep this bright and airy dining room from feeling too sparse, homeowners Arounna Khounnoraj and John Booth added large windows and folding doors for a steady stream of natural sunlight.
Maximalist Dining Room
This whimsical dining room is a true snapshot of Colette van den Thillart’s design style — playful and impactful. She wrapped the entire room in a velvet mineral wallpaper, trimmed her end chairs with fringe and topped the look off with a plaster chandelier from London. “I like a bit of drama,” she says.
Minimalist Home Office
“It’s the brightest, happiest room in the house,” says designer Chad Falkenberg says of this modern home office. Touches of wood, a sleek light fixture and black-framed windows add warmth and interest to the sleek space.
Maximalist Home Office
What better place for inspiration to strike than this personality-packed office! The custom-made desk, finished with a collage of bookbinding paper, inspired the color scheme.
Minimalist Powder Room
In this petite powder room, a wall-mounted basin by Agape is reminiscent of the past yet feels quite modern. To offset the darker tones, hand-glazed subway tiles keeps things light and bright.
Maximalist Powder Room
Designer Ali Budd turned this compact powder room into a maximalist dream with a pink onyx sink, leopard-print mirror and mesmerizing floral wallpaper.
Minimalist Laundry Room
What would a family home be without a tidy laundry room? It makes folding and ironing a breeze. Plus, the muted palette promotes a sense of calm.
Maximalist Laundry Room
Prefer your laundry room to have some pizzazz? An apple green backsplash, bench and colorful runner do the trick. “The cabinets are serious, tall and masculine, so they need a hit of freshness, and an indoor-outdoor rug is great for busy entrances,” says Cynthia.
Minimalist Bedroom
This cozy cottage bedroom finds the perfect balance between pristine minimalism and lived-in comfort. The all-white palette and relaxed bedding encourages a good night’s sleep.
Maximalist Bedroom
Cynthia will have no trouble falling asleep in her memorable bedroom. Black walls highlight her home’s beautiful architectural detailing, while patterned drapery, headboard fabric and wallpaper on the ceiling add whimsy.
Minimalist Bathroom
There is something so simple and serene about Japanese design. In Mjölk owner’s John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker’s former country home, a custom-made soaked tub made out of hinoki cypress is minimalism at its finest.
Maximalist Bathroom
Dreamy Bagatelle Panel wallpaper from Christian Lacroix and rich emerald green tile in the shower are major wow-factors in this whimsical bathroom. “Bathrooms are so often shades of white, but I think that color is invigorating, inspirational and brings warmth and joy,” says designer Cecilia Casagrande.
Minimalist Nursery
Homeowner Haley Atkins hangs out with her two-year-old son, Jax, in his treehouse-like nursery. There’s no need to pile on the accessories when you have a view this gorgeous! Keep it simple.
Maximalist Nursery
California-cool style reigns supreme in this pattern-filled nursery! Small updates like a handwoven macramé drum light and rattan rocking chair inject a breezy vibe, even if you’re miles from the coast.
Minimalist Kid’s Bedroom
At first glance, it’s hard to tell this is a children’s bedroom (the brick wall screams New York brownstone sophistication), but treasured stuffies and playful touches keep the neutral space feeling youthful.
Maximalist Kid’s Bedroom
Playful wallpaper injects color into this sweet bedroom, while custom built-ins in a mix of simple white and blond wood feel fresh with a collection of colorful books and stuffed animals.