Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
Minimalism-Maximalism Shminimalism-Schmackamilism
Just like hemlines and politics, design trends tend to swing from one extreme to the other. We’ve been in an extended period of minimalism—great for business and for my profession in general, but, as I’ve confessed before, I’m no minimalist.
But am I a maximalist? After years of looking at white, modern rooms, my eye is delighted by the colors and layers in the maximalist rooms I see in design magazines, but in reality, I’m neither. I’m a realist.
Just as there are challenges to living in minimalist-style homes (where the slightest bit of clutter destroys the whole effect), there are some definite pitfalls to maximalism. Maximalism means more: more objects to dust, more drapery and throw pillows to clean, more stuff covering your surfaces, for no other reason that to have more. Personally, I like the middle road. I have my grandmother’s furniture, which is neither modern nor white, and I have a lot of books, so the decor isn’t minimal. Still, I like my surfaces clear. I want my side and coffee tables clear and everything easy to clean. Maybe a designer would want me to make a stronger choice. But merging my preference for character-rich inherited furniture with my instinct toward order has resulted in an apartment that is personal and unique. It isn’t always perfect, but it is distinctly home, and that is something you can’t get out of a design magazine.
So don’t be swayed by the latest trend: Remember that the pendulum will swing again, and you’ll just feel the need to start over. Steer your own course, choose things you love, and you might just end up with a style that reflects you and not the latest magazine.