Embracing the Simplistic Elegance of 'Tidy Maximalism' as my Interior Decor Preference - Strategy to Infuse Individuality without Slipping into Disarray and Mess
In the world of interior design, a new aesthetic is gaining popularity – tidy maximalism. This style, a refined version of maximalism, balances abundance and personality with order and functionality. Unlike chaotic clutter, tidy maximalism embraces a "more is more" philosophy through thoughtful layering of colors, patterns, textures, and objects, while maintaining visual flow and practical use of space.
The key principles of tidy maximalism include intentional curation, layering and abundance, balance between expression and functionality, emotional and psychological impact, and blending high and low, old and new.
Intentional curation involves selecting items with purpose and care rather than random accumulation, aiming for a harmonious mix that tells a personal story. Layering and abundance use bold colors, rich textures, and layered patterns to create visually stimulating spaces that express individuality and energy.
Balance between expression and functionality ensures that despite the abundance, the space remains practical and inviting, avoiding disorder or sensory overload. Emotional and psychological impact applies elements like "dopamine decor," which uses color and texture to evoke joy and positive feelings, recognizing the influence of surroundings on mood and well-being.
Blending high and low, old and new involves mixing eclectic and sometimes nostalgic or kitschy items in a way that feels deliberately curated and authentic.
Olga Naiman, a design expert, defines tidy maximalism as a space brimming with meaningful elements, where every object serves a narrative or functional purpose, arranged with precision to foster harmony and flow. To tame a gallery wall and prevent it from looking cluttered, Olga suggests choosing a unifying element, mapping out the arrangement on the floor first, maintaining consistent spacing between pieces, and considering the wall as a single art installation rather than a collection of individual pieces.
Negative space is the secret weapon to a well-designed tidy maximalist space, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. Leaving some surfaces clear, allowing breathing room around furniture groupings, and resisting the urge to fill every corner creates negative space. Olga suggests thinking of negative space as a visual palate cleanser that allows the eye to rest and appreciate the carefully curated elements.
Playing with scale in interiors sparks visual interest and keeps a room from feeling flat or monotonous. Olga recommends anchoring each room with one commanding focal point that draws the eye immediately, such as an oversized piece of art, a dramatic accent wall, or a bold furniture piece like a patterned sofa.
The Leramo Coloured Glass Candle Holders come in a set of 3 and can be paired with Two Tone Candles by SO'HOME to play with scale and color in a maximalist manner. The Enya Multicolor Rug keeps visual aesthetic tidy while dressing the space in color.
Tidy maximalism stands in contrast to minimalist interior design, offering a framework for abundance that is thoughtfully curated. It's a style that enhances creativity and a sense of identity, provided it is not overwhelming. Katie Gutierrez, co-founder of Errez Design, notes that there's an art to tidy maximalism, and it requires discipline, curation, and editing. Cary Moeller, founder of Unpatterned, describes tidy maximalism as curated collections with a more-is-more vibe, where there's a common thread that creates balance and intention.
In conclusion, tidy maximalism is maximalism refined through mindful selection and arrangement, enhancing both visual richness and livability in interior spaces. It contrasts with minimalism’s "less is more" by embracing abundance but with order and intention rather than clutter or chaos.
- In the realm of interior design, a new trend named tidy maximalism is garnering attention, offering a balanced approach between abundance and personality, while maintaining visual flow and functionality.
- Olga Naiman, a design expert, describes tidy maximalism as a space filled with meaningful elements, where each object plays a narrative or functional role, carefully arranged for harmony and flow.
- Intentional curation is a key principle of tidy maximalism, which involves carefully selecting items with purpose, promoting a harmonious blend of colors, patterns, textures, and objects that tell a personal story.
- Expert Olga Naiman suggests organizing a gallery wall in a tidy maximalist fashion by choosing a unifying element, mapping out the arrangement on the floor beforehand, maintaining consistent spacing between pieces, and regarding the wall as a single art installation.
- Negative space is paramount in a well-designed tidy maximalist space, as it prevents the area from appearing overwhelming by leaving some surfaces clear and providing breathing room around furniture.
- To add visual interest to interiors, Olga suggests anchoring each room with a commanding focal point that immediately captures the eye, such as an oversized artwork, a bold accent wall, or a dramatic furniture piece.
- The Leramo Coloured Glass Candle Holders, paired with Two Tone Candles by SO'HOME, can be used to play with scale and color in a maximalist manner, contributing to the tidy visual aesthetic.
- Enya Multicolor Rug provides color while maintaining tidiness in a tidy maximalist space, demonstrating how this design style enhances both visual richness and livability in interior spaces, contrasting the minimalist approach of "less is more."
