Are You a Minimalist or a Maximalist?

Michael's photos: My photos should just be insets to illustrate a part of what I'm talking about in the article. Dominant photo should be one of the green velvet sofa photos. A few months ago, my friend Gary and I were talking about our personal style when it comes to our homes. He noted that I like a minimalist, sleek look with my Ikea sofa and mid-century style chairs while he likes the more traditional farmhouse style. While I agree that I certainly like some clean lines and deco style, I also am all about adding some flair and unexpectedly dramatic elements to my rooms. Truth be told, I'd like to consider myself a maximalist minimalist! Styles come and go over the years and for the last decade or so, minimalism has been front and center. Neutral colors, lots of light, open spaces with fewer furnishings. The term "minimalism" started out as a descriptor of an art style but then took on the broader meaning of shedding excess and creating peaceful spaces. The concept of maximalism at first may seem to be the opposite of minimalism in that it's about loud, bold and sometimes packed-with-objects style. Think gallery walls with a myriad of art and photos, an overstuffed couch with tons of pillows and throws, layered rugs on top of each other and lots and lots of decorative items all around. Recently I've been noticing articles and photo layouts that claim minimalism is dead. It's yesterday's trend. However, people do really like an uncluttered, peaceful space to be in. Some would say minimalist style is too cold and sterile and aren't we just a little bit tired of off-white walls and beige carpets? Enter the new phrase "Minimalism is Maximalism." What it really means is that while you can embrace a spare, open home style you also might need to maximalize it with items that really reflect who you are. My Ikea sofa and mid-century style chairs are accompanied by a massive, ornate gilded mirror over the fireplace. I brought it with me from the big old Victorian I used to own. Right underneath it, on the mantle, is a framed black and white photo of my two pseudo sons and my niece all as young children sitting in formal attire on a velvet settee in front of that mirror. While that mirror is undeniably beautiful and striking, it also has a lot of meaning for me. It's now a part of the fabric of my life. While it totally fit in the maximalist style of that old Victorian mansion, it's like a big, gilded kiss in my funky, low-key living room in Dublin. If you're still keen on the less is more concept, embrace it! Let that sun stream in your curtain-free windows, appreciate the sun in big swaths on your mostly open, hardwood floors but then be sure to add a little color, a little visual interest. Whether it be some over-the top antique floor lamp, a colorful quilt handed down from your grandmother or an ornate side chair upholstered in a rich, colorful tapestry. Curate these types of items that fit your personality and actually mean something to you. That's maximalizing your minimalist style. Interestingly, there's another new design term I hadn't heard of before: Grandmillenial style. According to "Grandmillenial Style: What It Is and How to Achieve It" at www.woodgrain.com, it's also known as "granny-chic." Writer Emma Bazilian coined the term as people in their 20s to late 30s who embrace what many would find outdated. Think Laura Ashley prints, floral wallpaper, lace, old china patterns, etc. All the while, though, they may also include good old industrial style elements for a bit of a juxtaposition to the chintz. Sounds pretty funky to me! For now, though, I'll stick with my soothing simplicity that's still accented with a bit of drama.