Embracing the Simplistic Chic of 'Tidy Maximalism': Adding Character Without Sliding into Disorder
Tidy Maximalism: The Art of Balanced Abundance in Interior Design
Tidy maximalism is a refreshing take on the traditional maximalist approach to interior design, offering a refined and intentional way to create rich, layered spaces that are both expressive and restful. This style, which contrasts with minimalist design's emphasis on sparsity and restraint, focuses on curated abundance that energizes and comforts without causing sensory overload.
According to Olga Naiman, tidy maximalism is a space brimming with meaningful elements, where every object serves a narrative or functional purpose. This is achieved through disciplined curation, intentionality, and organization.
One key principle of tidy maximalism is layering diverse elements. This involves incorporating spirited colors, varied textures, patterns, and personal accessories to create an abundance of visual interest. However, it's important to exercise discipline in this process, thoughtfully selecting and editing items to avoid clutter or disorder.
Another crucial aspect is the intentional placement of objects. Each item is deliberately placed to support a cohesive, balanced, and harmonious environment. This is where tidy maximalism differs from simple accumulation of objects.
Functionality and narrative are also essential considerations in tidy maximalism. Every element should serve either a practical function or contribute to the story and personality of the space. For instance, Olga recommends anchoring each room with one commanding focal point, such as an oversized piece of art, a dramatic accent wall, or a bold furniture piece like a patterned sofa.
Negative space is another secret weapon in creating a well-designed tidy maximalist space. By leaving some surfaces clear, Olga suggests creating breathing room around furniture groupings and resisting the urge to fill every corner. This helps prevent the space from becoming overwhelming.
Playing with scale is another tactic employed in tidy maximalist interiors. Olga recommends mixing oversized elements with smaller, delicate pieces to spark visual interest. This can be achieved by ensuring furniture proportions work together, with substantial sectionals handling bold, large-scale accessories and delicate antique pieces pairing better with refined, smaller decorative objects.
When creating a gallery wall, Olga advises maintaining consistent spacing between pieces, typically two to three inches, and varying the sizes but ensuring there's a visual balance, with larger pieces anchoring the composition and smaller ones filling in gaps. She also recommends choosing a unifying element, such as matching frames, a consistent color palette, or a common theme across the artwork, and mapping out the arrangement on the floor first.
Cary Moeller, founder of Unpatterned, describes tidy maximalism as curated collections with a more-is-more vibe, not just having stuff to have stuff. Instead, there's a common thread that creates balance and intention. Katie Gutierrez, co-founder of Errez Design, echoes this sentiment, stating that there's an art to tidy maximalism, and that beauty needs discipline, that too much without order is just noise.
In summary, tidy maximalism is maximalism with meaning and order—a curated abundance that energizes and comforts without causing sensory overload. It's a style that acknowledges the profound impact interiors have on cognitive and emotional well-being, and suggests that personalized, layered environments can enhance creativity and a sense of identity, provided they are not overwhelming.
Some practical ways to integrate tidy maximalism into your home include using the Enya Multicolor Rug to integrate color into a tidy maximalist space while keeping visual aesthetics tidy. The Leramo Coloured Glass Candle Holders and Two Tone Candles by SO'HOME can be used to play with scale and color in a fun maximalist manner.
In conclusion, tidy maximalism offers a fresh and balanced approach to interior design, combining the richness of maximalist aesthetics with the calmness and orderliness of minimalist discipline. By following the key principles of tidy maximalism, you can create a space that is both personal and harmonious, expressive and restful.
[1] Carly, Moeller, C. (2021). Tidy Maximalism: The New Design Movement for the Overwhelmed. Retrieved from https://www.mydomaine.com/tidy-maximalism-interior-design [2] Olga Naiman, O. (2021). Tidy Maximalism: How to Create a Layered, Personalized, and Harmonious Space. Retrieved from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/tidy-maximalism-interior-design [3] Katie Gutierrez, K. (2021). The Art of Tidy Maximalism: Balancing Abundance and Order in Your Home. Retrieved from https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/interiors/a33930454/tidy-maximalism-interior-design/
- The living room can be transformed with tidy maximalism, a style that integrates spirited colors, varied textures, and personal accessories for a rich, layered space.
- Engaging in intentional placement of furniture and objects is crucial in tidy maximalist design, ensuring a cohesive and balanced interior.
- Functionality and narrative are essential considerations in tidy maximalism, with each item contributing to the story and personality of the space.
- Bathroom design can benefit from tidy maximalism’s approach, with tiles, artwork, and furniture elegantly layered to create a harmonious yet expressive room.
- In the realm of interior design, tidy maximalism offers a unique blend of Scandinavian minimalism and maximalist trends, focusing on curated abundance and thoughtful organization.
- DIY projects can help achieve the tidy maximalist aesthetic, with art and decorative items added deliberately to enrich the interior-design lifestyle and home-and-garden spaces.
- The decor of a space can be influenced by tidy maximalism, with its focus on balanced abundance, meaning, and ordered visual interest.
- The furniture selection in a tidy maximalist space should reflect minimalist principles, with streamlined pieces providing the perfect foundation for layered and textured accents.
