If you’ve found yourself uninterested in the extremes of maximalism or minimalism, you’re not alone. Maximalism can feel chaotic, filled with excess, while minimalism, with its stark simplicity, sometimes lacks warmth and character. Enter midimalism; a balanced, accessible style that’s the happy medium between these two design philosophies. This interior design approach offers a blend of curated warmth and practical simplicity, resulting in homes that feel intentional, functional, and personal without going to extremes.
What is Midimalism?
Midimalism – also known as middlemalism – is about embracing moderation. It’s for those who appreciate a lived-in space but still want it to feel calm and cohesive. Unlike maximalism, where “more is more,” or minimalism, where “less is more,” midimalism finds comfort in “just enough.” The style incorporates elements from both sides, with a focus on balance, practicality, and personalisation.
In a middlemalist space, you’ll find the comfort and personality of a maximalist’s home but without overwhelming the senses. Similarly, the clean lines and intentional design choices of a minimalist space are present, but there’s room for warmth, texture, and meaningful décor.
Core Principles of Midimalism
Midimalism focuses on creating harmonious environments that reflect personal tastes without leaning too heavily toward clutter or emptiness.
Balance between fullness and emptiness: Midimalism allows for a fuller home than minimalism but with fewer distractions than maximalism. The idea is to achieve a sense of completeness without overindulgence.
Purposeful décor: Every item has a reason for being in the space, whether it’s functional, sentimental, or simply brings joy. However, there’s no pressure to strip everything down to the bare essentials like in minimalism.
Neutral and earthy tones with pops of colour: Midimalism typically favours a neutral colour palette to create a calm base. Pops of colour or texture come through in art, textiles, or a standout piece of furniture, similar to the subtle accents used in minimalist homes but with more personality.
Personalised but not cluttered: In middlemalist design, personal items and keepsakes are welcome, but they’re thoughtfully displayed to avoid a cluttered appearance. Think curated collections rather than shelves packed with knick-knacks.
Comfort and function over trends: Unlike maximalism, which sometimes prioritises aesthetics over comfort, midimalism is focused on creating spaces that are functional and liveable. Items are chosen for their ability to enhance the space, not to follow fleeting design trends.
How to Achieve Midimalism
Start with a Clean Base: Begin by decluttering your space and removing any items that don’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. Once you’ve created a clean foundation, you can slowly introduce pieces that add warmth and personality. Your flooring can serve as a blank canvas, think neutrality like oak floorboards or a muted concrete finish.
Curate Thoughtfully: Choose décor and furniture pieces that reflect your style but remain functional. Instead of filling every surface, select a few statement pieces that draw attention and add character. Display meaningful objects like travel souvenirs, family photos, or a well-loved book collection, but avoid overloading the space.
Mix Textures: One way to add depth without overwhelming the senses is by incorporating a variety of textures. Think cosy throws over natural wood furniture and woven rugs across medium oak flooring. Mixing textures helps create a warm and inviting environment while keeping the overall look cohesive and simple.
Stick to a Balanced Colour Palette: While maximalism thrives on bold, clashing colours, and minimalism sticks to whites and greys, midimalism is all about balance. Neutrals, like beige or soft grey, create a calm background, while small bursts of colour in artwork, pillows, or accent pieces provide just the right amount of vibrancy.
Prioritise Comfort: Furniture in midimalism should be comfortable and inviting, not just aesthetically pleasing. Invest in pieces that encourage relaxation and functionality. Think plush sofas, ergonomic chairs, and soft lighting to create a cosy atmosphere.
Display Only What Matters: Midimalism isn’t about hiding everything away but about displaying what matters most. Whether it’s a well-loved vase or an heirloom piece of furniture, let these meaningful items shine without overcrowding the space.
Why Midimalism is Gaining Popularity
As our lives become more hectic, people are craving balance not just in their daily routines but in their homes. Minimalism can sometimes feel too sterile, while maximalism may seem overwhelming. Midimalism offers a happy medium for those looking to create a space that feels intentional and calm, while still reflecting their personal tastes.
The appeal of midimalism also lies in its flexibility. It doesn’t require adhering strictly to one aesthetic or design rule. You can embrace the clean, airy feel of minimalism but still indulge in cosy décor and expressive pieces from maximalism. It’s practical, warm, and entirely your own.
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