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Minimalist vs maximalist: we decode the season's interior design key looks

The design world can be a confusing place. We’re often told ‘less is more’ only to find out a few months later that maximalism is back in! And this season, it seems, anything goes.
Lifestyle

Living Room

Minimalist:

The pared-down, Scandi look is big right now and it also happens to be perfect for your living room. This is based around neutral, clean tones like bright white, pale wood, black, charcoal and light grey - all ideal for living rooms, which should be bright and inviting. Start with white walls, then add pale-toned furniture like coffee tables and display units in solid wood. Accent them with a pale grey sofa with a curved shape, or even a taupe or pastel-coloured design. Mid-century design is also having a comeback and fits well with the Scandi look, so try mixing this in with curved sofas or retro-style hairpin leg side tables.

Minimalism Livingroom
Livingroom

Maximalist:

Your living room should be a place to chill out and relax above anything else - so it’s here you can really go to town with the embellishments and decorations. We suggest starting out with a coloured or patterned sofa. Build things from there with a patterned rug or one in a bright colours. Spice things up with some bold cushions, and don’t forget wall art and a clock. Clocks have become much more decorative these days with patterned and printed versions available and it’s amazing how quickly these can brighten up a wall.

Bedroom

Minimalist:

Bedrooms are all about getting the furniture right first, then letting everything else fall into place. An easy way to do this is by investing in matching bedroom suites such as wardrobes with sliding doors, chests and bedside tables. Keep the colours and details simple - try these in white, and try large furniture pieces that can keep all the clutter under control.

Bedroom
Bedroom

Maximalist:

The approach here isn’t that different from a minimalist theme but in this case it’s all about adding the right accessories to bring personality and uniqueness. Generally, darker wood looks better in maximalist homes as it has antique connotations and works with a range of colours. If you like things vintage, start with quirky, antique-looking furniture - think of beds with scrolled detailing and wardrobes or chests of drawers with panelling. Then add your signature style with pieces like statement lamps placed on either side of the bed, and a piece of wall art above it.

Dining Room

Minimalist:

Want to create a cool, minimalist dining room worthy of an interior design magazine? It’s easier than you might think. Start of course with the table and chairs. Nothing says modern and minimal like a glass tabletop, featuring either a simple pane of glass on top of a sculptural base or inlaid glass, it’s easy to get that sleek, understated look. You’ll find matching tables and chairs for a coordinated look at Furniture Village, though it’s easy to add upholstered or simple plastic or metal chairs with cantilever-style legs. Finish with some pendant lights, hanging low over the table, and perhaps some statement monochrome artwork.

Dining room

Maximalist

Again, start with the big, essential pieces, then have fun with the accessories, textures and design here. Anything goes when it comes to the table and chairs, but a statement ceiling light will bring the look together - try something bold and architectural like our Cleo and Matrix lights. Again, wall art is key for bringing life and colour into the space - try something colourful and oversized. Then mix with a mirror or two, the larger the better. If you’ve got a mantelpiece, try placing one above that. Dining rooms are a good place to show off your collection of decorative objects like vases or bowls, so invest in some good quality display units and put them to use here. Finally, no dinner party is complete without a centrepiece. Try a candelabra, tealight holder or even lanterns in the middle of the table.

Living

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