Minimalist, Maximalist, or Somewhere In-Between? Take Our Quick Quiz to Find Out Which One You Are

Nothing stands still, least of all our homes. What’s happening in the “outside world” directly affects what we need from our home interior. Big world events reshape how we live, and the pandemic was no exception. Overnight, our homes had to function as offices, gyms, classrooms, and sanctuaries. Suddenly, aesthetics weren't enough. “Post-pandemic designers aren’t just being asked for beautiful spaces, we're being asked to create emotionally supportive ones,” says maximalist interior designer Katie Gutierrez, founder of Miami-based Errez Design.

Hybrid working and home entertaining have stuck post-pandemic, shifting homeowners away from big, open-concept spaces and toward smaller, more intentional ones. “There is more desire for cozy rooms, intimate seating nooks, and small breakfast spaces where they can enjoy their home even when not entertaining a large group,” says Gutierrez.

Minimalism has evolved far beyond its stark midcentury roots. “Minimalism today is softer and more intentional, compared to the colder, starker interpretations of the past,” says Jesasica Nicastro, interior designer and founder of Jessica Nicastro Design. “It’s less about being stark and more about creating a look that feels calm, lived-in, and effortless.”

The style continues to prioritize functionality and intentionality, qualities that are integral to Nicastro’s own design style. “I ensure that every piece in the home has both a purpose and a place, functionally and aesthetically,” she says. “I believe in creating spaces that feel curated yet lived-in, where beauty and practicality tell a cohesive story.”

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If minimalism whispers, maximalism sings. Defined by exuberant color, pattern, and personality, maximalism is about telling your story through objects, art, and textures. “Modern maximalism isn't clutter—it’s memory, emotion, curiosity, and style, all living in the same room,” says Gutierrez. “Your space becomes a biography, told in objects, colors, textures, and surprises.”

Despite its abundance, maximalism isn’t chaos. The magic lies in its structure: a bold palette to anchor the room, pattern mixing done with intention, and negative space. “If you have a bold wallpaper, let your furniture breathe. Don’t crowd every inch. Negative space makes your moments stand out,” Gutierrez explains.

The style celebrates contrast and richness: “Maximalists thrive on texture. Think velvet, lacquer, fringe, rattan, marbled paper, brass, and bold florals,” she notes. “Jewel tones, saturated pastels, moody hues—they all live beautifully in a maximalist home.” Pattern mixing? Pair large motifs with smaller ones, or florals with simple stripes. And for gallery walls, Gutierrez suggests mixing media but keeping a unifying thread, like frame tones, spacing, or a shared theme. Maximalists are drawn to objects with beauty and story, growing sentimental about the meaning they hold. As she puts it: “Nothing has to match, but everything has to matter.”

For those who love aspects of both extremes, there’s a rising middle ground. Instead of pledging loyalty to a single style, more people are curating flexible, layered homes that evolve over time. “Investing in one specific style makes it hard to adapt as your preferences change and you gain exposure to new ideas,” says Goldman. “Blended style is durable and eclectic. With a balanced base, you can layer in new pieces from growing trends, personal travels, or evolving tastes.”

This middle ground often begins with neutral foundations, such as hardwood floors or soft-toned walls, that leave room for statement accents. A patterned accent chair, a gallery of travel mementos, or an oversized piece of art can inject character without overwhelming. “For me, the sweet spot between minimalism and maximalism is a space that feels functional and harmonious yet full of character,” says Goldman. “It’s about balance. A thoughtful approach to layering color, pattern, and texture creates depth and lets personality shine through, making the home feel personal rather than like a blank slate or a copy of something seen online.”

Goldman agrees: “Be honest about what you like and what you need to live comfortably. Filling your home with trendy pieces that don’t feel authentic will only make it harder to connect with your space. But when you embrace what brings you joy, your home becomes a sanctuary.”

As Nicastro notes, discovering your style is a process: “Collect images that resonate with you, then look closely at what you’re drawn to—whether it’s the color palette, the textures, or the mood. The more you fine-tune your eye, the more confident you’ll become in creating a home that feels both beautiful and true to you.” Ultimately, style is less about labels and more about self-expression. Whether pared back, richly layered, or somewhere in-between, a loved home is never "complete." It evolves with you, telling your story one object, one color, one corner at a time.