The secret is to pair minimalist basic elements — like simple pieces of furniture or neutral colours — with maximalist details. Eye-catching wallpapers, colourful textiles or decorative objects are all great additions. This keeps the room structured and balanced while adding a vibrant and personal touch.
Sometimes you have to get used to a trend. The fusion — and ultimately the perfect balance — of maximalism and minimalism is one of those trends. It's sort of exciting, sort of quirky, and definitely a challenge when it comes to designing private living spaces.
Designers speak of combining ‘dopamine decor’ and minimalism. It is all about blending the simplicity and clarity of minimalism with the vitality and opulence of maximalism.
Hold on: what exactly is ‘Dopamine Decor’?
Every cool trend needs an equally cool name. Dopamine Decor is all about creating an environment that promotes happiness and well-being by cleverly using vibrant colours, patterns, and textures.
Instead of adhering to strict style rules, it seeks to celebrate your personal taste and to find ways to incorporate it throughout your living space.
The idea is simple: it's all about designing spaces that inspire joy and energy without being overwhelming. The cherry on the cake: this is the perfect strategy to create a highly unique ambience.
How do you achieve a balance between extremes?
There's no way you can combine furniture, patterns and materials without a concept in your mind. If you want to bring together the best of both worlds, you clearly need a good instinct and a feel for trends. We have put together a few tips if you want to try it yourself. For everyone else, we recommend opting for professional advice.
Clear shapes
meet bold accents
Colour explosions
- in well controlled quantities
While minimalism favours neutral shades, maximalism throws colour into the game. The secret is how to use bright colours to create specific points of attraction. For example, a room in calm shades of grey could be upgraded with bright orange cushions or a work of art in intense colours.
Patterns
and textures
When it comes to patterns and textures, it is equally important to go for a skilful balance. A minimalist room can be upgraded using an eye-catching carpet with a pattern or a textured wallpaper. The rule of thumb: less is more. Nevertheless, whatever you use should be powerful and expressive.
Why is this trend so popular?
A blend of minimalism and maximalism offers the best of both worlds: The clarity and tranquillity created by minimalist design, and the expressiveness and personality added by maximalist elements. The result are spaces that are both relaxing and inspiring.
It's a trend particularly appealing to people who love to create a unique and customised living space without sacrificing the calming effect of well-structured design.
Images: home INTERIOR, Pexels