Photography: Kate Enno / Styling: Annalese Hay
If you’re like me, or most people, you’re not really a minimalist but you’re also not a maximalist. Lucky for us, there’s a new design trend on the rise, hot on the heels of Urban Aunt and Unexpected Red. It’s somewhere in the middle and it’s called midimalism.
Just as you might expect, midimalism decor is midway between a pared-back, all-neutral look and a layered, pattern-on-pattern style. It takes a little from column A and a little from column B.
To achieve the midimalist look in your home, it’s about blending both extremes into one. So, we’re embracing colour in considered doses and using pattern like in a maximalist home, but on a smaller scale.
Indulge in playful elements while maintaining order. Think block colours, neutrals woven in and a sense of harmony. Here are a few ways to make it work for you…
1. Colour-drenching counts as neutral
The midimalism aesthetic uses expanses of neutrals to introduce a sense of harmony and calm that underlines the look. In this dining nook by interior designer Sean Symington of Sean Symington Design, there’s clever use of clashing patterns in the purple leopard-print upholstered seats and floral Roman blind and sink skirt. The reason this room maintains a sense of orderliness is because it stays within a concise colour palette, with the salmon shade offering a break for the eyes, much like a white or beige would (yet possibly even more so as it’s such a warm and easy shade to behold).
2. Give Hamptons a midimalist twist
The Hamptons look tends to stick to a colour palette of white, creams, linen, greys and blues. For a fresh spin on this style, look to midimalism ideas. That might mean adding another colour such as unexpected red into the mix. You could also play with touches of pattern, as seen in the curtains, cushions and bedhead in this bedroom by Melissa Balzan of Melissa Balzan Design. You can still achieve that Hamptons feel, but with midimalist sensibilities woven in, it’ll make your home feel that extra bit special.
3. Go bold but not everywhere
The idea of midimalism is that you embrace one or two big design moves, but keep the rest subdued. Like in this bathroom, where a rich blue-and-gold wallpaper commands attention. This is juxtaposed with sandy-coloured tiles and a quiet timber vanity. Gold and organic shapes bring it all together for an overall harmonious feel.
4. Curate, don’t clutter
In maximalist homes, more is more: it’s about lots of layers and large collections on display. For a midimalist approach, display beloved pieces but keep it a little more curated. The home of Olli Ella co-founder Chloe Brookman is a perfect example. It’s full of her family’s beloved items, beautifully displayed in small selections.
Shop the midimalist trend
01
‘Avery’ ruffle oblong cushion in Caramel
$49.95, Pillow Talk
Best for: Romantic ruffles
Super soft with a relaxed ruffle, this oblong cushion will lend a romantic air to any bedroom or living area. It’s a way to dip your toe into prints without going into maximalist territory.
Size: 30cm x 50cm
Colours: Caramel (pictured), Blue and Green
Material: Cotton
Key features:
- Flange edging (ruffle)
- Oblong shape
- Three colours available
02
Salt and pepper shakers
$59.90, Pretty Homestyle
Best for: A dash of kitsch
Pretty in pastel, these salt and pepper shakers are a little bit playful. Add to a kitchen that’s embraced the sage green trend and add other pretty pink accents, with a floral runner for good measure.
Size: 9cm high
Colour: Pink, white and green (pictured)
Materials: Porcelain
Key features:
- Highest-quality porcelain
- Pink on white base
- Salt shaker and pepper shaker
03
‘Bronte’ table lamp in Blue
$234.50 (usually $335), Cafe Lighting & Living
Best for: A bit of calm in the mix
With a crisp white shade and rich navy base, this emulates Hamptons style. Pair it with other more statement pieces, such as a printed rug and patterned cushions for a midimalist aesthetic.
Size: Base: 15cm Dia x 40cm H / Shade: 36cm Top Dia x 39cm Bottom Dia x 25.5cm H / Overall Height: 70cm
Colours: White and navy (pictured)
Materials: Glazed ceramic base with linen shade
Key features:
- Ceramic and linen
- 70cm overall height
- Glazed
04
Block Royal Blue Chenille Rug
From $130, Double Rugs
Best for: Hamptons blue in print
With an exaggerated lattice pattern of open squares in a soothing blue on cream, this rug will add character to any room. It’s machine-washable and stain-resistant in a low-pile chenille texture.
Sizes: 60×90cm, 90×150cm, 160x230cm
Colour: Royal Blue
Material: Chenille
Key features:
- Stain-resistant
- Machine-washable
- Low pile
05
Wallpaper in Midnight Bloom
From $69, Chasing Paper
Best for: Statement walls
This peel and stick wallpaper is from the Neely & Chloe x Inslee Fariss collection by Chasing Paper. It’s a whimsical floral print on a midnight blue background with Greenguard Gold Certified Ink, which means it’s non-toxic and safe.
Sizes: 2 x 4 ft, 2 x 8 ft, 2 x 12 ft
Colour: Midnight blue
Materials: Faux Grasscloth, a commercial grade performance vinyl.
Key features:
- Matte finish
- Fade and stain resistant
- Easy to install
