Finding your style: Minimalism vs. Maximalism in home design
Throughout history two contrasting styles have captured the attention of homeowners and designers – minimalist and maximalist. Each offers a unique approach to aesthetics, space and individual expression and it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you lean towards clean simplicity or vibrant abundance, Resene paint colours and wallpapers can help you bring your vision to life and create the space you’ve always dreamed of.
Minimalist magic
Minimalism is all about creating a serene, clutter-free environment that exudes calm and sophistication. To achieve this, opt for a palette of soft, neutral tones like Resene Alabaster, Resene Blanc, Resene Half Linen or Resene Quarter Lemon Grass.
These soothing shades provide the perfect backdrop for minimalist spaces. Remember, you don’t have to colour drench a room in all white for it to be minimal, you could opt for a dark shade like Resene Nero or Resene All Blackon window trims and door frames or a different shade on your ceiling for a crisp contrast. Keeping furniture and accessories to a minimum – focussing on functionality and simplicity – will also help you achieve a timeless, elegant look. Take a look at these four designs for some minimalist inspiration:
This minimalist bathroom features Resene Wallpaper Collection M629 with a soft neutral tone and delicate pattern. The subtle texture adds depth without overwhelming the serene space, and the calming wooden features and natural light make this a tranquil oasis to relax and rejuvenate in.
These soothing pastel green walls, painted in Resene Pumice, set a calming tone in this minimalist living room. The carefully curated décor, with its blend of soft and earthy woods, comfy linen and clay hues, emphasises comfort and simplicity. The floor is finished in ReseneColorwood Bask and trims in Resene Rice Cake.Sideboard fromDanske Møbler, artworkfrom Florence Table, lamp, books and tumbler from A&CHomestore, pottery jug fromFlotsam & Jetsam, rugfromBaya and chair fromMocka. Project by Amber Armitage, image by Wendy Fenwick.
A striking and unique example of minimalist design using a monochrome palette. The interplay of black and white elements, along with the subtle geometric wallpaper, creates a space that is both modern and sophisticated. In this Memphis style design. The upper wall is painted in Resene Half Concrete, lower wall and squiggle lines in Resene Concrete, floor in ReseneQuarter Concrete, table in Resene Concrete, coffee table in Resene Triple Concrete with legs in Resene Element, DIY artwork in Resene Concrete, Resene Triple Concrete and Resene Element and candleholders in Resene Element. Wood lamp and ball cushion from Bohzali, chair from David Shore, circle candleholder from H&M Home. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.
Don’t rule out wallpaper for a minimalist design. There are plenty of wallpapers with solid colour or subtle pattern that work great to add a hint of texture to a space. Resene Wallpaper Collection 379866_5 is used in this room to create a cosy, cocooning feel. Paired with dark woods and earthy toned décor, it creates an ideal space to escape the busy world and unwind. Try teaming it withReseneColorwood wood stain in dark shades for a sophisticated look such as Resene Deep Oak, Resene Bark and Resene Mahogony.
Maximalist marvels
Maximalism embraces the ‘more is more’ philosophy, celebrating bold colours, patterns and textures, often paired with an array of personal accessories, artifacts and artworks. Rich and vibrant hues, such as Resene Rose Of Sharon, Resene Pohutukawa, Resene Kaitoke Green and Resene Space Cadet are perfect for creating statement walls that draw the eye and ignite the imagination.
Used as a feature wall, or on all surfaces using a colour drenching method, these lively shades can provide the perfect backdrop for other colourful and interesting décor. If you want to make an even bolder statement, the Resene Wallpaper Collectionoffers endless possibilities with everything from florals to geometric patterns. A maximalist room, for example, might combine a floral wallpaper in a riot of colours with accent walls in coordinating Resenepaint shades, creating a dynamic and energetic space. Let’s take a look at some maximalist ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
The Resene Museum Wallpaper Collection is a great place to look for classical and contemporary maximalist designs. In this space, two wallpapers are used to create a unique and appealing statement. Resene Wallpaper Collection E307303 is used on the wall, while Resene Wallpaper Collection E307320 is used on the room divider. An eclectic mixture of décor and accessories in wood, metal, marble and clay add to the artsy feel. This room is a great example of ‘more is more’.
Proving there are no rules when it comes to maximalist design, this open plan space makes the most out of reds and blues in various patterns and designs. Starting with your favourite wallpaper, in this case Resene Wallpaper Collection M56210 (right), various tones of red and blue are used on walls and furniture to create a harmonious yet stimulating design. When it comes to your home, make it an expression of who you are. Try a red like Resene Bullseye paired with a blue like Resene Wavelength, or a vibrant green like Resene Aquamarine paired with a bold mustard like Resene Bird Flower.
Emerald green has long ruled as the go-to colour for a rich, luxurious vibe, and its reign isn’t over. When combined with the richest of textiles, velvet, it’s a pairing made in elegant, maximalist heaven. These walls are painted in Resene Palm Green, floor in Resene Greige, cabinet in Resene Double Spanish White with stripes in Resene Vintage, large plant pot in Resene Palm Green, small plant pot in Resene Cutty Sark, lamp in Resene Midwinter Mist, low bowl in Resene Bubble White, books in Resene Deep Teal and ReseneRivergum and vase in Resene Blue Smoke.Velvet chair, cushion and ottoman from Contempa, lamp from Freedom, throw, cushion, rug, artwork and tealight holder from Kmart, candle from Illumina. Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton.
When using more than one pattern in a room, try choosing designs with similar colours so they look cohesive together, this includes other décor like bedding and artwork. This wall above the panelling features Resene Wallpaper Collection 37520-2. The panelling is painted in Resene Tangaroa and Resene St Kilda, headboard in Resene Stromboli with hand-painted stripes of Resene St Kilda and floor in Resene Rice Cake with stencil design painted in Resene Tangaroa. White pendant lamp from Freedom, candleholder, candle and checkerboard cushion from Floralcentric, emerald velvet cushion with lines from H&M Home, other cushions, linen and throw from Adairs. Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton.
Whether you prefer the calm of minimalism or the exuberance of maximalism, Resene’s diverse range of paints and wallpapers can help you create a home that reflects your unique style. For more inspiration, check out Resene’s blog, Making maximalism work for your home. Alternatively, head to your local Resene ColorShop to view paints and wallpapers in person or Ask a Resene Colour Expert for advice online.
Published: 26 Jun 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing editor@habitatbyresene.co.nz.
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Blanc
Resene Half Linen
Resene Half Linen
Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Nero
Resene All Black
Resene All Black
Resene Pumice
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Concrete
Resene Concrete
Resene Quarter Concrete
Resene Quarter Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Element
Resene Element
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Space Cadet
Resene Space Cadet
Resene Bullseye
Resene Bullseye
Resene Wavelength
Resene Wavelength
Resene Aquamarine
Resene Aquamarine
Resene Bird Flower
Resene Bird Flower
Resene Palm Green
Resene Palm Green
Resene Greige
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Vintage
Resene Vintage
Resene Cutty Sark
Resene Cutty Sark
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Bubble White
Resene Bubble White
Resene Deep Teal
Resene Deep Teal
Resene Rivergum
Resene Rivergum
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Tangaroa
Resene Tangaroa
Resene St Kilda
Resene St Kilda
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Alabaster
Resene Alabaster
Resene Blanc
Resene Half Linen
Resene Half Linen
Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Quarter Lemon Grass
Resene Nero
Resene All Black
Resene All Black
Resene Pumice
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Rice Cake
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Half Concrete
Resene Concrete
Resene Concrete
Resene Quarter Concrete
Resene Quarter Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Triple Concrete
Resene Element
Resene Element
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Rose Of Sharon
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Kaitoke Green
Resene Space Cadet
Resene Space Cadet
Resene Bullseye
Resene Bullseye
Resene Wavelength
Resene Wavelength
Resene Aquamarine
Resene Aquamarine
Resene Bird Flower
Resene Bird Flower
Resene Palm Green
Resene Palm Green
Resene Greige
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Double Spanish White
Resene Vintage
Resene Vintage
Resene Cutty Sark
Resene Cutty Sark
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Midwinter Mist
Resene Bubble White
Resene Bubble White
Resene Deep Teal
Resene Deep Teal
Resene Rivergum
Resene Rivergum
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Blue Smoke
Resene Tangaroa
Resene Tangaroa
Resene St Kilda
Resene St Kilda
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.