Hello my beautiful friends! I was cleaning the kitchen the other day when our son walks in and shows me a photo of a house he’d like to build someday. It looks like a concrete box with windows. That brings me to why we are talking Maximalism, Minimalism and me – Middlism, I know, that’s not a word.
Here’s a tiny backstory. We have 3 adulting kids, 1 boy and 2 girls. Ages 24, almost 26 and 28. They are so fun, funny and I shouldn’t be amazed at how different they are but I am. When I think about it, my sister and I are complete opposites so why does it surprise me? Probably because with my mom eyes and heart I expected them to be best friends forever and completely want to drop everything to hang out with each other. Uum, yeah, no.
They are friends because they text each other frequently and talk about me behind my back. And I know they love each other and will help when asked but the dropping of everything – ha, yeah right. Anyway, I had a point. It was the differences in their decorating style. The oldest is a minimalist for sure. The middle one is without a doubt a maximalist and the youngest is most like me. I call us middlist’s.
Maximalism, Minimalism and me – Middlism, I know, that’s not a word.
Eclectic Twist – Maximalism
Maximalism – A maximalist lifestyle has been around for centuries starting out with the wealthy using it as a way to showcase their riches. Usually keeping them inside cabinets. In the Victorian Era, they invested in the idea that each person had their own personality and displayed their private selves to visitors on walls (wild wallpaper), tables (full with accessories), etc. Every surface was covered with something.
Smith Honig – Maximalism
Today, people have taken it a step further and instead of having things to show off wealth, they are collecting objects of interest. Things that are meaningful and significant to them. Like art, handmade pieces and vintage items.
Smith Honig – Maximalism
It’s more about design and I would define their homes as eclectic, full of color, lots of wall art, layers and texture. Some people describe it as over the top and busy. For others, it’s vibrant, interesting and fun.
The Lifestyle Files – Minimalism
Minimalism – A minimalist lifestyle is intentionally living with fewer possessions – focusing only on the ones you need or the pieces you actually use.
Julie Blanner – Minimalism
Free of excess or living with less. Less clutter, less furniture and accessories, less piles of mail, shoes, etc. Minimalism is a lifestyle with fewer distractions.
Julie Blanner – Minimalism
When decorating they tend to want neutral, timeless pieces. Items that have a function and aren’t just there to do nothing. Design is still important. Quality over quantity. They don’t have a collection of Beanie Baby’s, Happy Meal toys or ironstone pitchers sitting around. I’ve heard it described as clean, stress free and calm.
County Road 407 – Middlism
Maximalism, Minimalism and me – Middlism, I know, that’s not a word.
That brings us to me. I’ve decided to define my way of decorating as Middlism (“MID-UHL-i-zum”). A middlist lifestyle is a person who believes everything has a place and at the end of the day everything should be in its place. They usually live without clutter (unless their children take after their dad).
County Road 407 – Middlism
Their likes are assorted, somewhat eclectic and cute (sometimes vintage, sometimes new) but when displayed they are assembled methodically. Some would say an intentional patchwork of design.
County Road 407 – Middlism
“White (blank) space” is important in order for them to feel uncluttered. And there are several empty spaces around the home but shelves or mantels tend to be full. Most of the color is neutral and soft but on occasion they add pops of color. They like change but coziness is important.
County Road 407 – Middlism
When they sit in their home they look around and smile at every little piece. Often remembering exactly where they bought it. They like the word purge and are often seen at the local donation center. Sometimes thrifting but mostly donating.
County Road 407 – Middlism
They might have a collection of old chair pieces or a collection of crocks and maybe even a stack or two of old magazines sitting around just in case she gets around to transforming those shabby chic pots she’s been eyeing for 5 years.
County Road 407 – Middlism
For me, Middlism is perfect. It’s fun, casual, a little quirky at times and usually in a constant state of change. Does this sound like you? If this is your vibe, we should be friends. 😉
Don’t forget… Make your home a reflection of what YOU love. Thank the good Lord Jesus he made us all different. Can you imagine how boring life would be if we all looked and liked the same thing? Bleh.
Cindy,
Great post…
I am a lover of the Victorian Era so I am definitely a Maximalist…I, personally, admire some Minimalist styles but on average, I find that look impersonal and boring and sort of cold…..i am also a color person and I have no white walls….I do admire white in other people’s homes but it is not for me….I do love your style and how you decorate….What is the important thing is that everyone needs to decorate how they like to and in a way that makes them happy and not do what the current Trends are….We are all different and our homes should reflect that….Thanks for sharing such an interesting Read!
Hugs,
Deb
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My pleasure Debbie and I couldn’t agree more. We are all different and our homes should reflect that. Have a great week!
love this Cindy!
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Thank you Laura. I’m betting you’re a minimalist. Yes, no?
Oh my gosh Cindy…you totally nailed it! I’ve been trying to figure out for years what this middle ground is because that’s totally me too!!! You are so smart! I so enjoyed reading this this morning…thanks so much for sharing this one! Happy day!
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LOL, We middlist’s need to stick together then. Glad you enjoyed it Rachel.
Hi. This was an interesting post. Since I no longer buy magazines, but tend to enjoy pinterest and blogs., I’m no longer up on design trends. I had a business and used to go to the Merchandise Mart here in Chicago 3-4 times a year for shows and just to stay up with the current trends, colors. Really no rules ever seemed to apply to everyone—the most important is to make yourself happy. I do know I seldom buy anything ‘new’ as the choices of mass decor leaves me cold. Items pre-loved or with a personal history are still my favorites. As for trends—pfffft! LOL. Nice post, Sandi
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I feel the same about trends and most new items as well. It’s funny how only one of my kids will probably want anything I have when they get older but if I die, it will be one amazing garage sale. LOL! Thank you Sandra.
Great post Cindy! I too marvel at how different my kids are. I’m with you somewhere right in the middle!
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Yay for Middlist’s! I knew there was a reason I loved your style Wendy. 🙂 Thanks
Haha, I had to go look up the You Tube video, “Stuck in the Middle with You” from the 70’s! I think I’m one of those shades of gray that is a little middle leaning toward max. I love displaying stuff and decorating, but cannot do too max because it makes my head hurt. On the other side I could never be a mini because I take so much enjoyment in my surroundings. Love your photos, Cindy. Such a great post. I’d love to meet your kids!
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Now I have that song stuck in my head. 😉 I’m getting to be more and more like a minimalist as I get older. I find that odd. Probably because I’m tired of cleaning. I figured you for a middlist. Mostly because I enjoy your surroundings too Debra. 🙂
Great description of these three approaches to decorating, Cindy. I’m definitely a middlist, too. You should copyright those words.
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LOL. Thank you Carol.
I am a Muddy ,too. Did not know what to call myself.
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I’m not sure how to even spell that Vangie. Muddyism? 😉 Let’s say Middlist’s!
When folks asked about my decorating style I didn’t quite know how to answer – now I do! Too much clutter, too many ‘thing’s’ is just too much when life is so busy. Not enough, including color, leaves me bored and uninspired. Now I know I’m somewhere in the middle! We have an old ranch house out on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. New and trendy don’t work well in our home. Old west and old rodeo work real well, which is good because I love old woods and rusted metals, old textiles and old crockery. We are remodeling an old bathroom now, all but the vanity went out the door. I don’t want it to be too cluttered, but it’s a large room, used to be the dining room back in the 30s. So I’m trying to be intentional about every piece. Piece by piece I think I’m getting it. Hubby could care less about decorating, really could care less about the house. From the first fence off the backyard out to the arena, barns, and pastures is his domain. As long as he has all the necessaries in a home he’s happy. He wasn’t even mad when I went over-budget on just a few pieces!
Author
He sounds like a keeper Lynne! My hubs doesn’t care either about the inside (unless he sees me get rid of something I’ve only had 10 years) and I’m grateful because I often tell him the only good taste he has was choosing me. LOL. I understand what you mean about having an old ranch house and can see how old west and rodeo items work well. I bet that’s awesome! I’m also intentional about the farmhouse. Most new trendy stuff looks weird in there. It’s difficult to keep it fresh looking with old stuff but that’s part of the challenge and I love it! Thank you for sharing your home with us and I’m glad you now have a description for your style. 😉
Oh this is spot on Cindy! I’m stuck in the middle with you too. I aspire to be a minimalist at times but will never happen cuz I love collecting stuff and curating my home. Minimalism is too sterile for me and maxi is too much where it causes me stress. The middle is a good place to be. Thanks for the good read. XO- MaryJo
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Us middlist’s are the perfect kind of people. Ha! Thanks MaryJo and you and I both will keep on collecting and livin’ life wonderfully. 😉
I love this post because it speaks to me of who I really am. I don’t like a lot of things but I won’t get rid of some of my collections. Most of my decor came from my mom and grandmother and I just added to them. Thanks, Cindy and have a blessed day.
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Aww, yay Marlene, I’m so glad. I wish I had a some sentimentality but I just don’t. It’s a great trait. Who knows, maybe one day it’ll come over me like a sweet hug. For now, it feels like Shingles. :0
What a great post! I believe we could be great friends. Your home is done just right! I love to collect vintage pieces. It has been said that my house is full but that is the way I like it! It really makes me happy to see my things because they tell the story of my life!
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I love that Teri. Mine definitely don’t tell a story but wish they did. Looking at the stuff around the farmhouse would have made for a fantastic life. Thank you for the sweet comment and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Wish we were in-person friends too.
Hellooooo. My new friend I to decorate like you do my own thing but like your version better ….plus my decor has a lot of friends gifts that’s a plus when they know what you like or find something unusual thats the best….. vantage and new like the mix….
The other thing its amazing to see our children grow up and become there selfs as I say…. I have one just like me and one almost like me ……
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Thank you Eva. I’m excited to hear you enjoy your decor and it sounds like your friends are awesome. I agree, it is amazing to see what our kids grown into and how they can be so different. When they were young, they were NOT like they are now. I love it though. Happy summer.
Fun post. I’m a middlist as well. I like my stuff, but I still like clear space as well. Hugs to you.
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Thank you Renae. I often tell friends that if they wouldn’t rebuy that piece they are questioning – get rid of it. There’s no need to surround yourself with stuff that doesn’t put a smile on your face. 😉
Ha! I had to get good laugh out of the way you described your children. Although my two girls aren’t old enough to be out on their own yet, they are the same way. They look darn near identical, but their personalities and interests couldn’t be more opposite!
My oldest is the “minimalist”. Super into sports. Could care less about brands, hair, or makeup.
My youngest, on the other hand, is what I lovingly refer to as our diva and little drama queen. She is ALL about dresses, very opinionated, and the “more” accessories and things in her mind, the better!
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LOL Jen, I love it! I used to be sad thinking of all the growing up they’d do. Now, I love adulting kids! It’s so fun going over to Addi and Michael’s home and seeing how they are decorating and navigating life/marriage. Thanks for the visit!
I’d like to be a minimalist, but I have too much stuff! I’m just thankful I have such a sweet friend to guide me in my journey. I loved when you dubbed my former house redo modern rustic I think it was. I’m not sure what I have now, but empty breathing space makes me happy! Is there a style just called, “that’s what a cindy told me to do!” 🤣 it always works! 🥰
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LOL Jeanette! I need a club where I can be the queen and everyone does what I tell them. 😉 As I get older I like the open space more and more as well but still not willing to give up a lot of my lovely treasures. Oh well, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I have time to give away more stuff.
Love the insight, Cindy; yes, think most of us land in the middle somewhere. I love my vintage goodies but definitely need some blank spaces to balance it all out. Fun post!
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Thank you Lora. 🙂
You’re too funny! Your home is so beautiful. I’m definitely a middilist as well! Thanks for sharing on Crafty Creators! Hope to see you again.
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My pleasure Niki. Have a great week.