Midimalism: The Middle Ground Between Minimalism and Maximalism

Who doesn’t love a balance?

So far, we’ve got minimalist and maximalist interiors. But how about those who like something in between – people who don’t shy away from visually-striking elements like colour and patterns, but love their spaces clean and organised?

Enter midimalism. Touted as the middle ground between minimalism and maximalism, it marries the characteristics of each style to create a home that’s full of character, but still maintains a semblance of visual harmony and order.

To give you a clearer idea of what this style entails, here’s a breakdown that compares it to both maximalism and minimalism:

The characteristics of midimalism

In general, expect midimalist homes to have:

1. Warm, neutral colour palettes as a backdrop, with colourful accents in the form of decor, textiles, and artwork
2. A mixture of natural, tactile materials – anything from wood and metal to boucle and rattan
3. A balance between soft curves and clean lines
4. Personal items on display (but carefully curated to avoid falling into clutter)

Midimalist homes in Singapore

1. Towner Road by Kinjo Studios

This cheerful HDB flat in Towner Road is a prime example of a midimalist home. With white walls and wood cabinetry forming the visual foundation of the look, it creates a soothing backdrop that allows the vibrant decorative elements to shine.

That comes in the form of quirky art pieces, lighting, and furniture choices, all of which introduce various pops of colour to create a vibrant, characterful space.

Also, we’d like to point out how, instead of covering every inch of available space with artwork or display items, the homeowners embrace negative space, allowing the items that are on display to stand out without overwhelming the whole look.

2. Joo Seng Green by Salt Studio

Anchored by a bright white-and-wood backdrop and tons of natural light, this particular midimalist home introduces colour and charm with the help of playful pieces like a pink donut chair and a green statement armchair.

Additionally, a variety of display shelves – which includes a built-in set with orange trims by the entrance, as well as a loose shelf at the back of the living room – offer space for the homeowners to show off their beloved collections, thus allowing them to inject personality without over-cluttering the space.

3. Clementi Street 13 by Flipstone Interior Design

Unlike the previous two homes, this one embraces a more retro vibe, with mid-century modern furniture and glass blocks adding old-school charm to the space.

Yet, the fundamentals of a midimalist home still persists – a cool neutral colour palette serves as the backdrop, while pops of colour emerge by way of the loose furniture, as well as colour drenching specific areas of the home in various pastel shades.

On top of that, arched motifs (from curved doorways to the rounded edges of the carpentry and furniture) add an extra layer of texture and visual depth to the space.

4. Senja Road by The Local INN.terior

Bright and airy homes are often linked to all-white interiors bathed in natural light, but this midimalist space shows that homes with vibrant colour can achieve the same effect – with even more personality!

From the striking blue doors to furniture choices, every element is thoughtfully coordinated, ensuring a cohesive-looking space despite the numerous colour accents throughout the space.

The dominant blue accent even extends into the kitchen. While, at first glance, it seems to sport a neutral white-and-wood theme, you’ll soon notice that the backsplash is decked out in white square tiles with blue grout – a truly unique choice that sets this home apart from the rest!