Unsure About How to Decorate Your Space? Why You May Want to Ignore Interior Design Trends & Be True to Your Own Style Instead

Maximalism involves piling pattern over more pattern and displaying your collection of acquisitions from all over town—or around the world—during your travels. Some people are into art and like to buy one or two pieces a month, gradually filling their walls with their latest finds. If either of these scenarios describes you then definitely go for it.

But you might want to consult with a designer if you have an acquisitive or eclectic style. When you go down this route, it’s very easy to go overboard and showcase too much: too much furniture, too much art or accessories, and perhaps too much colour or pattern. There is a way to create this all-encompassing style of design that says, “I like to travel” or “I have broad tastes” without feeling chaotic. The key is to carefully edit your collection—or simply the look and feel of your home. Most people would benefit from a second set of eyes to help showcase the best pieces they’ve accumulated. Sometimes you simply need a visual roadmap to achieve this look successfully. An interior designer can guide you in creating an interesting, curated, and cohesive eclectic style rather than one that feels haphazardly organized.

In an increasingly unpredictable and constantly changing world, many people appreciate the quiet, zen-like calm of a home free of clutter and unnecessary possessions, like the one shown above. Others, however, find this type of design too plain or even lifeless. It may not feel stimulating enough and can seem too spartan.

Many people enjoy collecting things and proudly putting them on display. Minimalism requires a certain discipline—sometimes even a sense of anti-consumerism. The goal isn’t to accumulate but to be thoughtful and selective in one’s purchasing decisions.

If you come across an interesting decorative item or painting while you’re out and about but don’t truly need it or have a place for it, the minimalist approach would be to resist buying it. If you’re an impulse shopper, a collector, or someone who isn’t particularly fond of keeping your house neat and tidy, it can be difficult to maintain a minimalist lifestyle. It takes consistent effort to keep things orderly and put everything back where it belongs. And if you love colour, fashion, or making bold visual statements, then minimalism may not be for you.