For years, people have looked at minimalism as the ultimate lifestyle aesthetic. White walls and neutral-toned clothing have become the trend. It’s all about keeping life clean and simple. Still, sometimes, less isn’t more. It’s just less. Maximalism, with bold colors and pieces, offers more than just the “clean aesthetic;” it offers self-expression and joy.

A minimalist room might look fresh and elegant, but you can’t learn anything about the person living there. Maximalism shows off identity proudly. Fashion statements like stacked jewelry or chunky shoes can tell you about who someone is. A room filled with posters and trinkets reflects a person’s experiences and personality. Minimalism pushes for uniformity, but maximalism celebrates individuality.

Aside from personal identity, maximalism also has cultural weight. Many cultures around the world practice the idea of “the more, the better.” Indian festivals have bright clothes, music and decorated temples. Latin-American art is filled with saturated color and intricate detail. Even Renaissance architecture was filled with fancy carvings and gold. That’s a long way from the bare white walls that minimalism encourages. Maximalism connects people to heritage and builds community, while minimalism is just a sterile, cold trend of stripping life down to the basics.

In all fairness, minimalism has its appeal. A clean and tidy desk can be nice, and a simple closet saves you time in the morning. However, maximalism can also be intentional, without making a mess. It’s about carefully using different pieces to show who you are. 

Minimalism can keep its different shades of beige, while maximalism overflows with life and color.