The Difference Between Maximalism and Mindless Consumption
Recently someone asked me a question that really made me think…it was such a good one!
“You call yourself a maximalist… but how is that different from mindless consumption?”
I love this question!
I’ve had these leopard pants for many years and they still look great in spring and summer with raffia and lots of layered necklaces with a sleeveless sweater. I would absolutely wear them with another pattern!
Because yes…I am a maximalist.
I love color, pattern, texture, art, collections and rooms that feel layered and lived-in! Closets that feel joyful (and full). Spaces that reflect who I am! First: Maximalism Isn’t “More for the Sake of More”….it is not mindless accumulation.
So today I want to share what maximalism means to me… and how I’m striving to practice it with intention.
Maximalism does not mean…
Buying things just to fill space, chasing every trend, clutter you can’t enjoy, shopping out of boredom or owning things you don’t even like that much!
That’s not maximalism….that’s noise and discomfort!
Finally having this closet completed has made me so happy! I still have to rotate seasonal things, but now I can actually see what I own!
I love this outfit because of the polka dot shirt. I could have easily worn a solid underneath, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting. The much older Tory Burch bag pulls this look together!
From the outside, maximalism can look like “a lot.” But there’s a difference between a lot of beauty and a lot of stuff.
What Maximalism Actually Means (To Me)
For me, maximalism is about creating a life that feels rich in personality. It’s a home that tells your story…pieces with meaning, collections that feel curated, layers that feel intentional, beauty that makes you feel calm, happy and inspired
I once said and it’s so true…
“I want to walk into a room and see so much fabulous stuff that I don’t know where my eyes should land first.”
We just replaced the window treatments in the living room and hung these gorgeous pink silk panels. They make the whole room feel so much richer and cozier. The pillows on the white chairs are made with Schumacher Jokhang Tiger Velvet.
I’m fed by beauty. I’m energized by it. I feel more like myself when I’m surrounded by things that make me smile.
Some people crave minimalism and visual quiet. I completely respect that…but I’m the opposite.
My version of peace looks like…books stacked on a table, Art leaning against walls, china collected over time, a room full of pattern, Objects that hold special memories.
As you probably know…I love coffee table books (and Champagne)!
I recently purchased this set of vintage Santa Rosa by Rosenthal china…it mixes well with several other patterns that I have.
Lots of stories on this chest…The decanter to the left was given to me by a friend…she got it in Italy and brought it back for me. The little Limoge cigarette holder and lighter were also a gift. The two vintage art deco decanters came from my decorator. The little glasses came from an antique store (sadly I’ve broken two) as did the cut glass candy dish. The large piece of art in the background came from Lisa Johnson Co. in Greensboro NC and the smaller piece was painted by my neighbor who is an artist. I just keep layering things!
The Difference Between “Clutter” and “Collected”
Clutter is what you don’t love…collected is what you choose on purpose. Clutter is the random filler you forget you own.
Collected is the piece you’d be upset if it broke. Clutter is “it was cute and cheap.” Collected is “I would buy this again.” Clutter is buying to keep up. Collected is buying because it feels like you.
The mother-of-pearl flatware in te picture above was found at an antique store. I also just found a set of fish forks and knives with the same handle. They need to be cleaned up and polished, but I’m sure you’ll see them soon!
We purchased this set of Repousse Silver at an antique store years ago. I also have my grandmother’s silver which is very very old…I mix the two patterns when I don’t have enough of one. I’ve also collected serving pieces over the years.
I mix pieces from my pottery collection with pieces from my china collection. I also have quite a collection of vases and containers for flower arrangements.
I purchased this antique French bench 25 years ago…fell in love with it the minute I saw it. The bottom pulls out and it becomes a small bed. The antique velvet red pillows were purchased from Pandora de Balthazar and the Designer’s Guild blue pillows were on my living room sofa at one time. I never get rid of pillows…they start off one place and make their way somewhere else.
A feather bag from Coastal Clutch New York is the icing on the cake for this layered look! I added a bandana to the bag for a little something extra. My Gucci sandals are at least 10 years old and I still love them! I do not let go of my older designer pieces (or anything I love)…I wear them!
The Trina Turk shirt I’m wearing in this picture is over 20 years old…I still love it and it looks amazing with my Spartina 449 Maren pants!
What I’m Striving Toward…Intentional Maximalism
I’m not claiming perfection. I’m still evolving. But I am striving toward something that feels truer and better. Let’s call it Intentional maximalism. And for me, that comes down to three things:
Quality over quantity…I’d rather have fewer pieces that are beautifully made and built to last than a constant stream of “temporary.”Meaning over filler
If I’m bringing something into my home or closet, I want it to have purpose — even if the purpose is simply: it makes me happy every time I see it.
Timeless over trendy…I’m not anti-trend but I don’t chase trends just because they’re everywhere.
The Questions I Ask Before I Buy Now
Before I buy something, whether it’s decor, fashion, art, accessories, anything…I try to ask these questions…
Do I love it… or do I just like it? Will I actually use it? Will I still want this in five years? Does it work with what I already have? Would I buy this if no one else saw it? Because if the answer is no… it’s probably not for me.
This Murano glass vase was purchased from an antique dealer years ago. I didn’t have the money at the time, but I knew this was a very special piece that I would keep forever and pass down so I figured it out…I’m not sorry!
You Can Be a Maximalist Without Being a Mindless Consumer
You can absolutely love beautiful things and you can absolutely collect.
You can absolutely decorate with personality and wear statement pieces and live in color. And…you can still do it with intention, because the goal isn’t to own less just to own less, the goal is to own what you truly love and let the rest go. Maximalism can be meaningful, maximalism can be curated, and maximalism can be intentional.
This is one of my favorite looks from fall of last year! It just kind of came together effortlessly. The vintage cigar box bag and cowboy boots add so much interest and personality to this look! As soon as the weather gets warmer, I have big plans for this skirt!
So…Let’s Talk
Are you a maximalist, a minimalist, or somewhere in between? What helps you decide what’s worth bringing into your home?
Let me know what you think in the comments (please!)!
Thanks so much for reading today!
~XOXO Suzanne