The minimalism vs. maximalism debate is eternal; some of us live by a less is more mentality, while others can't get enough of bright colors, bold patterns, and general eccentricity.
While both have their merits, we have decided to compare two of our favorite celebrity living spaces: Anne Hathaway's old-money style, maximalist living space, and Kim Kardashian's modern, ultra-minimalist living room. Needless to say, they have given us both maximalist living room ideas as well as minimalist ideas.
The former is a blend of unexpected, statement decor pieces (we are looking at you, disco ball chandelier) and traditional details, like wood-beamed ceilings and salon-style accent chairs. Kim's living room, however, is a white, monochromatic oasis, with a simple wood dining table, abstract artwork, and twin sofas carefully filling the space. So, which one is preferable? That depends on a few factors.
Shop the maximal living room edit
I love this rich purple sofa's big personality and warmth. Its contemporary tapered peg legs and linear profile lend themselves to serene comfort, the perfect addition to any living room.
Get the peach paint look of Anne Hathaway's living room walls with this plush rug, which adds just the right amount of color to a space.
This robin's egg blue seat features plush cushions and a swivel base, perfect for a walk-in closet, living room, or even an office. It's the perfect way to get Anne's maximalist living room look.
According to experts, opting for a maximalist or minimalist living room ultimately should rely on your taste.
'There are aspects to love in both minimalist and maximalist living room styles; what's right for you is really going to depend on your personal style,' says Kathy Kuo Home founder & CEO, Kathy Kuo. 'That said, there are some high-level pros and cons for both.'
Kathy explains that minimalist living rooms can ultimately be easier to decorate, as each item is placed intentionally in the room, and there is a focus on letting pieces breathe. 'In a minimalist living room, it's easier to create a flow through the space and really define how the space will be used with how you place furniture and decor; the con can be that it can feel a little less warm if you aren't intentional about mixing in some contrasting textures,' she explains.
Meanwhile, maximalist living rooms definitely allow for creativity and expressive styling, she cautions that there should still be a level of intentionality, similar to how one might approach decorating a minimalist living room. Otherwise, maximalist decorating may have gone too far.
'In a maximalist living room, there's so much opportunity to add warmth and personality, but you can risk a feeling of being cluttered or claustrophobic if you don't take care to edit a bit,' she explains.
Whether you're a maximalist, minimalist, or somewhere in between, Anne Hathaway and Kim Kardashian's living rooms prove that both extremes provide their own set of benefits; it's up to the decorator to ensure that a space comes together beautifully. Do you have a favorite? Let us know whose style you love the most (and why) in the comments below.
