There’s nothing new about this interior design style. Gen Z started with this aesthetic because they wanted to give free rein to their creativity and individuality. This may not be surprising for those who were born and grew up in the age of social media. Such a constant barrage of content makes anyone want to stand out and be authentic, and what could be more authentic than being yourself. Read this post from 2023.
The Gen Z Aesthetic: How Young People are Styling Their Homes
But it’s not only age that influences the attraction to this interior style. The Filipino culture is also very much wired for this kind of aesthetic. I really can relate to what Prof. Felipe de Leon, Jr. and former Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts said in 2012 said, “The common Filipino is a maximalist, filling up every available space with forms and things. It springs from an expressive exuberance deeply rooted in emotional sensitivity and the strong urge to connect.”
There are many who strive for the minimalist style, or something like Scandi and Japandi with its muted, organic colors. If that’s not really you, maybe you will see that through the weeks and months, abubot, burloloy and charms are cropping up here and there…then everywhere…because you just can’t help yourself. You’re Filipino and ‘more is more’ is how you want to express yourself.
Curated Maximalism
Curated maximalism is a stylish way to say intentional clutter, the core idea being that you are in control of all the elements that you pack into your home. In other words, there’s a reason for all the madness (if it has reached that intensity).
Some call it sensuous chaos. If that makes your cluttered home sound more romantic, then by all means. It may be messy for some, but if it is your idea of perfection, go back to rule number 1 which is—your home, your rules.
Why am I writing about this interior design style that has been around for years now? This.
I saw this IG video from Australian interior design expert and TV personality Neale Whitaker. This interior style is for those who love to display things around the house.
Objects are a good reminder of people, places, and memories that we hold dear. But it’s good to heed Neale’s words to be “intentional clutterers.”
…think about what works with what and where it will look best. We think about colour and balance and negative space. Our home is a series of vignettes, but they all share a common thread.”
Color, Balance, and Negative Space
Color
When it comes to color, the easiest way to know how to combine them would be to learn the ABCs of the color wheel, and make your color combinations from there.
Take note of all the colors—objects, home accessories, furniture—and choose the paint colors with that as basis. If there are too many colors, then curate by using the color scheme well. It can also help that your wall paint color is neutral; any color with that as backdrop would look good.
Balance
The 7 principles of interior design is also a good read. It can be the basis for your design choices.
Read more about symmetrical and asymmetrical object placesments in this link.
Negative Space
Negative space is an area in your home that does not have anything in it. It may sound counterintuitive but if you want your vignettes to pop out, you would need to weave in negative space as a demarcation and to allow the eye some rest.
This is something like an amuse-bouche or a palate cleanser in between courses in a meal that prepares your palate for the next course. It’s not the best analogy, but it does in a way prepare your eyes to take in another curated delightful excess.
Why Curated Maximalism?
Curated maximalism may be the best interior design style to use when you have mementos, memorabilia, family heirlooms, or beloved collections that you want to showcase in your home. Just remember to keep the clutter intentional so that it would look aesthetically pleasing. Think about colors, balance, and negative space when you are making your vignettes.
This design style answers homeowners’ need to create unique, cozy, and inviting living spaces that could counter the chaos found outside the home. Seeing beloved stuff around can remind you of the good, old days, or trigger happy memories to lift your spirit.
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