Mid Century Modern vs. Maximalism

There’s a style shift that’s been happening in the zeitgeist. And we could tie it to the generational divide between Millenials and Gen Z as the latter begins to furnish homes and influence retail decor. But more than that, style and decor choices are reflections of where our culture is in this moment of history. 

Most Millenials grew up with a “road map for success” that suggested a college degree would lead to a good paying job and stability. This felt very true in the 90s and early 00s. So it makes sense that the glamour meets clean line functionality of Mid Century Modern would be appealing. Mid Mod style was originally marketed to the growing middle class of the 1950s and 60s as they created, suburbia, upward mobility and generally comfortable lives.   

Much like like Gen Z, those arriving in adulthood in the 70s and 80s were faced with uncertainty, global crises, and a struggle to find meaning in the systems of the world. Where then we saw Psychedelia and Neo-Rococo come to prominence, we now see amorphous blob style, and a return to Maximalist style. When the world doesn’t make sense, we see that expressed in our surroundings. 

Humans are emotional creatures, and the manner in which we choose to style our homes is a reflection of our internal landscape. While we don’t believe there’s ever a wrong way to decorate your home, we do think there’s always room for reflection. It’s worth asking whether you love what’s surrounding you, and why or why not? Sometimes we find that we’ve been caught up in the trends and feelings of those around us, instead of following our own true north. Whatever style you choose to bring in to your space, let it feel joyful and generative to you!