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National Post

New in design: A Midimalist mood

Halfway through this decade, the pendulum of design trends seems to have landed at the centre line. The austerity of minimalism dominated most of the 2010s; then it was slowly and inevitably replaced with colour-drenched, hyper-personalized maximal interiors. Article content Article content Until now. Article content Enter Midimalism: the latest design direction that marries minimalism's simplicity with the warmth and richness of maximalist expression. It may be a design trend, but it's also a cultural pivot, a reflection of our collective craving for overall balance. According to Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's in-house trend expert, it's an approach that reflects 'a cultural shift toward intentionality. People are craving spaces that feel grounded and functional, without losing the charm and character that comes with self-expression.' Article content Toronto-based designer and TV personality Samantha Pynn likens the Midimalist movement to a more livable type of maximalism, a warmer take on minimalism. 'I think it's the same thing. It's about balance, and more importantly, it's about figuring out where you fall on the spectrum and just going with it,' Pynn says. (She also quick to add that ''Maximalism isn't going anywhere.') Article content The beauty of taking the 'midi way,' Pynn says, is that it offers design flexibility, merging personal style with pared-back, palatable choices. Article content 'It's all about thoughtful contrast,' says Johnson. She recommends starting with a neutral base, then adding a few standout pieces that bring character or texture. 'Maybe that's a hand-thrown ceramic vase, a vintage textile or a sculptural light fixture.' Each piece should have meaning or visual interest and help create a space that feels curated but comfortable. 'It's about restraint, not restriction,' she advises. Article content Article content Island Luxe Article content To start, there's Island Luxe, a vacation look that's tempered. The influence of the third season of White Lotus is still rippling through interiors, and in Island Luxe, it takes the form of raffia textures, breezy linens and a hint of escapist glamour without overwhelming the senses. '(It's) about channeling that resort feeling, even if you're miles from the beach,' says Isom Johnson. 'Statement fruit bowls, tropical-scented candles and shell-embellished decor set the scene.' Article content Pynn's advice here is to play it down: 'Anything woven or textured —grass cloth, rattan, bamboo — but do it in a Roman shade or a tropical bird-print pillow. You want it to feel collected, not costumed.'