For years, the design conversation seemed to swing between two distinct points of view. On one end was minimalism, with its clean lines, restrained palettes, and emphasis on simplicity. On the other was maximalism: a celebration of color, pattern, collections, and self-expression. Today, a growing number of interiors are finding a comfortable place somewhere in between.

“Midimalism is what happens when the pendulum stops swinging and starts finding its center,” says Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams and Trendsight Team^℠ member. “For years we have watched design culture oscillate between the austerity of minimalism and the exuberance of maximalism. Midimalism is the permission slip to stop choosing and create a new personal and intentional interior.”

Rather than asking homeowners to choose between restraint and expression, midimalism embraces both. Emily Kantz, Trendsight Team℠ Color Strategist, says, “Midimalism sits between two extremes. It’s all about a balanced design aesthetic, clean and edited spaces that feel warm, expressive, and intentional.” 

Design by Christine Cook. Photos by Prisma Media.

The appeal extends beyond aesthetics. “From an evidence-based design lens, I’m continuing to see a shift toward interiors that truly support how our brains function,” says Emily. “It’s not about overstimulating or stripping things back too far, but creating a space that feels supportive, engaging, and comfortable all at once.”

Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams and Trendsight Team^℠ member, sees a similar desire for balance influencing the way people approach color. “It’s less about choosing between minimal or maximal,” she says. “People want their spaces to feel personal and interesting, but still calm and livable.”

The rise of midimalism is closely tied to a broader desire for spaces that feel more authentic. After years of highly curated social feeds and picture-perfect interiors, homeowners are looking for environments that feel more reflective of real life.

“I think after years of really clean, pared-back aesthetics, people are starting to feel a disconnect,” says Emily. “What I’m seeing now is a desire for spaces that feel real, much more reflective of how people actually live day to day.”

Design (left) by Ramona Tan. Photo by Vivian Johnson. Design (right) by Kristen Reyes. Photo by Sarah Linden Photography.

Sue sees a similar shift taking place at a cultural level. “We are living through a period of enormous complexity – culturally and emotionally,” she says. “People are responding by wanting their homes to feel resolved. Not sparse and cold, and not chaotic and exhausting, but settled.”

Designers are seeing those same desires reflected in client conversations. “We are longing for what feels real again,” says designer Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of Kelli Fontana and West Bay Homes in Minneapolis. “We want tactile environments that invite gathering, connection, and presence.”

Design by Ramona Tan. Photo by Vivian Johnson.

Ramona Tan of Ramona Tan Interior Design in Walnut Creek, California, points to a similar desire for permanence and emotional grounding. “People are craving spaces that feel storied, tactile, and psychologically safe,” she says.

For Christine Cook of EP Interior in Houston, Texas, that often translates into homes that feel collected rather than prescribed. “People are craving authenticity more than perfection right now,” she says. “Homes that feel layered, lived in, and reflective of the people who live there tend to feel much more emotionally connected and timeless.”

If midimalism is rooted in balance, color is often what makes that balance possible. “Color plays a big role here,” says Emily. “It’s really what helps create that sense of visual balance.”

When paired with layered furnishings, patterns, and collected objects, paint can act as a grounding force. “A maximalist room filled with pattern, collection, and personality needs an anchor,” says Sue. “Paint becomes the discipline within the abundance.”

Designs by Kristen Reyes. Photos by Sarah Linden Photography.

Several designers are putting that idea into practice. In a renovated family home project, Kristen Reyes of Sey Interiors Studio in Dallas, Texas, used Slate Tile SW 7624 (233-C6) on millwork and built-ins to create architectural presence among layered materials and meaningful furnishings.

“Color was used architecturally rather than decoratively,” Kristen says. “Rich color moments feel more impactful when they are paired with quieter areas that allow the eye to rest.”

Elizabeth Ryan of Elizabeth Ryan Interiors in Richardson, Texas, took a similar approach in a botanical-inspired bathroom renovation featuring energetic wallpaper balanced by soothing greens, warm whites, and trim painted in Abalone Shell SW 6050 (194-C1). “You really need solid tones to ground playful patterns,” Elizabeth says.

Design by Elizabeth Ryan. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Ryan.

In more restrained spaces, paint often takes on a different role. “Here, color does the opposite work,” says Sue. “It becomes the expression itself.”

In Kelli Fontana’s custom Minnesota home, a foundation of Shoji White SW 7042 (254-C4) creates what she describes as a “cocoon-like calm,” while moments of At Ease Soldier SW 9127 (212-C4) and Tungsten SW 9515 add personality and depth. “The home balances bold, impactful moments with a calming, livable foundation,” Kelli says.

Designs by Kelli Fontana and West Bay Homes. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography.

Veronica Sanders of Design with Veronica Sanders in Dallas, Texas, used tone-on-tone blues, Greek Villa SW 7551 (254-C1), and Rookwood Terra Cotta SW 2803 to create what she calls “controlled drama” throughout a Mansfield home. “Each statement has room around it,” Veronica says. “That is what keeps the boldness from becoming noise.”

Designs by Veronica Sanders. Photos by Aaron Dougherty Photography.

As the movement continues to evolve, one common thread emerges across both trend forecasting and residential design: a growing emphasis on individuality.

“A big part of this shift is that we’re giving ourselves permission to be our authentic selves, bringing in colors that reflect who we are, not just what’s trending,” says Ashley.

Sue has observed a similar evolution in the way color is being approached. “Five years ago, the dominant conversation was still about color as trend. Today the most interesting designers are approaching color as narrative.”

That narrative often comes to life through the objects, materials, and collections people choose to surround themselves with.

Designs by Veronica Sanders. Photos by Aaron Dougherty Photography.

“Clients want homes that reflect who they are, tell the story of their family and experiences, and feel collected over time rather than overly designed or trend driven,” says Christine.

Ramona agrees. “Objects, materials, books, artwork, and even music carry personal and collective memories,” she says. “When those references are layered into a space, it immediately feels more authentic and emotionally resonant.”

For Veronica, thoughtful editing is what allows those personal elements to shine. “Every choice needs a job,” she says. “If it supports the story, the function, or the feeling, it belongs.”

Whether midimalism is viewed as a trend or simply a new name for an enduring design principle, its appeal appears rooted in something deeper than aesthetics alone. It reflects a growing desire for homes that support wellbeing, encourage self-expression, and feel reflective of the people who live in them.

Sue believes the movement’s influence will continue to shape the future of color and design. “Midimalism isn’t a flash trend – it’s a cultural recalibration,” she says.

Rather than asking people to choose between restraint and expression, midimalism allows room for both. The result is an interior that feels calm, personal, and unmistakably its own.

For even more color inspiration, explore the palette of hues our experts selected for Rewild, our 2027 Colormix^® Trend Forecast, and bring home your exclusive Designer Sample Kit, which includes our lookbook and a limited-edition set of color samples – complimentary with your Design+ account.

Top image: Mineral Deposit SW 7652 (238-C4) in Satin (cabinets), Drift of Mist SW 9166 (238-C2) in Eg-Shel (walls) and Slate Tile SW 7624 (233-C6) in Satin (bar). Design by Kristen Reyes. Photo by Sarah Linden Photography.