1. Start with an Uncluttered Base
"Midimalism can be easily achieved by starting with a clean, uncluttered base while adding a few thoughtfully curated statement pieces, and incorporating varied textures and colors," Gallion says. The designer emphasizes quality over quantity and encourages blending functional items with decorative ones. For Marissa Stokes, the founder of Marissa Stokes Interior Design, it's a clean and minimal base that sets the tone for midimalism's balance between restraint and expression. She adds personality through curated pieces such as art, decorative objects, and textures. "The result feels intentional, not sparse or overwhelming," Stokes says.
2. Mix Materials
To bring midimalism to life, McClelland recommends layering in a mix of materials such as linen, wood, stone, wool, and a variety of metals. "Contrast smooth with tactile—plaster walls and nubby textiles, for example," the designer suggests. She notes that in midimalism, texture can replace "stuff" in order to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.
"Start by selecting an interesting sofa with two to three well-chosen pillows—not ten," she says. Build on that textural layer by styling a coffee table with a stack of books, a sculptural object that introduces another new material, and an organic element such as a vase filled with branches or a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Artwork is another way to add interesting materials to the mix, whether through a large textured canvas or a carved wood frame. "Introduce art that feels collected, not crowded," McClelland notes.
3. Add Personality
"After years of very neutral, minimal interiors, people are craving something that feels more personal; They still want calm, but they also want spaces that reflect who they are and tell their story," says Becca Meyer, the founder and principal designer of BB Meyer Design. Midimalism invites richness of character that minimalism sometimes lacks, while avoiding the overwhelming saturation of personality that maximalism brings. "People are starting to want homes that feel unique to them, not like a replication of a feed—midimalism gives them a way to do that while still feeling grounded and cohesive," Meyer says.
To inject personality without overwhelming the space, the designer suggests layering in vintage items and bringing in pieces with soul for instant depth. "A vintage rug or something collected can instantly add dimension that you cannot replicate with newer pieces; Let those elements stand out instead of overfilling the space," Meyer advises.
4. Edit Carefully
Perhaps the hardest but most important of the four steps to achieving the midimalist look is careful editing. "Layer thoughtfully, but edit carefully so each piece has a purpose," Stokes says. She notes that editing is the key to striking a balance between enough detail to make the space feel personal and cohesive.
If you're not sure how to edit a room, Rachel McClelland's rule of thumb is: "Keep pieces that mean something, serve a purpose, or simply inspire you; Let go of anything that feels like filler." Rather than cramming every surface with decorative accents and filling every wall with art, the designer says it's important to give each object room to breathe so it can stand out. Edited curation allows for warmth and personality without losing intentionality. "A home should make every piece earn its place," Meyer says. The result is a space that feels collected and lived-in without being cluttered or chaotic.