Consumer News 14 May 2024

How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home

How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home

Out with the emptiness and neutral tones of minimalism, in with the bold patterns and funky designs of maximalism! In recent years, designers have begun to re-embrace bright colours and eclectic pieces to curate spaces that are overloaded on personality, but there is a fine line between ‘loud and bold’ and ‘crowded and overwhelming’. Follow these easy tips to bring a little more fun into your space without things getting too out of hand.

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  1. Have a colour palette in mind and stick to it

To avoid a clash of colours, make sure that what you do add to a room flows together. Design trends of the past may have encouraged complementary shades, but for a more maximalist feel, go for contrasting walls and bright accents. However, consult a colour wheel to ensure that your shades are properly picked out and stick to two to three main shades so that it’s not harsh on the eyes.

 

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  1. Layer textiles for an indulgent feel

The different types of textiles you have in a space can make a room seem cozy and it doesn’t have to crowd a space. Think about layering rugs with different textures for a fun look or indulge in some bright curtains in contrasting shades which can add both colour and function. Blankets can make for great accents on a bed or over a sofa and be experimental with patterns!

 

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  1. More is better – but keep things together

There’s a fine line between a maximalist room and a cluttered room, and a great way to find the right balance is to be intentional about how you choose to use décor items. Instead of having items strewn around on every surface, find ways to group them together and arrange them in ways that catch the eye. Consider using small display shelves or cabinets to better show off collections, the varying heights on your surfaces will add variety to your rooms.

 

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  1. Gallery walls will display your art at its best

A staple of a maximalist space is a varied and interesting gallery wall! From photos to art prints to mementos, these are a great opportunity to mix and match frame textures and colours, as well as step outside of the box on how you want to display your items. There are no rules here, so be as bold as you’d like!

 

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  1. Mix your pattern sizes

Maximalism lets you be as wild as you want with patterns, but you don’t want an eyesore on your hands. A good way to avoid this is to vary the size of the patterns you use together. For example, a floral pattern on your accent cushions will clash harshly with a similar size motif on your curtains. You may have to try a few options before you land on something you like but try to keep big patterns with small ones so that it’s not a full onslaught once you walk into a room.

 

Monthly Features

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DIY Project: DIY Confetti Clock

Show off your fun personality with the bright clock that will remind you of a party at all hours of the day. And if you place it to catch the sun, you’ll get a beautiful display of colours once a day!

Get the DIY project here

 

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Recipe: Homemade Gnocchi

An Italian staple, you may be intimidated at the thought of making these at home, but with just three ingredients, you’ll soon impress even the most skeptical Nonna.

Get the recipe here

 

Image Credit: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

In The CommunityIn The CommunityIn The Community 14 May 2024

CENTURY 21 Granite Realty and the Jump in the Lake Challenge Celebrate Five Years of Supporting Local Food Banks

May 2024, Kwartha Lakes – The force is strong for a Kwartha community fundraiser sponsored by CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Ltd. on May 4, sales reps Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon took to the waters of their local lake for the fifth annual Jump in the Lake Challenge (JILC), raising over $25,000 for food banks in the Coboconk and Haliburton area.

Going with the theme of ‘Stars Wars’ day, Michel donned full Jedi garb for the annual dip, which began as a COVID distanced fundraiser back in 2020 as a way to help their community. It has since grown, with a few hundred generous donors and many brave participants coming together to raise much-needed funds to battle hunger.

“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” Michel says. “When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Over the past five years, the challenge has raised $175,000 for the local community and gone a long way in supporting those struggling with food-related costs. “What a generous and supportive community we live in,” said Coboconk and Area Food Bank chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $20,000 in cash and food donations collected and more still coming in, the JILC has provided the funds to pay meat purchases for almost an entire year.”

Alfredsson, who jumped into a frigid Balsam Lake herself, added “The funds raised and the food collected will go a very long way in feeding our CAFB families. Thank you for your participation in and donations made to the Jump in the Lake Challenge again this year.”

The hope is that JILC expands beyond Kwartha’s lake shores and spreads to other communities in Canada. “It’s such an easy fundraiser, all anyone needs is social media and something to jump into,” says Michel. “So many charities are willing to help out local fundraisers, so all you need to do to reach out to a cause that you’re passionate about and let them know what you want to do.”

There is still time to donate for this year’s fundraiser, to participate, visit  www.kawarthalakeside.com and click “Get Involved”.

Dean Michel dressed up for the Star Wars themed Jump in the Lake Challenge