Betsey Johnson's living room embraces the 'midimalism' trend

Since Betsey Johnson is known for her whimsical, feminine, and often over-the-top style, we expected her to have a maximalist interior design style. However, the reality of his home is much more reserved.

The fashion designer’s living room embodies a stunning balance between minimal and maximal design that we can’t get enough of. Its simple, playful space features clean glossy wood floors, white walls, and a beige sofa as a neutral base. Above, a yellow-green rug and a patterned rug add a touch of texture. Johnson’s coffee table is covered in brightly colored knick-knacks, her sofa is draped in richly patterned throws, and an abundance of fresh, vibrant flowers fill the corner of the space. Looking at the space, the eye is drawn in multiple directions, but it never feels boring.

Interior designers have taken to calling this new style “midimalism”, as halfway between minimalism and maximalism. The balance of the look makes it one of the greatest current trends in interior design. Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Houses and gardens says: “I see the midimalism trend emerging in the design space. With the accelerated trend cycle, I think people are becoming more and more tired of the extremes necessitated by social media, turning everything into a pre-packaged aesthetic. Thus emerges a design style that is an exercise in moderation.

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the (digital) editor of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, and worked for Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors editor.

She continues: “In Betsey Johnson’s space, brightly colored accessories are layered over the base of a neutral living room. This unexpected combination does double duty to calm the extremes of plants and textiles while making the base of the space much more interesting. Together, the two opposing styles create a perfect scheme.

Basically, the midimalism trend is about personal style and what seems to be the perfect midpoint for each person, rather than being based on specific rules. Johnson’s space brings this idea to the forefront. Acclaimed New York-based interior designer Kathy Kuo shares Houses and gardens: “My favorite thing about this living room design is all the happy colors that really seem representative of the whimsical style Betsey is known for. There is such a sense of play in the pink sofa cushions, the array of plants and in the coffee table decor, but at the same time there is also a sense of restraint in the rug choices and silhouettes of the furniture. This commitment to a “midimalist” look keeps the space from looking overdone or unfocused.

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international home and lifestyle guru. She has over 20 years of experience in the design industry.

Buy the Midimalist Edit

Taking inspiration from Betsey Johnson’s home, these pieces incorporate vibrant colors with the perfect level of calm, manageable pattern.

Rather than adopting extremes, in 2025, interior design revolves around a happy medium. Sometimes it’s about adding more, and sometimes it’s about knowing when to stop.