The pendulum is swinging decisively away from minimalism in Toronto homes this year, with former devotees of stark white walls and sparse furnishings embracing a dramatic shift toward personality-filled spaces. As I toured recently transformed condos along King West and renovated Victorians in Leslieville, a fascinating pattern emerged: the minimalist recovery movement.
“I spent five years living in what felt like a laboratory,” admits Nadia Patel, founder of Eastside Design Collective. “One day I realized I’d created a space that looked impressive but felt nothing like me. Now my home tells my actual story.”
Patel’s journey from minimalist to what she calls “intentional maximalism” reflects a growing sentiment among Toronto’s design community – that personality shouldn’t be sacrificed for aesthetic purity.
Toronto designers point to several key catalysts behind this shift. The pandemic forced prolonged home confinement, making sterile environments increasingly uncomfortable. Many found themselves craving warmth, texture and personal connection within their own walls.
Additionally, sustainability concerns have made disposable, trend-driven design less appealing. “People are rediscovering family heirlooms or hunting for character-filled vintage pieces at places like the St. Lawrence Antique Market,” explains Marcus Chen, whose Yorkville design studio tracks emerging home trends.
Former minimalists aren’t completely abandoning their roots, however. The new approach maintains clean lines and thoughtful curation while introducing bold statements through color, texture and meaningful objects.
Maya Rodriguez, whose Junction Triangle loft underwent a dramatic transformation, found liberation in breaking minimalist rules. “I’d purged so many things that sparked joy because they didn’t fit my rigid aesthetic,” she reveals. “Now I display my grandmother’s eclectic pottery collection alongside contemporary pieces. The juxtaposition actually works beautifully.”
The shift manifests in several distinct ways across Toronto homes:
Color has returned with gusto. Benjamin Moore reports sales of bold hues like Raspberry Blush and North Sea Green have doubled in Toronto stores since 2022. Even formerly all-white kitchens are seeing colorful cabinetry and statement backsplashes.
Texture layering has become essential, with Toronto designers incorporating boucle, velvet, rattan and other tactile elements that would have been deemed too busy in minimalist spaces.
Wall treatments have evolved beyond white paint, with Toronto seeing a 35% increase in wallpaper sales according to Ontario Decorating Association statistics. Bold murals from local artists are also making appearances in dining rooms and entryways.
Personal collections once hidden away are now showcased thoughtfully. Chen notes that custom display solutions represent nearly 40% of his current projects, compared to just 12% three years ago.
The Toronto Home Show this spring further confirmed the shift, with attendance at maximalist design workshops outpacing minimalist options by nearly three to one. Design books celebrating “joyful clutter” and “meaningful spaces” topped sales at Type Books and Indigo locations citywide.
Yet this isn’t simply about adding stuff. Toronto interior stylist Jordin Choo warns against misinterpreting the trend. “This isn’t about accumulation; it’s about curation with personality,” she emphasizes. “Each piece should carry meaning or bring genuine happiness.”
The financial aspect can’t be ignored either. In a city with increasingly prohibitive housing costs, Torontonians are investing more in creating distinctive interiors rather than upgrading square footage.
“When you’re paying premium prices for limited space, making that space uniquely yours becomes more important,” observes real estate agent Priya Singh, who’s noticed homes with distinctive character selling faster than cookie-cutter minimalist condos.
The movement has created opportunities for Toronto’s artisan community. Custom furniture makers like Junction Wood Co. report six-month waitlists as homeowners seek bespoke pieces that reflect personal style rather than mass-produced minimalist options.
For those hesitant to fully abandon minimalism’s clean aesthetic, designers suggest starting small. “Add a vintage rug, display a meaningful collection, or paint one wall a color that makes you happy,” suggests Rodriguez. “You’ll quickly discover which elements of minimalism still serve you and which restrictions you’re ready to release.”
The truth many recovering minimalists share is that their homes now feel more authentic. “I realized I’d been designing for hypothetical guests rather than for my actual life,” admits Patel. “Now my space reflects who I am, not who I thought I should be.”
As Toronto winter stretches ahead, this embrace of warmth, texture and personality in our interiors seems particularly well-timed. After all, in a city defined by its diversity, shouldn’t our homes celebrate individual expression rather than conformity?
The ex-minimalist movement suggests that in 2024, the most modern approach to design might be the most personal one.
