I was recently on a planning call with a potential client when she mentioned seeing “modern” on my website. She was confused because she saw plenty of rooms where I had used traditional furniture and details. I was stumped too because I love modern elements, but I wouldn’t describe my overall style that way. Then it hit me: she must have seen “Moderationalism.” So I explained to her my philosophy and it really seemed to resonate. Maybe you are wondering the same thing. “What is Moderationalism?” I’d like to take a minute to explain.
I genuinely love the feel of a maximalist home. The layers, the personality, the sense that every corner has something interesting to discover. But here’s the thing: I’m allergic to dust. And my mama taught me when you dust, you pick up every single piece, dust it off, as well as underneath it. Layers upon layers of objects just isn’t realistic for me. And honestly? It isn’t realistic for most of my clients either. Beautiful as it looks, a heavily layered home doesn’t have to only be lived in. It has to be maintained.
Moderationalism became my answer. It’s maximalist joy, without the clutter. It’s the sweet spot I kept finding myself in. Wanting homes that felt joyful and personal and layered with meaning, but also calm, practical, and easy to actually live in. After a while, “eclectic” didn’t feel quite descriptive enough. Sure, my work and style are eclectic but so is a lot of design that doesn’t resonate with me. What I kept coming back to was moderation. I’ve always valued balance in other parts of my life. How I eat, how I entertain, even how I approach big decisions. I had been calling myself a moderationalist for years and thought, if that describes me so well, why couldn’t it describe my interior design philosophy too? That’s when Moderationalism clicked.
If you’re wondering what this looks like in practice, here are a few of my guiding principles.
Every piece has a purpose or a story. This is where a good edit comes into play. Nothing is there just to fill space. If it doesn’t earn its place visually or emotionally it doesn’t stay.
Clean lines and traditional detail are meant to mingle. Modern and antique don’t compete, they make each other more interesting. A sleek sofa next to a carved side table or an ornate dining table with acrylic chairs. The juxtaposition really highlights what’s special about each piece.
Layers have to be beautiful AND easy to maintain. Texture, pattern, and color, yes please! But chosen intentionally, with real life in mind. Spaces that photograph beautifully and actually function.
The result is a home that feels joyful and personal like it came together over time, not all at once but never overwhelming. There’s room for your eyes to rest and your life to happen.
Since embracing Moderationalism, I don’t feel like I’m compromising. I’m intentional about creating spaces that are joyful, personal, and actually livable. And it’s the philosophy behind everything I do, not just at CHB Interiors but in all facets of my life. I don’t know if Moderationalism will ever make it into the design history books, but it perfectly describes the kinds of homes I love creating: collected, colorful, deeply personal, and comfortable enough to actually enjoy. If that sounds like your kind of home too, I’d say you just might be a Moderationalist.
