Minimalist, Maximalist, or Somewhere In Between? Here’s What Your Home Style Says About You

What Your Home Style Says About You

(And What It Means if You’re Thinking About Selling)

You can learn a lot about someone by spending ten minutes in their home.
That’s something we’ve seen time and time again helping buyers and sellers across Monroe County—from Columbia to Waterloo to Red Bud.

Some homes are serene and spare—where everything has a purpose and nothing is extra. Others are layered and lively, filled with books, plants, and objects that make you ask, “Where’d you find that?”

Most of us land somewhere in the middle. A little tidy, a little chaotic. A few corners that look like a Pinterest board… and a few that absolutely don’t.

And that’s exactly the point—your space reflects how you live, what you care about, and what makes you feel at ease.

It’s not about good or bad taste.
It’s about personality.

Let’s take a look at a few common styles—and what they might be saying about you.

The Minimalist

Your space is calm, clear, and intentional.

If someone had to describe your home in one word, it would probably be peaceful. You gravitate toward neutral colors, clean lines, and open surfaces. There’s not a lot of visual noise—and that’s very much on purpose.

Your style says: You like order. You’re sensitive to clutter. You’d rather have a few things you love than a lot of things you like. Home, for you, is a place to reset.

You’re probably not throwing themed dinner parties every weekend. But a quiet night with a candle and a good glass of wine? Yes, please. You think better when your environment is quiet—and your favorite chair? Definitely claimed.

The Maximalist

Your space is expressive, layered, and full of stories.

If your walls could talk, they’d have a lot to say. Maybe there’s artwork from your travels or mismatched bookshelves stacked with novels and family photos. Your home feels lived-in—in the best way.

Your style says: You care more about meaning than minimalism. You surround yourself with things that make you feel something, whether that’s texture, color, or memories. A little chaos is fine—as long as it’s yours.

Hosting probably involves a playlist, a new recipe, and a dash of last-minute cleaning. Your home feels like an extension of who you are—and that’s exactly why people love being in it.

Somewhere In Between

Your space is cozy, functional, and always evolving.

You’re not chasing trends, but you’re not ignoring them either. You want a home that works—for mornings, for movie nights, for messy kitchen days. Maybe you’ve splurged on a few things, and thrifted the rest.

Your style says: You like things to feel nice, but also real. Your space reflects your life—and your life isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve thought about repainting the hallway but haven’t quite gotten to it. You care—but not too much. And that’s why people feel at home when they walk in.

Style ≠ Staging (And That’s Okay)

If you’re even thinking about selling—now or later—it’s worth knowing:
The way you live in a home isn’t always the way you sell it.

That doesn’t mean hiding your style or boxing up your personality. It just means making thoughtful edits that help buyers focus on the space itself—like that beautiful natural light or the open flow between rooms.

At Mandy McGuire Group, we specialize in helping sellers across Columbia, IL, Waterloo, Millstadt, and beyond position their homes to stand out—without losing what makes them special. Whether it’s a cozy starter, a country property, or a forever home, we believe everyone should be able to live where they love.

Not Selling? No Problem.

Even if you’re staying put, this is a chance to see your space a little differently.
Our homes reflect us in ways we don’t always notice. And sometimes, looking at them with fresh eyes helps us appreciate why they feel like home.

Curious how your style shows up in your space—or what buyers might see if you ever list?

👉 Let’s talk. We’ll walk through your space and give you honest, helpful feedback—no pressure, no pitch. Just smart insights from your local real estate experts in Monroe County.

Because whether you're moving soon or just dreaming ahead, it’s always a good time to love where you live.