Maximalism Doesn’t Mean Cluttered: How to Add Layers and Make an Impact with Danielle Balanis

Feb 10

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Danielle Balanis, a Birmingham-based designer known for her bold, layered, and mixed aesthetic. Danielle's designs exude joy, abundance, and energy, adhering to the principles of the Slow Style philosophy. She emphasizes developing an aesthetic rather than adhering to strict style categories, focusing on creating evocative experiences rather than matching products. Danielle draws inspiration from varied sources like fashion and film and stresses the importance of playing with design elements and taking time to let styles unfold. We discussed several projects where she broke conventional design rules, such as rejecting the 60-30-10 color rule and using unusual combinations and scales. Danielle shared specific stories behind her projects, such as draping a whole bathroom to create a luxurious feel and using unexpected elements like antique mirrors and layered patterns. She highlighted a family room framed with dramatic portières and a moody, persimmon-accented bedroom designed for a show house. In her personal creative space, she showcased a blend of textures, colors, and collected items that reflect her unique style. This conversation is full of advice for those hesitant to embrace bold designs, encouraging you to trust your instincts and explore.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cultivating an Aesthetic, Not a Style Category

At the heart of our conversation was the mantra I often emphasize: develop an aesthetic, not a mere style category. Danielle beautifully echoes this sentiment. “It’s not about fitting into one category but more about what you love and how you effortlessly collect it,” Danielle explained. Her style is maximal and vibrant, yet distinctly personal, rejecting the constraints of predefined categories like farmhouse or boho.

Danielle’s designs are vivid and evocative, not bound by decorating rules but inspired by broader concepts like fashion and film. Our conversation highlighted how breaking away from the norm allows for a more authentic expression of beauty, defined by personal connection rather than rigid structure.

Runway Meets Reality: The Balance of Style and Practicality

Danielle shared her admiration for designers like Dries van Noten, whose runway shows inspire her color choices and fabric selections for home interiors. It’s a balance between drama, glamour, and the everyday practicality of living spaces. “It’s about feeling like you’re living on the runway, not literally, but the essence and emotion it evokes,” she said.

This perspective transitions beautifully into Slow Style, an appreciation for juxtaposition—the friction of contrasting elements that spark creativity and individuality. Danielle’s spaces are alive with this electricity, demonstrating that true style is in the hands of its creator, formed through trial, error, and a playful sense of exploration.

Spaces That Tell a Story

Our visual tour of Danielle’s work revealed layered rooms where each piece, whether it’s vintage or a contemporary find, contributes to a broader narrative. Danielle’s home is her laboratory, a testament to the transformative power of play in developing one’s aesthetic eye. Her anecdote about sourcing a conversation-starting stool from Chairish illustrates the joy of blending the unexpected into a cohesive design.

Danielle is unabashedly expressive in her use of color and textures. Her philosophy is that beauty isn't just about the visuals, but the emotions and stories spaces can evoke. From a mariner blue primary bedroom influenced by showhouse aesthetics to a cozy, tented bathtub room brimming with sensory experiences, her work is the epitome of embracing Slow Style—attentive to each moment and detail, unhurried by trends or expectations.

The Joy of Collecting and Layering

In her office, the heart of her creative pursuits, Danielle combines various influences—from Susani textiles to whimsical finds like a ceramic cheetah from HomeGoods. It's a rich tapestry of individuality, a combination of eras and styles that speaks to the joy of collecting over time. This echoes the Slow Style philosophy I often advocate for: integrating meaningful, diverse elements into a signature style.

Trust the Process and Dare to Go Bold

For those hesitant to embrace boldness in their own homes, Danielle offers simple advice: trust the process. Those who choose color and pattern often find lasting satisfaction, she observes. The fear of stepping outside the norm is common, but the rewards of a personalized, lively space far outweigh the risks.

Engaging with Danielle Balanis was not just fun—it was a conversation into the essence of Slow Style, celebrating the stories and creativity that shape our environments. Our talk was enriching, filled with inspiration and practical wisdom. I encourage you to explore her work, reflect on your own spaces, and consider how embracing the Slow Style philosophy could transform your home into a sanctuary of joy and self-expression.

Thank you for joining us.. I look forward to sharing more stories of inspiring creators and their unique aesthetic approaches.

Until next time, happy designing!

-Zandra