Maximalism is an aesthetic style characterised by excess, complexity, and a proliferation of details and elements. Unlike minimalism, which emphasizes simplicity and restraint, maximalism embraces boldness, eclecticism, and ornamentation. This style can be found in various domains, including interior design, fashion, art, and literature. Maximalist interiors often emulate the richer parts of life. It’s a design style rooted in a more-is-more philosophy that will often blend an eclectic mix of patterns, colours, textures, and objects. “Maximalism leans into big and bold decision making when it comes to colour, pattern, texture, shape, and form,” Hopp tells AD. It’s a fun way to put all of your favourite things together in one room and show them off in a striking and playful way.
The over-the-top maximalist design incorporates layers upon layers of vibrant colours, patterns, textures, and meaningful items. Maximalism takes your personal preferences and favourite pieces of art, furniture, treasures, and decor and dials it up to ten by having it all on display, hopefully in a somewhat coordinated fashion. This makes each maximalist-styled home incredibly unique to the person designing it! Some might call maximalism colourfully curated chaos. Though “more is more” is a core principle of maximalist design, it’s not just about adding more and more things, but embracing your personality and your favourite things and incorporating them into your interior design. The trick to mastering maximalism is to find your happy medium with a little focus and planning, so it’s elaborate yet not too overwhelming for the senses.
The over-the-top maximalist design incorporates layers upon layers of vibrant colours, patterns, textures, and meaningful items. Maximalism takes your personal preferences and favourite pieces of art, furniture, treasures, and decor and dials it up to ten by having it all on display, hopefully in a somewhat coordinated fashion. This makes each maximalist-styled home incredibly unique to the person designing it! Some might call maximalism colourfully curated chaos. Though “more is more” is a core principle of maximalist design, it’s not just about adding more and more things, but embracing your personality and your favourite things and incorporating them into your interior design.
The trick to mastering maximalism is to find your happy medium with a little focus and planning, so it’s elaborate yet not too overwhelming for the senses. Key features of maximalism include rich colours, patterns and textures, layering, personal expression, historical and cultural references.
Rich Colours: Bright, Bold, and Diverse Colour Palettes
“Bold, and beautiful speaks perfection”. The maximalist uses a bright blend of saturated colours to depict glamour.
An intensive colour palette is in the lead. In interiors, such colours as emerald, navy blue, violet, sapphire, black or fuchsia often play the first violin. Some people decide to mitigate their effect with light furniture and accessories. Others will highlight them even more by adding colourful furniture.
**Patterns and Textures**: A mix of Patterns, Textures, and Materials.
A huge change that can be seen in maximalist interiors are patterns. Previously promoted white walls and subdued shades go into oblivion, giving way toloud wallpapers. Usually extremely colourful, original and with a claw attract the eye. As the designers are currently promoting tropical combinations, sometimes we are greeted by walls dressed in palm leaves, royal strelicia flowers or banana shoots. Have fun with pattern play and vibrant colors when designing a maximalist home. Bold wallpaper, glossy furniture, and other accessories help pull off the look, according to designer Ashley DeLapp, founder and principal of Ashley DeLapp Design.
**Layering**: Multiple Layers of Decor, Accessories, and Design Elements
“Layer, layer, layer,” Ladd states. “Take all the things you love, and layer them on multiple surfaces like bookshelves, side tables, walls, and furniture. It does take a certain skill of knowing when to keep going and when to stop. You don’t want the result to be chaotic; you want it to be balanced.” Layering is one of the most important elements of maximalist interior design. There’s a particular art to layering patterns, as you need to make sure it feels harmonious and not headache-inducing. Luckily, there are a few rules to help you. Choose patterns that are different sizes, but similar colours.
For example, you might choose a large-scale pattern for your walls and a smaller one for throws or cushions. And all in colour schemes that are tonal or within the same colour palette. You can use light and dark to create contrast as well. Contrast is welcome in maximalist designs but stick to colours that complement each other by checking the universal colour wheel and taking colour theory into consideration. Of course, if you love a particular pattern, then like our Studio Manager Rea’s Serpentine room, you can just go all in and match everything!
