While some prefer minimalist or modern farmhouse styles, others find them too sparse. Maximalism offers freedom with vibrant colors, varied patterns, and rich textures. It includes styles like bookshelf wealth and grandmillennial aesthetics.
However, balancing functionality with aesthetics is crucial. If the abundance of vases on your coffee table hinders you from placing down your tea cup and snack plate comfortably, it might be wise to reassess your maximalist approach. Achieving a tasteful over-the-top decor often demands careful editing and curation. Maximalist decor celebrates bold colors, eclectic patterns, and an abundance of decorative elements, creating a rich and dynamic living space.
Nevertheless, there’s no strict rulebook for maximalism. As long as your space bursts with color, patterns, and accessories (even if it leans towards a bit of chaos), it’s maximalist. Yet, no one desires a disorganized home. While maximalism is sometimes affectionately termed cluttercore or cozy clutter, the aim isn’t to appear messy. If you seek fresh ways to achieve a chic, curated aesthetic, explore our curated maximalist decor ideas for inspiration and practical advice to bring your vision to life.
Choose chunky frames for maximalist decor.
In maximalism, a gallery wall is as quintessential as shiplap is to farmhouse style. As Miranda Priestley would say, “Groundbreaking,” right? Truss Interiors boldly showcases this gallery wall featuring an abundance of dark prints and substantial frames. Varying the artwork sizes is key, while using frames that are works of art in their own right enhances the wall’s opulence and allure.
Arrange your books in stacks.
Designer Fran Keenan from Fran Keenan Design describes this 1970s original living room as an ideal setting for her client’s ever-expanding collection of books and collectibles. The room reflects the client’s passion for fabric, color, and an eclectic, carefree approach, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. Sprinkled with art and accessories among the books, this bookshelf wealth-inspired living room exemplifies the beauty of maximalist decorating. Maximalist decor transforms spaces with vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, and an abundance of decorative elements.
“The boldest move in the renovation was the red lacquered bookshelves, and it paid off immensely!” Keenan enthuses. “The vibrant red injected a sense of freshness, providing a strong yet warm backdrop to complement the room’s grand scale and offer a striking contrast to the rustic stone fireplace.”
Mix and layer colors and patterns.
Keenan crafted this primary bedroom for a client who is a “skilled artist and enthusiastic collector of textiles and artwork.” The starting point was the Josef Frank fabric on the bed. “As we continued, I felt we needed a ‘newspaper print’ to complement it and soften the pattern against a plain wall,” she explains. “In this home, comfort reigns supreme with no strict rules. The layers were limitless and provided endless inspiration.”
Remember to glance upward.
Give your ceiling the maximalist treatment just like any other area of your home. Designer Molly Singer from Molly Singer Design adorned this entire kitchen with a striking Schumacher botanical wallcovering, maintaining brightness while embracing vibrant colors.
Coordinate finishes with the wallpaper.
In this powder room by Blessed Little Bungalow, the recurring jewel tones of the wallpaper complement the gold finishes on the vanity, mirror, and shelf above the toilet flawlessly. The hardware not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also integrates seamlessly into the room’s intentional design.
Pay close attention to small spaces.
This striking and stylish home bar area designed by MMB Studio is a definite focal point in the space, and with good reason. The vibrant red walls harmonize with the artwork above the alcove, while the sleek black bar provides a sharp contrast, making this cozy corner a coveted addition to the home.
Consider your collectibles when designing.
Keenan designed this “keeping space” adjacent to the kitchen specifically to showcase her client’s cherished objects. “The renovation included raising the ceiling height to accommodate a full wall where our client’s books and collectibles can be displayed and enjoyed daily!” If you’re investing in a dedicated keepsake room, why not make it as luxurious and enjoyable as you can?
Decorate the tabletops generously.
Follow the lead of this open-concept space by Rincon Road Design Studio and adorn tabletops with plants, vases, catchall dishes, and any other décor that speaks to you. Just ensure the table remains practical enough to hold your coffee cup if needed.
Transform your wall into a mural.
Install large-scale wallpaper or panels, or enlist a painter to craft a striking scene on your wall. Let this artwork inspire your subsequent decorating decisions. In the Blessed Little Bungalow project, bedding in rich colors taken from the artwork enhances the room’s intentional and curated appearance.
Extend colors from the floor to the wall.
If you adore the color of a furniture piece, consider hanging artwork in a similar palette on the wall. It’s an excellent method to achieve a unified look in a vibrant space. Take inspiration from this living room by Truss Interiors, where the stunning green velvet couch and sculptural art above it harmonize beautifully, creating a cohesive and polished appearance.
Don’t stress about matching.
Let your favorite colors lead you as you gather art and objects—cohesion isn’t crucial. “This gallery wall allowed us to blend all the art, regardless of matching,” explains designer Keenan. “The mix adds an inspiring feel to the room, complemented beautifully by the pair of yellow linen sofas.”
Create a tile rug.
Creating a tile rug involves laying down tiles in a specific area to mimic the look of a rug. This innovative approach blends aesthetic appeal with practicality, offering a durable and easy-to-clean alternative to traditional rugs. It allows for creativity in design, making it a versatile choice for enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces with style and functionality.
Integrate vintage textiles.
Incorporating vintage fabrics into your decor adds a unique and nostalgic touch to any space. Whether through curtains, upholstery, or accent pillows, these textiles bring character and warmth, infusing a sense of history and craftsmanship into your home. Their patterns and textures can complement modern aesthetics or enhance traditional themes, creating a timeless and personalized atmosphere that tells a story of bygone eras.
Layer your rugs for added depth and texture.
Layering rugs is a stylish technique that adds both depth and texture to a room. By placing rugs of different sizes, shapes, or patterns on top of each other, you can create a visually interesting focal point while also introducing warmth and comfort to your space. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows for versatility in styling, making it easy to change up the look of your room whenever you desire. Maximalist decor transforms any space into a vibrant and eclectic showcase of bold colors, diverse patterns, and abundant textures.
Use your favorite colors repeatedly.
Using your favorite colors consistently throughout your decor creates a cohesive and personalized look. By repeating these hues in various elements such as walls, furniture, and accessories, you can establish a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that reflects your unique style and preferences. This repetition helps to tie the room together and creates visual continuity, making the space feel intentional and pleasing to the eye.
Showcase sculptures.
Showcasing sculptures adds a captivating artistic element to any space. Whether as standalone pieces or integrated into a room’s decor, sculptures can enhance the ambiance and visual interest, making a statement with their unique forms and textures. They invite admiration and intrigue, offering a glimpse into artistic expression and adding depth to the overall aesthetic of the environment.
Conclusion
Embracing maximalist decor allows you to create a vibrant and personalized living space that reflects your unique style and personality. The 16 ideas recommended by interior designers offer a range of creative approaches, from bold color palettes and eclectic art collections to lavish textures and layered patterns. By combining these elements thoughtfully, you can transform your home into a dynamic and visually stimulating environment. Remember, the key to successful maximalism is balance; while it’s about abundance, it’s also about harmony and cohesiveness. Whether you’re incorporating vintage finds, statement furniture, or intricate details, let each piece contribute to a cohesive, captivating aesthetic that truly makes your space your own.
