NOT A MINIMALIST? 7 TIPS TO EMBRACE THE MAXIMALISM TREND
WHAT IS MAXIMALISM?
To those unfamiliar with its underlying ethos, maximalism may appear as accumulating a thoughtless array of objects to fill a space. True maximalism is far from chaotic, requiring the layering of exuberant colours, patterns, and textures with intention.
Most importantly, the process is underpinned by emotion and the curation of items that deeply resonate with our sense of self. Maximalism ensures we’re surrounded only by things that remind us of our personal pleasures, establishing a unique and joyful retreat.
This style is for the bold — it challenges design conventions and offers an unrestrained opportunity to sculpt our environment, fostering intrigue and inspiration in any space.
If you’re feeling compelled to explore this style, discover our best tips below for achieving the playful yet elegant appeal of maximalist design.
1. NARROW DOWN THE COLOUR PALETTE
Creating an exceptional maximalist interior begins by clearly defining your direction. There’s a fine line between brilliance and chaos when it comes to selecting your colours.
While it may be tempting to add any vibrant item that catches your eye, the room will appear far more ordered if you simplify your scheme with only two or three colours.
If you’re not confident about which will work well together, take a look at the colour wheel and opt for a combination that is monochrome, complementary, analogous, split, or triad. Your selected combination will either work in harmony or contrast, depending on the effect you desire.
One colour can play the primary feature alongside the others as accents, with variety especially achievable by incorporating several shades of each hue. For example, choose an analogous combination using yellow as the main colour supported by red and orange. Brushed brass fixtures would also seamlessly complement this warm palette.
2. VARY YOUR PATTERNS
A basic colour scheme can be energised with an array of interesting patterns. The trick is to switch the scale of the designs — small, medium, and large patterns in matching colours will maintain both excitement and consistency in your space. By repeating certain aspects of your theme, you can avoid a sense of disorder.
3. EXPLORE DIFFERENT SURFACES
Shelves and benches provide the perfect home for vibrant trinkets that represent your travels, history, and the lens through which you view the world. These may include decorative ceramics, sculptures, or your favourite literature.
Additionally, your walls offer another surface for getting creative. Add dimension with a whimsically-patterned wallpaper, which will also guide the colour palette underpinning the space. Use this foundation to select coordinating decor and furniture as accents to the design.
You can further personalise your space by creating a gallery wall that includes paintings, illustrations, and travel photographs that inspire a meaningful connection. Tie these pieces into the surrounding scheme by carefully selecting frames, mats, and subject matter in cohesive colours.
4. STAY ORGANISED
Prevent a sense of overwhelm by ensuring your maximalist decor remains organised. Keep piles of books tidy, neatly arrange cushions and blankets, and store bits and pieces in coordinated containers.
Consider placing one large item on a bench or shelf instead of many smaller objects. This will allow more surface area to be seen, offering the eyes an opportunity to rest with less clutter in the way.
5. PLAY WITH TEXTURE
Focus can be drawn towards a key feature by layering it with texture. For instance, accentuate the rich hues of a green velvet couch by pairing it with a comforting fur throw and corduroy cushions.
A thoughtfully-selected rug can help make a space feel more grounded by offering an anchor point for your furniture. Woollen fabric featuring bold patterns will capture attention and provide a comfortable tactile experience underfoot.
6. MAINTAIN BALANCE
Despite the diversity in style, colour, pattern, and texture that may appear in maximalist interior design, a successfully-designed space relies on balance.
Balance will dictate the distribution of colour, the size of objects placed together, and even how each item vies for your attention — not every piece should be as ‘loud’ as the next, as the mind needs space for quiet between stimulation.
Select only a couple of hero pieces in each room to direct the gaze on entry and inspire awe. Consider an extravagant chandelier, an impressive collection of books, or a uniquely upholstered armchair with more subdued decor as support.
7. INVITE IN NATURE
Adopting the notion of biophilic design in the home stays true to the underlying premise of maximalism — to nurture connection and comfort.
Incorporating indoor plants into your design is a wonderful way to reap the physical and mental benefits of the environment while adding additional vibrance to your scheme. A few of our favourites include the peace lily, aloe vera, and monstera, which will instantly energise any room.
The true beauty of maximalism is that even when using these design tips as a guide, each individual’s space will be genuinely one-of-a-kind. This theme celebrates the unique nature of experiencing and finding joy in the world around us, which translates into how we thoughtfully arrange our homes.
