Minimalist interior design in the form of white walls, muted color palettes, and understated décor has been all the rage for the past decade. While some may call this “less is more” approach timeless, for those who believe “more is more,” it is time for something different. Breathing new life into home interiors, maximalism is predicated on a clever mix of styles, colors, patterns, and textures to furnish an eccentric yet inviting living space.
Often compared to eclectic interior design, which calls for the blending of different design styles, maximalist interior design is about how you mix the décor. Celebrity interior designer Jessica McCarthy further distinguishes both styles, explaining, “You can be eclectic but still have a minimalistic way of styling your space.” If you’re ready to let your bold imagination run wild, read our guide to maximalist interior design.
Furniture Styles
As is the case with eclectic design, there are little to no rules for outfitting your home in maximalist flair. All styles of furniture can work in a maximalist space. That said, an easy way to capture the integrity of this design style is to play with different design eras — try combining furniture from at least three different time periods (e.g., traditional, mid-century modern, art deco, etc.) to create a visually intriguing space. While sticking to one furniture style ensures cohesion, maximalism is about creating harmony through contrast, so make sure your furniture assortment is bound by a core color palette.
Speaking of which, maximalist interior design encourages daring and unlikely color combinations (no neutral tones here), especially in furniture pieces. But to prevent your room from becoming an eyesore, it might help to keep the walls a neutral color. Conversely, if you prefer your walls to do the talking with statement wallpaper or a sprawling gallery wall, you can furnish your room with neutral furniture pieces and still add mismatched elements via a juried selection of throw pillows, throw blankets, and rugs.
Pro tip: Focus on three colors to form the foundation of your space and layer additional colors through accessories.
There is a lot to think about when outfitting your space with diverse furniture pieces, but the best part about maximalist interior design is that you can easily tie the numerous features together by minding a complementary mix of these three pillars: contrast, colors, and balance. In the spirit of “more is more,” don’t be afraid to add an ottoman, an extra end table, and a unique accent chair — like a chaise lounge sofa or swivel chair.
Home Accents
The big question surrounding maximalism is, “How can you make mixtures of color and style feel connected?” The answer: layering. First, assess your current furnishings and select a statement piece — the furniture item you love most. This will be the foundation of your layering, where you can start accessorizing with patterns and like colors.
In fact, the best way to adopt the maximalist trend is to start slow. Vignettes are a great way to build up to a more-is-more appearance. Defined as a tiny, curated style statement that is made up of a group of objects displayed on a shelf, table, or another surface, a vignette can make your space look classier and more beautiful. As you try to put together your vignette, it is important to note that too many big pieces will not work together and too many small pieces will make the décor look cluttered. Try to use different sizes and types of elements as you layer up your vignette. Depending on the furniture you’re working with, throw pillows, blankets, stacks of books, and household ornaments are great starter pieces that leave an impact.
When it comes to hanging art in a maximalist space, the more styles, the better. Display various kinds of art that speak to you rather than selecting one or two pieces that seem to go together. The most interesting gallery walls feature different styles of art, a mix of frames, and a range of sizes.
When in doubt, bear in mind these words of wisdom from designer McCarthy: “Take risks and express yourself. Design does not have to be perfect!”
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