Maximalist Home Style Guide

Maximalism vs. Minimalism

You are probably familiar with the minimalism design concept, one of a Zen-like simplified space, with curated embellishments and clean lines all around. Well, think of the exact opposite and you be headed towards maximalism. This decor style is jumping back into the mainstream in response to a life lived in the homestead for the last two years. It’s an expressive, bold decor style in response to the routine of everyday life.

Maximalism Definition

“A person with maximalist beliefs or tendencies; someone who prefers redundancy or excess.” - Merriam-Webster
And that is just one definition; there seem to be a few different but similar renditions depending on which dictionary you reference. In relation to home decor, maximalism is the art of more-is-more. “It’s about layering patterns, highly saturated colors, ample accessories and art, and a real sense of playfulness and bold gestures,” Keren Richter, interior designer tells Vogue.

HISTORY
The excess of maximalist style began as a reaction to the industrial age when production capabilities turned a corner into massive and less expensive output. Consumer culture became reality as the population had more disposable income in conjunction with an increase in home size. Shopping was now a sport for the simple function of filling homes with decor that had no role other than looking aesthetically pleasing.

With the tech and huge market boom in the 1980s, the more-is-more mentality took hold again, with the work of Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Group out of Milan, Italy at the forefront.

After a housing market crisis and the recession in the first half of the 2000s, excessive purchasing died and the minimalist movement took hold. But as seen time and again, history repeats itself. And what was once popular is coming around again. The pandemic, unemployment, and lack of travel have also affected how people are living and longing for happier and more personalized spaces.

Maximalism & Minimalism Existing Together
Like anything in life, the sweet spot of perfection comes with a balance, a yin yang of ideal proportions. When merged properly, you create a cohesive and complete look.

How To Get The Maximalist Decor Look
While maximalism is not 100% clearly defined there are some common elements that can be followed. Here are some examples of what to look for.

How To Infuse Maximalism In Your Home
Maximalism is loud, chaotic, and colorful. To accomplish this look, you have to find the balance in mixing modern and traditional elements. When using the ‘more is better look’, you can create an artful space that’s not overly chaotic but alive and inviting by following some general rules:

  1. Choose imaginary fabrics and wallpapers.
  2. Use animal prints in unexpected ways.
  3. Include statement pieces such as oversized art, bold furniture accent shapes, or life sized mirrors.
  4. Look for pieces inspired by the original Memphis design movement.
  5. Use your family heirlooms, any collectibles you have amassed, or souvenirs from your travels.
  6. Shop second-hand markets for pieces that add a one-of-a-kind look to your space.

Rich & Intense Color

Repetitive Patterns

Plush & Velour fabrics
The rich colors and textures that are common to velvet upholstered furnishings work perfectly in maximalist settings.

Gold Accents
Maximalist decor goes all out, i.e. goes for the gold. So it is very likely you’ll find some strong gold accents in this type of decorated room.

Mix Styles & Colors
Maximalist style truly embraces anything you like. Thus a mixture of Hollywood style with art-deco or mid-century modern is perfectly normal.

Unique Statement Pieces
The decor accents used when decorating your maxi home can come from many sources: travel journeys, family collectibles, strange found objects… it includes anything that is unique and you enjoy. Ideas include:

SUMMARY
Maximalism home decor is unique, diverse, and individual. It breaks with conventions, giving pre-eminence to originality.