"Maximalism" - The interior design trend where less is certainly not more
While minimalist interiors have dominated interior design for the last decade, over the past couple of years a popular counterpart has come onto the radar: ‘maximalism’. A trend that gives you the freedom to break traditional styling rules and pull together your favourite patterns, colours and textures to create a joyful, personalised aesthetic.
Maximalism presents a way to embrace the vibrant variety of home life through colour, accessories and scale, and facilitates some much-needed escapism.
The inclusion of personal mementos and carefully selected curios also means that your interior design becomes an extension of your individual style, and puts you and your family firmly in the spotlight.
We’ve put together some of the key features of the trend, so you can be inspired to include a maximalist flare in your home.
Eye-catching colours
Maximalist design does not restrict itself to traditional colour combinations. In fact, its remit is the bolder the better. When choosing your furniture and paint, you can experiment with drastically contrasting colours, such as pairing orange tones with purple, or blue hues with yellow. White can separate brighter shades to add a space of serenity in among pops of colour.
For those wanting to stay on trend, hot reds, pinks and oranges are current maximalist favourites.
Meaningful mementos
Maximalism is all about embracing the meaningful. Forgo a small scattering of framed photos in favour of creating a large-scale gallery wall celebrating all those family moments and memories that make you smile.
If your sofa has sentimental value, but doesn’t match the new rug you have had your eye on, it doesn’t matter. Combining pieces from different eras is a popular stylistic choice in maximalism, with no pressure to coordinate. You can incorporate family heirlooms, unique collectibles, or stylish travel souvenirs into your schemes without clashing or confusing your theme.
Patterns, patterns, patterns
One way to channel maximalism in your home is through an abundance of conflicting patterns. Maximalist designers mention stripes, zig zags, waves and animal print as just some of their go-to styles.
Patterned wallpaper is a favourite in the bathroom, so much so it was the biggest bathroom trend last year, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.
For those feeling brave, maximalist designers point towards your ‘fifth wall’ - the ceiling - as a place to add a pattern to jazz up your room.
A place for plants
In a maximalist-inspired room, it is common to spot a botanical theme. Splashes of green foliage help break up bright colours and add texture. Introducing house plants into your design has also been proven to help purify air, soothe anxiety and boost mood - so, the more the better!
If you have a favourite maximalist feature, or more inspiration and ideas surrounding the trend, share them with us over on our Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or Instagram profiles.