How To Make Maximalism Work in Your Interior

Phenomena like extreme minimalism, Kon Mari and Scandinavian design have all pushed American consumers towards stark, neutral interiors in recent years. However — as more

Americans spend an increasing amount of time at home — homeowners are searching for ways to infuse their spaces with a bit more personality. With a growing interest amongst Millennial

buyers in antiques and collectibles as well as vintage decor items — both for their character and their inherent sustainability — eclectic interiors have reemerged. Gone are the days of clinically clean interiors we maintain solely for the benefit of impressing visitors with our restraint. Back in style are loud, maximalist interiors filled to the brim with memories, vibrant color palettes, contrasting patterns and intriguing textures. Learn more about how to make maximalism work in

your interior below.

Why Maximalism is a Top 2021 Interiors Trend

In a recent article for Life Savvy, writer Elyse Hauser labels maximalism as “the decor style that will define the 2020s.” She writes that minimalism has begun to bore us, having become an “expectation” in every space around the country — from commercial offices to coffee houses and from home interiors to gallery walls. Hauser notes that the staying power of minimalism exists in that “it’s completely neutral—it offends no one.” However, minimalism leaves little opportunity to put one’s own stylistic stamp on their home’s interior. Thus, maximalism has emerged as a major 2021 interiors trend. According to Hauser, maximalism scratches this itch for personality and character in the aestheticpresentation of one’s home, creating a “visual smorgasbord” that has been carefully curated. Maximalism is so hot right now, notes Hauser, because it “makes space for personality,” “requires creativity,” “suits small spaces” and is “simply different.” For those looking to shake up their interiors and breathe new life into them, maximalism might be the perfect style choice!

Defining Maximalism in Interior Design

Olivia Heath echoes Elyse Hauser’s perspective on maximalism by defining the interior design trend in her article “How to embrace maximalism in the home (even in the smallest of spaces)” for House Beautiful. Quoting interior designer Marilynn Taylor, Heath writes that “‘maximalism is the epitome of the passion, power and joy that can be expressed through a room.’” Maximalist interiors are often awash with “bold colour and luxurious fabrics...metallics and detailed patterns,” unusual decor elements and oodles of interesting artwork. What maximalism is not, notes Heath, is clutter and clamor. Rather, maximalist interiors are elevated, highly curated spaces that ooze “glamour and luxury.”

How To Make Maximalism Work in Your Interior: 3 Tips

#1 Take Style Cues from the British

In recent months, visually stunning and incredibly stylish British television shows like The Crown and British historical fiction shows like Bridgerton have captured the attention of American viewers. Online interior design service Modsy recommends taking style cues from British decorating when creating a maximalist interior in their article “The Adorned Space: 4 Lessons We Can Learn from British Decorating.” The article notes that “in classic British style, there’s a wide use of patterns on patterns, loads of various saturated hues and bold colored rooms, and that very Victorian brand of maximalism” filled with “knick-knacks.” To make the most of “traditional-meets-modern British design” — which constantly embraces a more is more approach — “go for a saturated color palette,” “utilize drapery and textiles” and “use material as ornament.”

#2 Decorate with Pieces that Have Meaning

One of the keys to successful maximalist interior design is to avoid tossing together tons of unrelated, insignificant decor pieces. Instead, choose pieces that mean something to you, express a certain value or add needed visual or textural interest. Above all, your maximalist space should “tell a story,” as Shoko Wanger explains in the article “Maximalists, Rejoice: Here's How to Keep Your Space from Looking Sloppy” for Architectural Digest. Quoting designer Windsor Smith, Wanger writes that “‘maximalist design for the sake of maximalist design is a hot mess.’” Maximalist spaces should “have vision” and be functional while also expressing your personality and testifying to your experiences.

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