Design ideas to bounce around
Allie LeFevere describes her maximalist Chicago home as colorful and eclectic. When she and her husband moved in to their home four years ago, she didn’t have a specific design in mind. “I just wanted the house to feel vibrant,” says LeFevere, founder of branding agency Obedient. She wanted “a representation of our lives and the places we’ve explored and the memories we’ve made.” The philosophy behind maximalism decor is “more is more,” according to Jean Whitehead, a senior lecturer on interior design at Falmouth University in county Cornwall, England. Bold colors, textures and unique pieces define this style, elements of which Vogue magazine says are “in” as design trends for 2024. Going maximalist in your home can seem daunting and expensive – but it doesn’t have to be, say those who favor a bold aesthetic. Here’s how to achieve a maximalist look on a budget.
hShop at thrift and vintage stores
“One of the more economical ways to explore maximalism is through vintage and antique things that are available at thrift stores and estate sales,” says Daniel Mathis, who runs the Instagram account Not A Minimalist with over 70,000 followers.
Mathis’s home in Oklahoma City showcases his maximalist style, including many pieces purchased second-hand. To get a good bargain, Mathis suggests waiting until the last day of an estate sale when prices are typically reduced.
Alex Ammar, a certified financial planner and owner of Paradox Financial based outside Orlando, Florida, recommends setting a budget and decorating in stages.
Q: After a column I wrote last summer that touched on Ping-Pong tables, a reader asked if I could recommend companies supplying a pinball machine for his home.
A: In researching, I came across a Wired magazine article reporting that the most popular pinball machine ever is one with an Addams Family theme, released by Bally/Midway in 1992. Even today it is popular with collectors. (I would have guessed something more intergalactic, decorated with Barbarella-like figures.)
The machines have a few practical considerations. They can be heavy — 200 to 300 pounds or more — so make sure your floor can handle the weight, and don’t plan to relocate them casually. They can be quite loud. Although there are volume controls for music or other background sounds, the flipper and bumper clamor can be intense. Even with soundproofing, you may bother neighbors with whom you share walls or floors. Some models may also require special wiring, so check in advance if you will need an electrician.
The Pinball Co. sells new, used and restored pinball machines with themes that include “Star Wars,” James Bond and “Stranger Things.” New models start around $5,500, while a restored Addams Family number runs about $25,000.
Vintage Arcade offers new and used models, many with movie references (“Jurassic Park,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Deadpool”) starting at $5,000.
American Pinball, out of Chicago (which it calls
h“You might have different budgets for different tiers of interior decorating,” Ammar says. Secondhand and discount stores are great for decor and accent pieces, while you may spend more on distinct furniture, like a sofa.
Make it yourself
hMaximalism can mean applying your own creativity to a space. Be bold with reinventing old furniture or items you have around the house. When Mathis fell in love with the Southwest design of a rug, he used the fabric to upholster an armchair in his sitting room.
For a simpler project, you can individually frame