Maximalism
travel photos or children’s artwork and hang them together to create a gallery wall above a couch or along a hallway.
Finding ways to reimagine pieces already in your home adds a layer of individuality to the decor while saving you money. Look through your home for items that could use a boost, and browse art and home supply stores for ideas and tools you may need to revive them.
Consider meaningful pieces
Including noteworthy pieces in your decor is a way to create a one-of-a-kind space –- and it doesn’t have to be pricey. Keep an eye out for items that stand out to you, and be flexible, which can mean building up a collection over time or making minor alterations to a piece.
Mathis started collecting rare Ozark Roadside Tourist pottery about seven years ago. He currently has 150 pieces of the multi-colored, marbleized pottery.
“That’s maximalism for me,” says Mathis. “It’s about lots of color, lots of patterns … but I tried to do it in a very intentional and curated way.”
He purchased his first vase for $50; now, similar Ozark Roadside Tourist vases can sell for nearly $1,000.
LeFevere says her favorite piece in her home is an antique pie cabinet with mesh screens that she painted pastel green to match her kitchen.
“I’m not cooking any pie in my life,” LeFevere says, but the piece is “just really cool.”
Find your own style
LeFevere and Mathis both highlight the importance of knowing what you like while staying open to designs that surprise you. LeFevere visits sites like Pinterest to find styles or decor she likes and saves the images to a Google doc.
Similarly, Mathis built his personal style by clipping photos from decor magazines. He says the fun in maximalist design is the process of discovery.
By knowing what you like, you’ll be able to assemble pieces to fill your space, whether you find them in a thrift store, create them yourself or invest in a special piece.
Ammar says it’s also important to know yourself when it comes to money and how you manage expenses that arise from redecorating, especially if you’re financing purchases.
“If you’re the kind of person who can handle carrying debt, then it can be a really beneficial way to accelerate your timeline,” he says.
Maximalism is about having a home that reflects you and your life rather than any prescribed blueprint. Fill your space with color and mementos to create an aesthetic that brings you joy every time you walk in.
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Ronita ChoudhuriWade is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: rcwade@nerdwallet.com.