The Birth of Maximalism

極繁主義的誕生

極繁主義的誕生

Two trends that continue to dominate the design industry in 2018: minimalism and maximalism. Effectively, a minimalist style should create a sense of calm and retreat, its thoughtful simplicity exuding an effortlessly chic style based on the concept of less being more. This design style still remains one of the most popular trends in interior design today.

Alternatively, maximalism is viewed as the ‘no rules necessary' approach to interior design. This trend has been rapidly adopted by the fashion industry and has since taken big steps in the interior design and architectural world. Maximalism was developed during the post-modernism era in response to the simple, clean and functional, with an absence of ornaments, dictated by modernism. Maximalism emerged as a daring statement by designers who chose to re-invent a new style for the coming century.

This ‘more is more' movement has found a place within the ever-growing middleclass population in Asia Pacific, and more specifically mainland China. The high impact on consumer fashion products, transitioning into home furniture and accessories, is being explored by designers and brands to capture a wider audience of not only high-class but also middle-class consumers looking to bring colour, pattern and textures into living spaces. I believe maximalism can be viewed as a new trend for an era of new consumers. Here are four design tips for constructing a maximalist style in your home.

2018兩大趨勢─極簡主義和極繁主義，將繼續主導設計業界。極簡主義有效營造幽靜安然和回歸平淡的感覺，簡約設計流露「簡單就是美」的輕鬆時尚。因此，極簡主義仍然是室內設計的流行風格之一。

另一方面，極繁主義崇尚「毋須規則」的室內設計，這種風格被時裝界迅速採用，並逐漸在室內設計和建築界受到重視。極繁主義是後現代主義時代的產物，有別於由現代主義支配、著重簡潔、功能性和免去擺設的極簡主義。極繁主義成為設計師的一種大膽表述，為未來創造新風格。

這種「越多越好」的風格對時裝消費品、傢俱和配飾帶來極大衝擊，吸引了亞太地區不斷增長的中產階級，尤其是中國市場。這些高端消費者希望將豐富色彩、圖案和質感帶入生活空間，設計師和品牌於是利用極繁主義來吸引不同階層的消費者。我相信極繁主義是新時代消費者的大趨勢，以下是四個貼士有助大家營造極繁主義家居風格。

1. Choose a base

Begin by selecting the colour for the walls and floors, as this represents your starting block. Printed wallpaper, an unconventional carpet or a bold paint is a great way to begin the layering process.

2. Mix & match

Maximalism allows you to mix and match. Similar to the Rococo style back in the 18thcentury, maximalism was founded upon the philosophy that extreme ornamentation and excessive decor equates to luxury. However, in order to make the space harmonious, be mindful of your design decisions, ensuring a connection between the pieces through colour, pattern or fabric.

3. Organise patterns & textures

Choose patterns and textures wisely.

Not all soft furnishing needs to have a distinctive texture, and keep in mind that maximalists don't necessarily want all pieces to match. Even though maximalism encourages the use of available space in a room, take a moment to evaluate your furnishing with regards to different styles, pieces and specific items—stylish storage is key.

4. Become a collector

Unlikely pairings can create beautiful harmonies—celebrate the objects that interest you, for example, a family heirloom such as your grandfather's piano or your mother's antique china. Fill your home with things that represent your personality, so there can be beauty in the dazzling ensemble of unique tones and textures.

It seems as if there is a focus on boldness in interior design, through representing a personal style, especially in home design. In this approach, I would still encourage mindful consumption, ensuring sustainable practices where possible. Maximalism has brought about a new design movement, paving the way for a very exciting future. It will rise and undoubtedly become either extremely appealing to some or be seen as disruptive chaos to others.

1.選擇一款底色

首先要選擇牆壁和地板的顏色，這是建設風格的起點。印花牆紙、特色地毯或大膽的牆漆顏色皆是營造層次的好配搭。

2.混合配搭

極繁主義讓不同風格並存。與18世紀的洛可可（Rococo）風格相似，極繁主義建基於豐富擺設和過多裝飾等同奢華。然而，為了營造和諧空間，需要確保家居中各部分均能透過顏色、圖案或材質連繫起來。

3.圖案與紋理配搭

仔細選擇圖案和紋理，並不是每一件飾物也需要獨特質感，極繁主義毋須所有配件能互相配搭，儘管它提倡盡用室內空間，但請花點時間評估你的家具是否配襯不同款式和特定物品─時尚的儲物空間是關鍵。

4.成為收藏家

不尋常的配搭有時創出獨特的和諧，例如運用你感興趣的物品，包括祖父的鋼琴或母親的古董瓷器等的家傳之寶進行裝飾，也可用代表自己個性的物件佈置家居，從而在色調與質感之中表現美態。

在室內設計世界，特別是家居設計，表現個人風格予人大膽創新的感覺。然而在極繁主義下，我仍會鼓勵精明消費，並盡可能堅守可持續理念。極繁主義帶來全新的設計改變，打造了令人期待的新方向。不過，極繁主義的冒起雖成功吸引支持者，但同時被部份人士視為混亂。