Maximalism
WHAT IS IT?
The polar opposite of minimalism, maximalism celebrates the riches and luxuries in life. In design terms, where minimalism is about making a style statement with less, maximalism focuses on the bold use of colour, textures and design elements to create a layered, joyful space, from finishes and furniture to styling.
ABOUT THE STYLE
The origins of maximalist interior design owe much to the Victorian penchant for exotic travel and love for collecting unique pieces. This trickled down into the mass production of more affordable products, which saw homes filled with a busy mix of richly saturated textiles, intricately-carved furniture, eclectic objets d’art, and a ‘more is more’ aesthetic. In today’s updated design world, it is a celebration of the finer things in life, of heritage, heirlooms and colour – brought together in a luxurious interplay to full immersive effect.
HOW TO NAIL IT
Statement pieces. Choose two or three statement pieces as the basis for the look and feel of your space. Take inspiration from a much-loved artwork or heirloom chest of drawers, for example, and draw on the colour palette, patterns and design to build from there.
Colour and pattern. Be bold with your choice of patterned wallpaper, or use of saturated colour wall paints; there’s no bare walls allowed in maximalism. Also, consider the ceiling as a ‘fifth wall’ and don’t be afraid to add stripes or decorative panelling, while flooring can be geometric parquet, a riot of vibrant rugs, or brightly tiled.
Drape windows well. Think long sheers paired with dramatically swagged floorto-ceiling curtains in jewel velvet tones, or consider using textured materials to perfectly frame a window. And don’t forget the all-important details, such as elegant curtain rods or custom tiebacks.
Go eclectic with hardware. Layering is key to maximalist décor and no detail is too small. Look out for oneof-a-kind doorknobs, drawer handles and furniture legs, but bring it all together with commonality in terms of finish, such as brass or brushed gold.
Light to full effect. Not only functional, lighting can also drive the overall aesthetic. Add statement floor lights and ceiling chandeliers to complement and enhance your statement pieces.