Go BIG Here’s how to do maximalism the way Go HOME
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The clean-lined, subdued-color aesthetic of minimalism has dominated the design scene in recent years, and although that contemporary look is still widely popular, maximalism — its rebellious, loud counterpart — is stealing some of the limelight.
“Minimalism is always less is more, whereas maximalism is more is more,” said Beth Diana Smith, a New Jersey-based interior designer.
The look, which mixes color, pattern, texture, cultures, shapes and eras, lacks a rigid definition, but you’ll know it when you see it. The aesthetic can be rooted in 1980s excess,
or traditional, classic styles, or even evoke a bohemian vibe.
“Maximalism is about surrounding yourself with the things that you love,” Smith said. “It can be art, decor, furniture, anything at all, but it all boils down to layering those things beautifully together in a strategic way. For me, the goal is to always create a ‘wow’ factor.”
Smith has brought the design concept to life in her Irvington, N.J., home by incorporating bold colors, strong shapes, geometric patterns, African decorative pieces and art of Black people by Black artists. She is also turning old family photos into art as a nod to her Grenada
heritage.
New Orleans-based interior designer Melissa Rufty is known for adding a Southern flair to maximalism. She reimagines period pieces, from 18th-century Italian and French antiques to art deco items, by pairing them with chintz, chinoiserie, contemporary art and animal prints. She also embraces unexpected color combinations, mixes patterns and isn’t afraid of lacquer, giving a fresh and modern feel to her spaces.
“It’s more of an attitude than it is an approach,” Rufty said. “And the reason people struggle with it is you have to check your intimidation at the door. You have to be brave and confident and know that, in this attitude, there is no self-expression that is wrong.”
Although maximalism doesn’t have a birth story per se, you can see it at certain points in history. For instance, Rufty said, oldschool designers such as Mario Buatta (the “Prince of Chintz”) were overt and generous with traditional elements including chintz, decorative trim such as braiding and tassels, and velvets.
Smith references the Victorian era as an earlier time when maximalism had a moment in the spotlight. Intricate furnishings, decorative objects, wallpaper, complex shapes and pattern-mixing brought the ornate look of the period to life.
Today, maximalism is defined by personal indulgence in various forms. For instance, designer Kelly Wearstler embraces sculptural
furniture with surreal silhouettes while Patrick Mele fearlessly blends past with present.
As we find ourselves stuck at home because of coronavirus pandemic, maximalism is piquing people’s interest; they want to surround themselves with the items they love in a space that feels good and is highly personalized.
“Before the pandemic, you could be minimal at home, because you had the opportunity to go and do what you want,” Smith said. “All those things you searched for outside through travel and dayto-day life, you aren’t getting
right now, and people are looking for that at home.”
For instance, you can use art and other decorative items to evoke the vacation you’ve been wanting to take. That could mean incorporating items such as a Turkish Oushak rug, a Danish teak record cabinet or an ornate antique European armoire.
You can go overboard with maximalism. Bad minimalism reads sterile and austere, but bad maximalism feels chaotic and overwhelming.
“There’s a fine line between hoarding and curating,” Rufty said. No one
wants a space that feels cluttered; aim to fill it perfectly — to the max.
To create a good-looking maximal space, you need to be an expert at layering. You also need to know how to use color and what plays nicely together. And you need to know when to stop.
“It’s very much about strategy and execution,” Smith said.
First, do some planning. Measure to make sure the proportions of the rug and furnishings work together. Then move on to window treatments. Find the right art. Then layer in accessories.