If you have long been a believer in the notion of ‘more is more’, maximalism might just be the decor style for you.
It is the antidote to minimalism, which has long been the go-to buzzword when it comes to home decor. But what has steered people towards minimalism, is the possible misguided approach of maximalism involving piling everything and anything into a single room and calling it ‘decor’.
In reality, maximalism embraces and celebrates the excess, fully leaning into trends of bold colours, patterns and layering. Picture a room that contains all of your favourite things and shows them off in a playful and prominent way – that is your maximalist decor.
But striking the balance between maximalist and cluttered can be a tricky one, so how can it be done?
Embrace abundance
When it comes to your home, you may be constantly battling against the urge to clear away and tidy up, but try to rein that in if you’re trying to embrace maximalist decor. Maximalism is all about layers. From your wall decor, to your knick knacks and ornaments, right through to textiles, try not to worry about them ‘matching’ too much – embrace the mix and match!
And don’t be afraid of letting bold colours clash with one another. Now isn’t the time to follow the colour wheel or employ colour theory; whether it’s jewel tones, soft pastels or bright explosions that catch your eye, let the colours run free.
Why is your home’s kerb appeal important?
Before prospective buyers can look at your new kitchen or tastefully decorated bedrooms, they’ll have to view the exterior of your property. First impressions can be very powerful, so a disappointing exterior could tarnish their experience of the rest of the property, no matter how nice the interior looks. Not only could this decrease the overall value of your home, but it could also cost you potential sales.
With the popularity of property apps like Zoopla and Rightmove, kerb appeal is more important than ever before. To catch people’s attention while scrolling, you need the first picture of your property to wow prospective buyers. Only then will they click through the rest of the gallery and potentially arrange a viewing.
Show off your collections
What is it that you love? What is your secret obsession? Whether it’s antique books or vintage jugs, teacups and teapots, get them out on display for the world to see. The heart of maximalism is all about displaying the things you adore the most.
The same can be said for your walls. Rather than leaving blank space, gather images of your beloved friends and family and adventures and display them in a carefully curated gallery wall. Don’t worry about the sizes, shapes and patterns on the frames – the more varied and eclectic, the better! Simply gather your art, travel souvenirs and family snaps for the world to see.
Let there be light
Lighting plays a key role in any style of decorating, but it’s important to maximalism in a different way. Rather than harsh, white light, you’ll want to incorporate soft, yellow lighting into your decor as much as possible. Think eclectic chandeliers, mismatched vintage lamps and cleverly placed fairy lights to add depth and whimsy to your space. Avoid using ‘the big light’ in evenings, opting instead for lamps or add dimmer switches to your main sources.
Be worldly
Whether you’re a traveller or a homebody, don’t be afraid to incorporate treasures from outside your own front door into your decor. These could be souvenirs collected from journeys around the world, mementoes from flea markets or prints from far-flung cultures. A key part of maximalism is celebrating global influences and letting your heart guide your decorating choices.
Optimise for comfort
Think huge, soft armchairs that invite you to sink into their embrace and curl up with a book. Blankets adorning every soft surface for you to drape over yourself when there’s a chill in the air. Don’t be afraid to create a lived-in and inviting space.
While layering is key to maximalism – as we’ve discussed above – the room’s functionality should never suffer. When coordinating your decor, make sure there’s plenty of space for movement and cosy spots reserved for relaxation.
Don’t forget greenery
Bring your space to life with plant life dotted here and there around the room. From tiny succulents to the ever-adored Monstera Deliciosa, there’s greenery of all shapes and sizes to choose from; an instant way to add life and vibrancy to any room.
The maximalist movement is one that shows no signs of slowing down. Whilst we’ve provided many hints and tips to get you started on your journey, there are no rules to maximalism; it’s all about collecting the things you love and displaying them in a way you want to. Let your imagination run wild and unleash your inner maximalist.
