The history of maximalist design is seen through the palaces of Versailles and the elaborate Victorian homes throughout the Victorian era. These homes showcased abundant textures, patterns, and colors to reflect wealth and personal taste, creating a design style still enjoyed today.
The Truth About Maximalism
Maximalism is often misunderstood as being overwhelming, with featuring an abundance of random items. Many see it as chaotic, messy, and unbalanced when it's a style that expresses individuality, personality, and carefully collected items that tell a story. Those who enjoy this style have defined themselves as "enjoyers of history," because every piece they collect has a story that reflects themselves in some way. By embracing colors, patterns, and styles throughout the ages, these stylists see their homes as a curation of history, making them their own museum to enjoy daily.
Old Maximalism vs. New Maximalism
Maximalists use the term "New Maximalism" to help undo the previous idea of old maximalism from the past. Instead of being seen as over the top and a simple way to show off wealth and status, these new interior design experts express maximalism as living life to the fullest potential. Inspiration comes from being creative and courageous instead of pompous and overwhelming. With this refinement of maximalism comes new ways to implement the style within your home.
Color Drenching
This trend is part of the broader maximalist movement that embraces color richness, texture, and a layered aesthetic. Some key elements of color drenching include a monochromatic base, meaning a single color, with slight variations as needed, across all surfaces of a room. In addition, layers of patterns, textures, and materials that shine due to the monochromatic background. Bold colors with saturated hues to help create a dramatic impact with a chosen color to maintain a cohesive look. Don't forget to paint your ceilings for the full-effect!
Color Explosion
Infuse your space with bold and vibrant hues that work together to create a kaleidoscope of color throughout your home. Mix and match different shades and tones to craft a playful, stimulating visual experience that brings out your personality. Whichever colors you choose should complement each other without being overwhelming. Use colors such as magenta, turquoise, and emerald green to bring out different hues from décor. This trend reflects a vibrant personality and the joy of bringing color to everyday life.
Layering
Layering is a common way to introduce maximalism into your home. Start by choosing a bright, bold paint color or wallpaper. From there, add photos, paintings, mirrors, and shelves for more depth throughout the room. The pictures and paintings can be your own personal art or pieces collected from eras or artists you enjoy. Local artists are an excellent way to collect pieces with history related to your location. Plants and other décor can be added for more depth throughout the space.
Patterns, Motifs, and Metalwork
Asian motifs, animal prints, and golden metal accents define the new maximalist world. Pair them alongside some mid-century furniture and Grandma's crystal chandelier that you've repurposed. Colorful and scenic wallpaper with unique patterns or motifs makes it unique, and it's even better if you find patterned pillows to go with it. Gold metal accents are IN for new minimalist designs, so incorporate them with décor, furniture details, and any additional metalwork you add to the space.
Galleries
Your walls are a playground. Decorate them with anything that brings out your chosen colors, patterns, and golden frames for the ultimate curated art collection. Old portraits, unique art styles, or anything else that may relate to you, such as hobbies, favorite artists, and color schemes can easily be thrifted. Paired with plants, shelving, and additional décor, these pieces add a bit more personality to your walls. The result of a gallery creates a deeply personal and creative atmosphere for your home. Not only does it add a touch of uniqueness to the space, but it brings it all together to represent your unique personality.
Reusing & Recycling for a Curated Look
The main purpose of maximalist style today is to curate pieces from the past and make them relevant to the one who owns them. This style shines with people who can truly understand the beauty in history and how different pieces appreciate different eras of time. You can even repurpose your furniture and décor by reupholstering any current pieces and moving them to rooms with less furniture, especially when you get new and interesting pieces. This method works well with the Grand millennial style, which you can learn more about here.
How to Get Your Maximalist Journey Started
The best place to start is color drenching, incorporating color into your home, and then styling around it. Starting with color makes creating your space easier than completely starting your style journey from scratch. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors, wallpapers, and sculptural elements; If you feel like you’re missing something, look up! Adding color to your ceiling can make your space feel like a true maximalist home. However, before you commit to a color or wallpaper, ensure you have a cohesive color palette, so you don't have clashing colors from the start. This can make it more difficult to keep on track with the style and may even stop you from continuing your journey.
Custom furniture is another powerful tool in your maximalist toolkit. When you design a piece specifically for your space, you can choose colors, fabrics, shapes, and details that align perfectly with your bold aesthetic. Whether it’s a velvet sofa in an electric hue or a bookshelf shaped like a wave, custom pieces add personality and purpose to your space—making it feel curated rather than cluttered. Plus, they’re a great way to tie your color palette together while reflecting your unique style. Learn more about our custom furniture journey here.
Finding Inspiration
Creating a vision board for your home can help you stay on track for color palette, patterns, and even your favorite pieces from history can help you create a cohesive look. For more inspiration you can look to current interior designers, home magazines, outdoor influence from your favorite places (local or worldwide), color generators for a cohesive and personalized palette, and social media such as Instagram or Pinterest.
Final Tips
Maximalism comes from roots in Victorian wealth, but has since transcended into personal expression and historical representation. The best way to incorporate maximalism is by creating your own style with colors, patterns, and furniture tailored to what you enjoy in each space. Play with shapes, colors, patterns, and décor to make each area represent your journey and your connection to your style. Embrace the freedom of self-expression and enjoy the journey to true maximalism, becoming your own curator in your home.
