Aren’t you just bored of the minimalist style?
Quiet color palettes and minimally decorated walls were cute for some time but, placing the same old plain decor everywhere is just a crime against beauty.
So, here’s the next big thing: Maximalism.
What Is Maximalism?
This style of interior design says that when it comes to decor, the brighter, busier, and bigger, the better. Think eclectic furniture, prized collections, and precious photographs, highlighted by a rainbow of colors, styles, and textures – it screams going all out, but not quite in the way you’d think. This loud style is composed of mixed patterns, saturated colors, and excessive but carefully curated collections. Just think of the exact opposite of minimalism. While minimalism, as the name suggests, focuses on keeping decor to its bare minimum, maximalism encourages owning and filling your space in the boldest manner possible.
It’s not uncommon for maximalist interiors to feel overwhelming or intimidating. We’ve all seen one too many Instagram or Pinterest posts that make you go NOPE. But, remember that even though you’re supposed to “max out” your space, it’s more about your taste and what feels natural to you. This form of decor is much more personal when compared to minimalism. You can barely make your personality shine through in a minimalist space. Through maximalism, you can make your home a reflection of yourself. People are complex, complicated, and multifaceted. That is exactly what maximalism aims to express.
Elements of Maximalism
These are some key characteristics when it comes to identifying a maximalist space:
- Bold, rich colors
- Blending of styles such as boho, eclectic, and classic (oftentimes but not limited to)
- Layering
- Mix and match of colors and textures
- Repetitive patterns in prints such as animal prints, abstracts, and florals
- Multiples of items like statues, books, artworks, etc.
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Unique statement pieces
If you’re starting off a maximalist room, combining wallpapers, paintings, photos, and rugs can be a great start. Make sure your furniture is of different colors and patterns. Each layer you add to your space should tell a story of the people who occupy it.
Here’s a pro tip: You can use animal prints such as snake and leopard to make a neutral base for your maximalist space. Since the colors of the prints aren’t too over the top, mixing more patterns with them won’t overpower the interior in an obnoxious or noisy manner.