There is somewhat a stereotype that maximalism means more things. It may be true since it does incorporate more than minimalism. But instead of the negative notion of imagining rooms belonging to your great grandmother stuffed with antiques and unnecessary furniture, being a maximalist just means styling your house with more prints, textures, and colors.
Maximalism is the art of more is more. If minimalism is quiet, subtle, and talks in whispers, then maximalism is a shout to the void or a scream in your face while standing amongst bold colors, textures, and layers.
Minimalism has been the go-to for ages. With its simplistic factor bringing comfort and order, it was often treated as a cult status over the years, with people trying to stick with the least number of possessions. Well, nothing lasts forever, and people have started to embrace its opposite.
Ever since the revival of the 2000s era, people have been experimenting a lot with pops of color, not just with fashion but with the interior as well. If you visit social media right now, specifically Instagram and Tiktok, and check out creators’ pages showing their homes, you’ll see a vast array of renditions of punk rock, McBling, Y2K aesthetic, and any decor in millennial pink.
But it is not just limited to the ’90s or 2000s style. People have also been embodying the retro 70s and 80s by decorating their houses with lava lamps, pop art posters, and loud furniture like the Togo Sofa by Ligne Roset and the stylish Ultrafragola Mirror by Ettore Sottsass.
What makes one maximalist
Colors, more colors plus the right decor
Maximalism is bold, especially with colors. They tend to stand out and seem more intriguing. These include sapphire, black, magenta, emerald, ocean blue, and ruby red. People kind of tone them down, not wanting to steal the spotlight with the right furniture and lampstand. Some even add potted plants, which do the job.
Others highlight these colors more by adding more bold colors. You might be surprised how good this can look, and a perfect example is Barbara Hulanicki’s London house. With prints and patterns, you can always go for loud printed wallpaper filed with geometric lines or tropical designs that would attract any guest.
Shifting to the Trend
If you plan to jump on board soon with the max trend, see these tips on starting your shift. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment with styles that you want.
Embrace print and color
Maximalism can be achieved by a coordinated look, tying color palettes and prints that work well with each other. Don’t be afraid to add bold colors. You can also make a palette and experiment on your own.
If you prefer pastels and muted shades with your walls and other decorations, maybe add a sofa or a table that will stand out with its color. You can also add gold, giving a glamorous vibe to the interior, like a gold-plated telephone, mirror frames, golden lamp bases, and candles.
Mix and match it
Not every single thing in your house should be in a pop of color. You can still include things in basic white or black or even wood like those ultra-trendy home decor kitchen accessories to balance it out. Basic and pastel colors tend to add symmetry and may act as a neutral base so feel free to incorporate some. Maximalism doesn’t mean every single thing should be printed and patterned, so no worries.
You can also mix two or more aesthetics. A combination of the 80s and the 2000s? Try it out! If you feel unsure, you can always ask for help with designers or scroll through Pinterest to see what works for you.
Add more art and decor
Choosing the right artwork is no easy task. You’d have to think of what suits your home, and this might get intimidating since there are many art forms and styles to choose from. Just choose what speaks to you best. Unique ones are a plus point.
Decors like rugs, wallpapers, accent chairs, lights, and photos can be an excellent start for a maximalist room. Books and magazines are a must-have too. If you already have the ones mentioned, choose what to keep and sell or give out the rest. You don’t want it to look cluttered.
There is a fine line between being a maximalist and looking too messy. You need to figure out that line in blending the decors that you have chosen to keep.
Shifting to a trend and a totally different style may be overwhelming. But do remember that it’s entirely your home ad your unique taste. It’s all about what you want to bring to your own four walls. Bring out your personality, and don’t be afraid to welcome layers and statement pieces to your house, and don’t overthink it.
You can start easily by figuring out what you want to change, what colors you’ll be bringing, and what decors you’ll be adding. If you already own a lot, organize them in a way that’s not cluttered. Feel free to approach an expert if you have to.
