Maximalist Interior Design: Understanding the Key Elements

My time has come. My favorite design aesthetic — maximalism — is back, baby!

I gritted my teeth through the Marie Kondo era of minimalism. Like most style trends, the pendulum is swinging back toward something bigger, bolder and more layered. If you’re a “more is more” type, whether that’s color, pattern or detailing, this is your moment, too.

Maximalism has been around as long as people have decorated their bodies and their homes, but it’s had some style high-point moments. Think Versailles, Victorian homes, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland’s famed New York apartment, and Kelly Wearstler’s entire career.

“Maximalist design is a vibrant, bold and eclectic style that celebrates abundance and embraces an ‘anything goes’ approach to decor,” says Ariana Lovato, owner and principal designer of Honeycomb Home Design.

Lindsay Boudreaux, proprietor and creative director of Shotgun Double Interior Design, says part of the fun of maximalism is that nothing is really off limits.

“Ultimately, there is an art to designing in this style, as it could easily swing into hoarder territory,” she says. “The magic is in the mix, and this style is best executed when everything in the room is above average in quality. There’s also a ‘collected over time’ aspect of this style that tends to resonate with world travelers, readers, art aficionados, et cetera.”

About the Experts

Lindsay Boudreaux, a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette School of Architecture and Design, first designed for Allan Greenberg Architect and the award-winning studio Adamstein & Demetriou. She designs high-end homes in Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area through her firm, Shotgun Double Interior Design.

Artem Kropovinsky founded New York-based Arsight. An experienced interior designer, he earned finalist acknowledgements in the international SBID Awards and NYCxDesign Awards.

Ariana Lovato is the owner and principal designer of California-based Honeycomb Home Design. An associate designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, she founded Honeycomb Gives Back, a nonprofit that does room makeovers for children with special needs.

What Is Maximalist Interior Design?

Well, for one, Lovato says, it’s the opposite of minimalism. It’s characterized by its rich use of color, patterns, textures and diverse decorative elements.

Lovato defines maximalist design by these categories:

Bold color

Colors are often rich and vibrant. “Think jewel tones, bold primaries and saturated hues used together in unexpected combinations,” Lovato says.

Pattern on pattern

“Multiple patterns coexist harmoniously, from floral prints to geometric shapes, stripes and animal prints,” she says. “Mixing patterns on walls, upholstery, rugs and curtains is common in maximalist design.”

Eclectic furnishings

Mixing styles and eras is OK. “Antique, vintage and modern furniture might all find a place in a maximalist room,” Lovato says. “The key is the visual interest they bring when combined.”

Boudreaux says while mixing and matching is part of the style, making sure your pieces are properly scaled for your room or design is key to making it look artful.

Collections and displays

Showcase your favorite art, books or other decorative items. “These displays add depth and personality to the room,” Lovato says.

Texture

“Maximalism thrives on an abundance of textures that add depth and tactile richness to the space,” Lovato says. Think luxurious fabrics: velvet, linen, chenille, cashmere and wool. And then ornamentation: embroidery, tapestry, and other notions and embellishments.

Amped accessories

Lovato says to consider large accessories like oversized lamps, elaborate chandeliers or ornate mirrors.

Cross-cultural

Maximalist design embraces a global influence, Lovato says. So incorporate elements and design movements from disparate places and times.

Whimsical and dramatic

“Maximalist spaces often have a theatrical or whimsical feel,” Lovato says. Don’t be afraid to make a statement or provoke a reaction.

Maximalist Interior Design for Your Home

“While maximalism might seem chaotic, there’s often a method to the madness, and the key is to create a visually engaging and harmonious space despite the eclectic mix of elements,” Lovato says. “It’s about embracing abundance and creating a space that feels alive and vibrant.”

Artem Kropovinsky, founder and interior designer of Arsight, says that in the end, no two spaces ever look alike. That’s part of maximalism’s appeal.

“Maximalism supports personal feelings and often tells a tale through lots of textures, colors and things,” says Kropovinsky. “It got famous for its fun, personal way and doesn’t have any particular types, but it changes a lot based on what people like individually.”

Here are a few easy ways to maximize your interiors:

Color coat

Paint offers one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change an interior. Think bold, Kropovinsky says. “Maximalism likes strong, sometimes surprising color mixes,” he says. “Think of dark blue and bright orange colors together, or deep purple with a very colorful green.”

Create a gallery

Make a standout gallery wall with a mix of frames, Boudreaux says.

“Some vintage and ornate, some clean and modern, perhaps play with mat colors or hanging techniques,” she says. “Think ribbon hung from a picture rail, art-gallery style, or an empty frame mounted around a small wall sculpture.”

Slide your scale

Lovato says to consider different patterns in small and large scales within one room. You can also do this with furnishings.

Start a collection

It can be any kind, Boudreaux says, as long as it’s something meaningful to you.

Mix and match textiles

“Add many throw pillows, blankets and rugs with different patterns or textures for a quick, fancy look,” Kropovinsky says. Lovato says animal print is a great pattern to try.

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