Maximalism is a design philosophy that embraces abundance, variety, and boldness. Unlike minimalism, which focuses on simplicity and restraint, maximalism celebrates the idea of "more is more." Among other things, this style encourages the use of bold colours, diverse patterns, and an eclectic mix of textures and objects to create a visually rich environment for the beholder.
When applying the principles of maximalism to home design, the goal is often to create a space that feels uniquely yours and one that is full of character and charm. Your adoption of maximalism should take root from your love for personal expression, a willingness to experiment with different styles, and a focus on layering adventurously to create depth and visual interest in your space.
If you’d like to experiment more with this design style, consider these tips from DROOL Art. The following suggestions should help you let loose in your experimentation and find the joy in the “orderly chaos” of maximalism:
1) Make Impactful Additions to the Things You Already Have
One of the cornerstones of maximalist design is the inclusion of impactful statement pieces that will immediately catch the eye and set the tone for the space. These could be anything from a large, dramatic artworks that will dominate a gallery wall to a uniquely shaped sofa or an antique chandelier that commands visitors’ attention.
You can collect art prints from DROOL, for example, to introduce bold visual elements without committing to a single oversized piece. These can be easily mixed and matched to tell a very detailed and vivid story about your tastes. The sky’s the limit as long as your choices resonate with your personal style.
If you aren’t certain about which artworks best reflect your taste, consider taking DROOL’s Art Finder Quiz. This feature should help you discover interesting and beautiful pieces by up-and-coming creative talents whose art styles match up with your idea of maximalism.
2) Demonstrate Maximalism Through Colour
Colour is one of the most important elements in maximalist design, and it’s one of the easiest things to manipulate if you want to achieve a larger-than-life effect. Unlike minimalist design, which often relies on a monochromatic or limited palette, maximalism encourages the use of bold and adventurous colours.
You’ll be able to create a lively and cohesive look that people would enjoy staying in by mixing and matching colours that play off of each other’s boldness or even pleasantly contrast each other. A good rule of thumb is to choose a base colour that you love and build upon it with other shades that will make it look even better. For instance, a deep green wall could be accented with gold, teal, or even a pop of bright pink to make a visually striking impact in your living room.
3) Explore New Prints and Patterns
Prints and patterns are also part and parcel of maximalist design, and you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with combos of two or more. Think beyond the traditional florals and stripes, too. You also have geometric designs, abstract motifs, and even animal prints at your disposal.
You’ll be able to maintain a sense of balance and cohesion overall by combining patterns of different scales. Pair a large floral print with a smaller geometric pattern or mix bold stripes with subtle polka dots, both of which will achieve a pleasing level of scale and texture that’s not undesirably over-the-top.
When layering different patterns, it’s a good idea to find commonalities, such as a shared colour palette or a recurring theme, to tie the patterns together. This approach prevents the room from feeling overly disjointed or chaotic and ensures that the overall look remains cohesive and visually appealing.
4) Incorporate a Variety of Textures into the Space
Textures also play a significant role in maximalist design, and maximalism welcomes a variety of tactile qualities and effects. Layering on the texture will infuse a room with a sense of playfulness and activity, which may be what you want if that encapsulates a core part of your personality.
To effectively incorporate a variety of textures into the space, consider mixing items of different materials, such as velvet cushions, silk curtains, leather chairs, and natural elements like jute rugs or wooden furniture. The juxtaposition of these materials will result in a dynamic interplay that makes a room feel both more lived in and more welcoming to new experiences.
5) Use Your Personal Collections as Décor
You can also make your personal collections part of your maximalist design approach, especially if you have a lot of items that you’d love to showcase. Give any visitor to your home a good look at the books, art, vintage ceramics, figurines, or quirky memorabilia that you’ve painstakingly collected over the years.
Also think about grouping items in a way that tells a story or highlights their uniqueness. For example, you can arrange a collection of vintage cameras on a shelf or display a series of framed photographs in a gallery-style arrangement. You can also use specially designed shelves or dedicated display cabinets to showcase your collections both thoughtfully and creatively.
6) Mix Different Design Styles
Maximalism is inherently eclectic as a design approach, which makes it the ideal style for mixing different design influences—such as vintage and modern, for example. Make your space feel more diverse by pairing a Victorian-style sofa with a modern coffee table, for example, or combine an antique mirror with contemporary art. The mix of old and new, ornate and simple, and understated and overstated will create a layered and interesting environment that is quintessentially maximalist.
All in all, maximalism is all about welcoming bolder choices—and ones that feel entirely like they’re your own. Give it a shot with your favourite prints, patterns, colours, and pieces of memorabilia, and complement these with high-quality art pieces from DROOL!
