Minimalist interiors have long defined modern home design, with their clean lines, open spaces, and neutral tones. But now, more homeowners are shifting away from sparse layouts and embracing the energy of maximalism. Décor that screams “more is more” is making its way into more homes, thanks to its unapologetically fun vibe and permission for self-expression. To those who want to explore this design philosophy, maximalism isn’t about creating chaos, but about welcoming creativity and individuality with confidence and flair.
While the style may appear overwhelming or hard to master at first glance, it’s surprisingly approachable. You don’t need to be a professional designer or have an unlimited budget to make it work. Here are some practical tips from the people at DROOL Art for applying the maximalist mash‑up trend, helping you build a home that feels full, vibrant, and unmistakably yours:
1) Begin with a Standout Item
An easy way to get started with maximalist décor is by selecting a single, bold statement piece. This could be a patterned area rug, a brightly coloured couch, or an oversized piece of art. Let this item serve as the foundation for the room’s personality. It will create a clear visual anchor that other elements can build around, making the space feel dynamic but still cohesive.
Once you’ve chosen your focal point, let it guide the room’s overall tone. Art posters and prints, for example, can help inspire colour themes. Meanwhile, unique pieces of furniture, like a vintage-style armchair, may lead you to explore accents that echo their style. The key is to ensure everything feels connected while leaving room for layering and experimentation. Think of that first bold piece as your green light to step out of the neutral zone and go from there.
2) Combine Patterns Thoughtfully
Pattern mixing is central to the maximalist aesthetic, but doing it well takes intention. Try combining a variety of patterns, like florals, stripes, and geometrics, in different scales to achieve visual interest without bombarding the senses. A large-scale piece of floral wallpaper can be balanced by a smaller houndstooth throw or abstract cushions, for example.
The trick is to find common ground between the patterns, such as shared colours or shapes. This creates a visual rhythm that holds the room together rather than introducing discord. Instead of matching everything perfectly, think of your patterns as characters in a story, with each one bringing something different, yet contributing to the same cohesive narrative. With time, you’ll develop a sense for which combinations feel bold, yet balanced.
3) Embrace a Bold Colour Palette
No maximalist space is complete without colour. Rich, saturated shades like emerald, mustard, or deep blue have a home in maximalism. These tones create warmth and personality, especially when layered together. Start with one or two dominant colours, then build your palette by incorporating softer or brighter accents around the room.
When done thoughtfully, a bold palette can energize a space without overburdening it. The key is to practise contrast and distribution. For example, a colourful sofa might be offset by neutral walls, or vice versa. This back-and-forth between bold and subdued will keep your room from tipping into sensory overload, while still letting your personality shine through in every corner.
4) Layer Textures for Dimension and Feel
Maximalism isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about what you feel. Mix textures to add depth and evoke a welcoming atmosphere. Think velvet throw pillows on a leather couch, a jute rug beneath a marble table, or rattan baskets paired with ceramic vases. These combinations bring tactile variety that makes a room feel curated and comfortable.
Furthermore, adding layers of texture help keep a maximalist space grounded. Layering softens bold patterns and colours while adding richness and warmth. As you build your design, consider not just how things look, but how they contrast in feel, like smooth next to rough, or soft next to firm. That variety will bring the room to life and make your space feel more like home.
5) Blend Different Styles and Time Periods
The appeal of maximalism is that it doesn’t force you to stick to a single style. This means you can mix mid-century furniture with bohemian textiles, or pair industrial lighting with antique tables. The goal is to create visual harmony through contrast. When done well, these combinations add personality and context to your home.
Additionally, keep things feeling intentional rather than messy by identifying subtle links across your items. Maybe it’s a repeated colour, material, or shape. These common threads help unify a space filled with diverse influences. Mixing styles is about celebrating what you love, even if it spans decades or genres.
6) Leave Breathing Room Around What Matters
Contrary to what many might think, maximalism isn’t about stuffing every corner with something new. Instead, it’s about curating the right pieces so that each one can shine. Give standout items room to breathe instead of decorating every inch of space with disparate elements. For instance, a gallery wall works best when it’s not fighting for attention with oversized shelves or excessive furniture nearby.
Think of space as a design tool. Use empty areas to frame and elevate your favorite pieces. A bold armchair has more presence when it isn’t crowded, while a patterned rug draws more attention when it contrasts against simple surroundings.
Even maximalist rooms need pauses. Careful selection and strategic placement allow the visual richness to fully resonate.
7) Add Items That Reflect Your Personal Journey
At its heart, maximalism is about self-expression. That makes personal items like souvenirs, handmade crafts, or family heirlooms essential to the look. These pieces are what will bring emotional depth and individuality into your home décor. So instead of filling your space exclusively with trendy pieces, cull from what’s meaningful to you.
Group your personal items into small displays across shelves, side tables, or mantels. Vignettes built from objects you care about turn your home into a true reflection of who you are. They also help your maximalist space avoid feeling like a catalogue and and instead feel like a lived-in, evolving story.
The maximalist mash-up look might come across as an aesthetic reserved for the adventurous. Yet this isn’t necessarily true. Rather, it’s a design philosophy for those who want to throw the rulebook aside and embrace what makes a space feel alive.
Maximalism rewards experimentation and personality, and as you play with the trend, you’ll develop a style that reflects your most expressive self. For art pieces that match your desire to mash up different maximalist elements, browse our top deals on DROOL or find your new favourites through our Art Finder Quiz!
