For years, designers have adopted a ‘less is more’ approach to interior decor. This has led to a predominance of sparse, Spartan furniture, muted colour schemes, and safe choices. But there are signs of some pushback against all of this, and that the maximalist ‘more is more’ ethos might be set for a comeback.
Bold Colour Is Back In Full Force
A muted, minimalist colour scheme, almost by definition, is one that’s desaturated. When none of the colours you’re using are all that loud, even the slightest pop of colour can stand apart. So, according to conventional wisdom, it makes sense to play it safe.
Maximalism rejects this. By installing bold pink wallpaper, vibrant comic-book prints, and attention-grabbing artworks and items of furniture, you’ll turn your interior into a means of self-expression. It’s a way of letting go of your design inhibitions, and creating spaces that are deeply personal and packed with joy.
Pattern Layering as a Form of Art
If you really want to push things further, you might look to employ patterns. Ideally, you might bring together patterns of many different styles – while disregarding the traditional advice about what works with what. By experimenting, and being unafraid to mix warm floral designs with cold geometric ones, you might arrive at a winning balance of chaos that a minimalist approach could never uncover.
Statement Furniture Takes Centre Stage
You don’t need to be subtle when it comes to your choice of furniture. Don’t worry about keeping the sihouettes under control; if you want to bring in a massive leather sofa, a sculpted chair, or an attention-grabbing vintage table, then you might do so. When all of your items are of high quality, they’ll naturally work alongside one another. And if they don’t, you can always tweak things later on.
Decor That Celebrates Collections and Keepsakes
You don’t need to keep every shelf clear when you’re decorating according to a maximalist philosophy. This means that you needn’t stash personal treasures out of sight in order to make cleaning easier. If there are keepsakes in your home that hold sentimental value, then, by all means, display them!
Textures That Add Depth and Drama
You don’t just need to stack clashing colours and patterns. Your use of texture can make a difference, too. Whether you’re pairing velvet with brocade, or lacquer with marble, you’ll get a sense of visual richness and excitement that only maximalism can achieve.
