Maximum Impact: 5 Ways to Pull Off Maximalist Design
I don’t know about you, but I’m over the minimalist trend. While it’s easy to appreciate a neat and tidy home, something about the aesthetic leaves a lot to be desired. Where’s the excitement? Where’s the personality? And where, oh where, are the colors?
Enter maximalism, a daring and dramatic design trend that’s anything but boring. Blending rich colors, bold patterns, sumptuous textures, and layers upon layers of decorative accents, the maximalist aesthetic is a stunning symphony of sensory delight. Whether you find yourself feeling limited by conventional décor schemes, or you simply want your space to reflect the many facets of your personality, this exciting trend offers endless inspiration to design the home of your dreams.
But how do you pull off such an over-the-top aesthetic without making your space look cluttered? There is a big difference between maximalism and mess, but there’s also a method to the max-ness. Here are a few ideas you can incorporate to strike just the right balance and make maximalism work for you.
1.Consider a triadic color scheme. One of the hallmarks of maximalist décor is its dramatic use of color - the brighter, the better! A triadic color scheme is a great strategy for choosing a variety of bold, bright hues that complement rather than clash.
In color theory, a triadic color scheme combines three different colors that are evenly spaced apart on the color wheel. To keep things simple, bear in mind that the basic color wheel contains four potential combinations:
Red, blue, and yellow
Violet, green, and orange
Yellow-green, red-orange, and blue-violet
Blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange (my personal favorite!)
And of course, don’t forget about the blacks, whites, and neutrals that can really make those colors pop!
2.Display, display, display. Perhaps your collection of seashells or souvenirs is collecting dust in a drawer. Or maybe you’re tired of pulling out a photo album to relive your favorite memories. Whatever the case may be, maximalist décor leaves plenty of room to experiment with decorative display. Ideally, every wall and surface should be adorned with things you love to look at!
You might consider dedicating a wall to a floor-to-ceiling arrangement of framed photos and art. Decorative accents like plants, mirrors, art sculptures and tapestries are great for adding visual appeal. And definitely don’t shy away from accent tables and shelves. Not only do these pieces add dimension to décor - they also create the perfect home for curios, collectibles, heirlooms, and more.
3.Bring on the boldness. Who says you can’t have more than one statement piece? If you’re struggling to choose between a commanding Chesterfield sofa and a modern accent chair wrapped in bright, patterned fabric, a maximalist décor scheme gives you the freedom to incorporate both styles - and more!
Maximalist décor is, above all else, bold, and it will never have just one focal point. Think funky, statement-making furniture, dramatic area rugs, sparkly chandeliers, and lots of colorful art. And don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from a variety of different design aesthetics. Much like the eclectic décor trend, the maximalist home includes a little bit of everything.
4.Play with patterns. Mixing patterns is not for the meek. (Neither is maximalism, for that matter!) Even if most of us wouldn’t want to include multiple patterns in one outfit, there’s a way to make it work when it comes to home decor. You could consider a mix of paisleys, plaids, and polka dots that are all the same color. You could also choose a variety of pieces from the same family of patterns – think animal prints, geometrics, or different sized stripes. Although it may take some experimenting to create the look you like, bold patterns are an essential element of maximalist design.
5.Remember that it’s not about “stuff.” If you want to create a maximalist home that doesn’t look cluttered, remember that it’s not just about filling up space. Maximalism isn’t about cramming a room full of random items. It’s about creating a bold blend of colors, patterns, and textures that capture the senses like candy to the eye. It’s about decorating your space with items you love and that reflect your unique personality.
No matter which décor scheme you choose for your home, there’s one rule of thumb to keep in mind. Whether it’s fashion, functionality, or just plain fun, every item in your home should serve a purpose. This guideline is true for any decor scheme – even maximalism! Maximalism’s heavy focus on fashion and fun sets this showstopping design trend apart from the rest.