Are you ready to embrace bold colors, eclectic patterns and a space that tells your unique story? If that’s the case, then you might just be falling for maximalist interior design. It’s a style that invites you to throw away the rules and create a home that’s just bursting with personality.
Maximalist interior design has been trending a lot on TikTok lately, and I actually wrote a post about why this bold style has become so popular — you can check it out here!
While minimalist spaces have been popular for years, maximalist interior has been making a big comeback as more people want to express their personality through their decor. And in this post, we’ll dive into all of the things you need to know about maximalist interior design, from all of its core principles to practical tips for incorporating this into your own home.
1. What is Maximalist Interior Design?
Before we dive any deeper into the post, I think that we should go through what maximalist interior design really is. So, maximalism is all about going bigger and bolder. It’s about layers, texture and color – more is more!
Maximalist interior design encourages people to really live out their vibrant, eye-catching personalities. It stands in stark contrast to minimalism, which focuses on clean lines, neutral colors and simplicity. However, maximalism focuses on the idea of your home reflecting who you are, instead of holding your personality back.
I remember the first time I really “got” maximalism. I was browsing Pinterest (as we all do) and I saw this living room filled with patterns. It was a bold leopard print chair paired with a bright floral rug. In addition, there was vibrant throw pillows in every color of the rainbow. At first, I thought it looked chaotic, but then something clicked. It wasn’t chaos – instead it was energy.
2. Key Elements of Maximalist Interior Design
2.1 Color: More is More
As you may have understood by now, one of the key features of maximalist interior design is its fearless use of color. And I love it!
So, you should think of jewel tones such as emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. This mixed with unexpected pops of yellow, pink or even teal. As you may understand by now – there is no too much here. The more the better!
2.2 Patterns & Prints: Mix it Up
Okay, maximalism is where patterns really collide – and the best part is that it actually works! Think of patterns like floral prints, stripes, polka dots, geometric patterns and even animal prints. They can all be combined and create this beautiful eclectic space. I would say the trick is to balance bold prints with a few simple patterns to make it feel cohesive instead of cluttered.
So, don’t be afraid to combine a floral wallpaper with a striped rug. The key is to choose a similar color palette. For instance, muted greens and blues, so that the patterns don’t compete with each other.
A little tip: If you’re new to mixing prints – start small with accessories such as cushions, curtains or even throw pillows. Then you can gradually build up the look.
2.3 Textures & Materials: Layer Up
This is my favorite thing to do, no matter if you’re decorating a maximalist interior or a minimalist home – layering.
By layering velvet sofas, leather chairs, silk curtains and even a shaggy rug – all of these textures combined will create a rich and tactile experience. It adds so much depth and complexity to any space.
3. How to Mix & Match in Maximalist Interior Design
3.1 Start with a Focal Point
Maximalism really do encourage a lot of different decor, but it’s still essential to have a starting point. This way it’s much easier to know where and how to start. It could be a bold piece of art, a unique rug or even a colorful piece of furniture. So, choose something that draws the eye and then build around it.
Let me give you an example: So, let’s say you start with a large, colorful abstract painting. From there, add bold pillows and throw blankets in complementing colors, mix prints and create a space that feels both curated and effortless. In this case, the large painting will serve as the anchor for the rest of the room. It will also ensure that the space is cohesive, even though all of the colors and patterns.
3.2 Layering Patterns: Play with Proportions
One thing that many people find scary is to mix different patterns. So, how do you combine so many different prints without the space feeling chaotic? the secret is actually to vary the scale of the patterns.
I will give you an example to help you understans. So, if you pair a large floral print with a smaller and more delicate polka dot print, you create a visual balance and the room feels intentional.
4. Maximalist Interior Design Room by Room
Okay, so you know what maximalist interior design is, how to mix and match different patterns and colors. You also know the key characteristics of the style, but how do you use this knowledge in each room? Let’s walk through each room together to give you a little inspiration along the way.
4.1 Living Room: The Heart of Maximalist Interior Design
Starting off with the living room, which is often the best place to experiment with maximalist design. Start by choosing your bold statement piece, it could be a vibrant velvet sofa, a quirky patterned armchair or even a colorful vintage coffee table. This statement piece will set the tone for the entire room.
Then, from there, layer your space with cozy throws, textured pillows and striking art pieces that will add personlity and depth.
Also, don’t be afraid to go bold on the walls either. For instance, a gallery wall filled with framed prints, photographs and unique finds that will instantly create a lively and curated space. After all, maximalism is all about showcasing your own style, so mix colors, patterns and textures and make the room truly your own. The key here is to create a sace that feels collected and joyful – not cluttered.
4.2 Bedroom: Maximalist Interior Design Comfort
Well, maximalism doesn’t just mean boldness, it’s also a lot about comfort and warmth. In the bedroom, the goal is of course to make the space inviting, lush, but again – full of personality.
But how do you decorate a maximalist bedroom? Start off with plush bedding as your foundation, then follow up by layering soft, textured throw blankets and pillows – all in different sizes, colors and patterns. Also, don’t be afraid to mix floral, geometric and even abstract prints on the bed. This combination will create a beautiful visual interest.
In addition, you can add character through upholstered headboards, patterned curtains or maybe a vintage rug underfoot. I belive a decorative bedside table with stacked books, fresh flowers and a piece of art, will create that amazing lived-in feel. The beauty of maximalism in your bedroom is that it invited you to surround yourself with things you love.
4.3 Kitchen & Dining: Maximalist Interior Design in the Heart of the Home
The kitchen and dining areas are absolute perfect spaces to bring in maximalist touches – and have a little fun while you’re at it. Start by layering in personality through colorful dishes, vibrant glassware and quirky mugs that will instantly lift the mood. Also, open shelving are a great way to display your collection as a visual statement.
On the walls you can add framed art prints, vintage signs or even a bold clock to really keep the energy lively and inviting. Then add unique vintage furtnitures, such as a brightly painted dining table or mix-and-match chairs. This can add so much character and charm to the space – without it feeling overdone.
Maximalism in the kitchen and dining areas is about blending function with fun – you should make every meal, cup of coffee or gathering feel a little more special and full of personal flair.
4.4 Bathroom: A Bold Splash of Maximalist Interior Design
Okay, the bathroom might be small, but it’s an amazing hidden gem for maximalist interior design. There is just so many options and a place you can really relive your personality. First, start with colorful or patterned shower curtains, bold bath mats and playful towels to instantly give the space some energy.
Then, swap out your plain mirrors for vintage or ornate frames, but don’t be shy from adding fun lighting fixtures as well, such as a statement pendant or wall scones. In addition, open shelving or cabinets can be used even in the bathroom, but now styled with stacks of vibrant towels, decorative jars and small framed prints. This way, even your everyday essentials can be a part of the decor.
And for those feeling bold, adding a patterned wallpaper or a rich paint color can transform the entire bathroom into a beautiful, unexpected statement in the house. Maximalism in the bathroom is all about creating a space that feels joyful, cozy and uniquely yours – even if it’s the smallest room in the house.
5. How to Personalize Your Maximalist Interior Design Home
I’ve spoken a lot about maximalism being the perfect way for anyone to really bring out their personality – and it is! But how do you express yourself through decor?
Start by filling your space with things that tell your story. It could be travel souvenirs, heirlooms or even some kind of art that just speaks to you. The beauty of this style is that there is no “wrong” way of doing anything when it comes to maximalist interior design. It’s your space – so make it yours.
6. Maximalist Interior Design on a Budget
One of the best parts of maximalist interior design is that you can really achieve this style without spending a fortune on anything really. When decorating a maximalist interior, thrift stores, flea markets and vintage shops really is your best friend. They are perfect for finding unique pieces that will fit right into your maximalist home.
So, get everything in these stores that you fall in love with and then just mix and match all of these beautiful new pieces. It’s also important to not be afraid to give old furniture new life with a coat of paint or some new fabric. It’s amazing how big of a difference it makes!
7. Common Maximalist Interior Design Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
I just mentioned that there’s no strict right or wrong when it comes to maximalist interiors. However, while maximalism celebrates freedom and self-expression, there are a few common pitfalls worth keeping an eye on:
7.1 Too Much Stuff
The first misconception is that maximalist interior design is all about filling every inch of the space with lots of decor and furniture – but that’s not the case. When there is too much crammed into a room, it can very quickly feel overwhelming and cluttered – even in a maximalist home.
Therefore, you should be mindful of scale and composition and let each piece have room to breathe and be appreciated. Negative space (a space intentionally left empty) is just as important in maximalism as in any other style. That is because it helps to highlight your favorite bold elements instead of letting them get lost in the chaos.
7.2 Lack of Balance
One of the biggest mistakes in a maximalist interior design is forgetting to balance all of the visual stimulation. To avoid the space feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to pair busy patterns with calming, neutral elements.
For instance, if you’re using a bold, colorful wallpaper, you might need to balance it with a solid-colored sofa or just simple wooden furniture. The sage goes for decor – mix intricate, eye-catching pieces with more understated ones. By creating this ryth between bold and simple will allow the room to feel vibrant and full of personality, without tipping into chaos.
7.3 Ignoring Scale
In maximalism, scale is everything. I know that it’s easy to get swept up in collecting beautiful pieces, but if they’re not sized appropriately for your space, the room can quickly feel much more cramped and overwhelming. For instance, large and buly furniture can dominate a small room and make it feel much smaller than it actually is.
On the other hand, tiny decor items in a large, open space can instead look lost. So, always consider the proportions of your room when choosing furniture and decor – a balanced mix of sizes can help the energy feel lively without overpowering the room.
Final Thoughts
So, in conclusion, maximalist interior design is all about embracing the things you love and create that vibrant, creative energy in your home. No matter how you choose to do it or how you choose to show your personality – there is no wrong way to do it, just a few tips along the way.
Also, don’t be afraid to go big! After all, in maximalism – more is always more!
Go bold, have fun and make your home a true reflection of you. What’s one bold piece you’d love to add to your home? Share in the comments!
