You may have heard of minimalism, but what about maximalism? While some may think that maximalist interior design would be the total opposite of minimalism, that is not exactly true. In fact, there is a little bit of overlap between the two as they both require the designer to be intentional with their decisions. Minimalism interior design very much focuses on “less is more” and editing-out excess items to highlight the beauty of a home’s shape and architecture. Maximalism, on the other hand, is all about embracing what might be considered “chaos” and making it functional and alluring.
Embracing Maximalism
Because minimalism often points to the lifestyle of having less, some might think that maximalism is about having more. However, there are many ways to create a maximalist statement that doesn’t require filling a room with physical items. As we’ve seen in the past few years, large patterns and vibrant colors continue to trend and evolve. Designing with a maximalist eye is understanding how to combine these elements so that they don’t clash, but rather live in harmony to create a beautiful and expressive style.
Maximalist interior design is also about fully expressing one’s personality. That is, we’re not designing a house to appeal to the masses. Instead, homeowners are now designing their homes that truly represent them and what they consider to be “sanctuary.” This means that every home is unique and representative of its household. When it comes to maximalism, there is no such thing as an ordinary space.
How to Fill a Room
Key characteristics of maximalist interior design include:
- Layers of patterns, colors, and textures
- Highlighting a one-of-a-kind statement pieces
- Organizing collections of books, art, trinkets, decor
- Combining different styles and shapes of decor
- Vibrant colors
Adding too many things too quickly can easily make a space look and feel cluttered. Start slowly as you build upon your design so that it will be well-curated; even maximalism requires a little bit of organization! Don’t fill up space for the sake of filling up space. Instead, think about what feels comfortable and inviting to you.
Pair a vibrant color with a large, bold print, and then find decor to match. Or, if you have large collections of items – books, plants, artwork – find a way to organize them before seeing what types of furniture, colors, and textures will compliment them. A great way to tie in all of your design elements is by choosing common colors and patterns to repeat throughout your room. This will help your space to look more intentional rather than random.
More Fun, Less Stress
When there are a lot of ideas swarming around in your head, it’s possible for any design project to get out of hand. Our team of designers at WPL Interior Design is ready to guide you through the process. From editing out the choices that don’t work to finding you the perfect bold print, we’re here to make sure your space truly represents you. Get started on your design project today by filling out our online design form or calling us at 215-592-9570.
