Maximalist decorating ideas

Minimalist style is a phrase we’re all familiar with, but have you heard of the Maximalist design? While minimalism focuses on simplicity, using the less is more approach, maximalism is quite the opposite, celebrating more is more. This doesn’t mean cramming every nook and cranny of your home with furniture and accessories, but it does mean you can be as creative, bold and energetic with your interiors as you like. If this sounds like your kind of decorating, read on to get inspiration from our maximalist decorating ideas.

Layer colour and patterns

When it comes to decorating, most interior designers will encourage adding layers and textures to your space to create depth. With maximalist décor, it’s very much the same except you can go for as many layers in as many different colours, patterns and textures as you like – in fact, the more the merrier!

If you’re not sure how to introduce patterns into your room, start small with cushions and maybe a geometric rug and if you’re happy with the results, you can build it up over time.

Think big and think bold

Sumptuous is the order of the day when it comes to maximalist design. Maybe there’s a velvet sofa you’ve been too afraid to order because the colour felt too big for your room – well fear no more, big and bold are best when it comes to this style of interior!

And it’s not just about the texture – oversized is key across your interiors. So, if you have space for a large corner sofa in your living room, go for it! And make sure to add oversized throws and colourful cushions to complete the look.

Introduce chunky frames

A gallery wall is a great option for a maximalist interior, but instead of thinking about sleek frames paired with black and white images, go for chunky frames, varying their texture, colour and size. It will create a stylish focal point in your space and give you the opportunity to add real character to your interior.

Pay attention to the little spaces

When creating a maximalist design, consider every part of the room. From small nooks to your ceiling or archways, every part of your space can feed into and play its part in your design.

Small rooms are the perfect place to incorporate maximalist designs – whether it’s a bathroom or guest bedroom, start with some statement wallpaper and build out from there.

Fill up the tabletops

Tabletops are for using so make sure to add some accessories that you love! Whether it’s a vase (or multiple vases), magazines, a stack of books or some candles, make use of the space you have. But rather than just piling it on there, organise it so it feels like everything on there has a purpose.

Brings colours from the floor to the wall

Creating a cohesive design throughout your room is a wonderful way to create a maximalist interior. If there’s a colour on your floor that you like, whether it’s a carpet or rug, introduce that colour onto your walls, either through artwork, a sculpture or patterned wallpaper.

It doesn’t have to match

The beauty of Maximalist interiors is that it frees you from the confines of other interior design principles. If you want all your cushions to be different – go for it. Fancy 2 different coloured sofas? Absolutely. Embrace the freedom that maximalist design allows and choose colours and accessories that you love – regardless of whether they match or not.

Maintain purpose

Maximalism is often misinterpreted for unnecessary clutter but that’s absolutely not the case. Think about curating your furniture and accessories – nothing should be overcrowding or overwhelming the space

Mix old with the new

If you love the idea of a contemporary sofa but have an old armchair you can’t bear to part with, the good news is that you don’t have to! A maximalist interior embraces bringing old and new together, whether it’s a vintage sofa and new armchair, an old leather sofa and a new fabric armchair or any other combination you like the look of!

Drench your room in colour

If you don’t like the idea of multiple colours and patterns but still want a bold interior, take a look at colour drenching your space. Essentially your whole room will be one colour – your walls, ceiling and some, if not all, of your furniture. It’s a way of creating a bold statement without going crazy on multiple colourways. Colour drenching will have a huge impact on your interior so make sure it’s a colour that you really love as you’ll be surrounded by it!

Maximalist design is all about putting the joy and energy back into your interior. Spend some time researching colours, patterns and furniture online. Consider your accessories and what you’d like to add to the room, and most of all, enjoy the process!