Maximalism is back with a bang! Did you expect anything less from ‘more is more’? After all, this is the mischievous maverick of the interior décor world.
Bold, noisy, playful and fizzing with personality, maximalism home decor is squaring up to its cool, calm and collected opposite, minimalism – and packing a punch in the style stakes.
But what is the concept of maximalism about? From vivacious colour schemes, patterns with pizzazz and tantalising textures, to layers of sumptuous fabrics, curated collections of meaningful objects and glam lighting, this eclectic and eccentric design approach looks set to stay.
Buckle up, get the shades on, and join the roller-coaster joy ride that is maximalism.
The History of Maximalism Design
Maximalist interior design is no newcomer. Its roots can be traced back to the 16th century when wealthy Europeans showed off their excessive tastes with ostentatious collectables.
In 20th century Victorian times, maximalism re-emerged as a new middle class tried to emulate aristocratic riches by filling their homes with furniture, furnishings, fabrics and accessories. In the 1920s and 30s, maximalism became synonymous with the Art Deco movement and the Hollywood Regency era.
More recently, maximalism has become a reaction to minimalism; a yang yearning to loudly celebrate opulence and self-expression while its yin counterpart quietly goes about harnessing muted neutrals and a simple life.
Characteristics of Maximalism Design
A successful maximalist scheme is well thought out and meticulously curated. But what’s the maximalist definition? Let’s look at the characteristics that make up this flamboyant style.
Bold Colours
A maximalist palette is attention grabbing. A kaleidoscope of colours will set the – from rich jewel hues to electric neon.
Clashing and chaotic, maximalist colours know no boundaries. For a maximalism living room, you can paint walls in moody blue, for instance, and place an emerald-green sofa with pink flamingo cushions in front of it, and you will have a visual feast.
Layering
Layering adds depth, pattern and texture to floors, walls, ceilings and surfaces. Differing décor, fancy furnishings, eye-catching artwork and decorative objects will enable you to create a space that reflects your personality and shows off the things you love.
An example of a maximalist layering approach is stacking books, candles and vases on a shelf or table to introduce a height point of difference and visual intrigue.
Textures
Maximalist décor is tactile as well as aesthetically alluring, so it’s important to incorporate an array of touchy-feely materials.
Rugs in contrasting textures will help define different zones in a room, while fabrics like velvet, fur and silk will provide a striking juxtaposition with metal accessories or wooden furniture.
Maximalism vs Minimalism: What is More Trendy?
You may be wondering what exactly is the minimalism and maximalism difference in design approaches, and is maximalism still in style?
Maximalism style is based on the philosophy of ‘more is more’, embracing extravagance, decadence and detail, while minimalism is the polar opposite – empty, simple spaces guided by the ethos that ‘less is more’ with the aim of evoking calm and serenity.
Both are formidable forces – one is just more shouty about it. Which one is right for your home comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
If you crave clean lines and a pared back space with tranquil hues, a minimalist scheme is most likely for you. Want colour, luxurious detail, pattern and texture galore that reflects who you really are, then a maximalist lifestyle is your utopia.
How To add Maximalism Style to Your Home
So, now you understand maximalism, let’s discover how to max up your home makeover.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up, but add little by little, and be careful not to let things get out of control or your space could end up cluttered and messy.
Go for Bold Colours
Whether it’s walls, floors (or even ceilings if you’re really brave), furniture, furnishings or and accessories, dial up the colour.
You can really make a statement with a colourful sofa – plain or patterned – from sofa.com. Discover our fabulous selection of bold sofas in a rainbow of hues.
Add a Statement Piece
Create a focal point with a statement piece of furniture like an accent chair and enhance the maximalism vibe.
Accent chairs are designed to create a contrasting, visually pleasing point of difference, so they are perfect for shaking things up.
Light Up the Room
Don’t power up like it’s the Blackpool Illuminations – incorporate lighting that’s meaningful, stylish and easy on the eye.
Sculptural lighting or a chandelier will add instant glamour. Layer with various sizes of the same ceiling light at different heights. A pendant lighting arrangement over a dining table is both functional and stylish. Complement with an elegant table lamp or two that ties everything together.
Mix and Match Patterns
Mix prints like stripes with florals and geometric shapes when choosing wallpaper, rugs, cushions and throws for your living space, or pillows, bed linen and blankets for a hotel boudoir-style maximalism bedroom.
Layering different patterns and textures using bold sofas and home accessories will bring extra luxurious touches to your home.
Harness the flower power of bold sofas with floral patterns like the showstoppers in the new William Morris at Home collection.
Sofa.com Top Maximalism Picks
Here are three of our top picks of maximalist sofa showstoppers from Sofa.com…
The Oscar in gorgeous Claret Cotton Matt Velvet is worthy of Hollywood accolades and will look fabulous against a backdrop of patterned wallpaper. Hand-tufting combines with rolled arms and long, turned legs to exude luxury and sophistication.
An undisputed classic, the Bluebell in new Mineral Mist Speckled Chenile showcases soft scrolled, pleated arms and elegant turned wooden legs. Add some gold and blush pink cushions, a fringed throw, and a monochrome, chevron rug and your guests will be expecting the mandatory maximalist martinis.
The Isla chaise sofa in Pimpernel Velvet Indigo from the William Morris at Home collection mixes drawing room elegance with luxurious lounging. With flowers given a fancy flair, this sofa will create a stop-in-your tracks centrepiece.
So, there you have it. With careful consideration and curation, a maximalist space will be a room with a view like no other. Explore our fantastic selection of bespoke sofas today and bring out the show-off in you.
