Move over minimalists, the maximalists are here – and they’ve brought the entire flea market, their grandmother’s teacup collection, and a chandelier shaped like a flamingo.
Maximalism is not new; in fact, it’s been around for centuries.
Think Victorian parlours dripping in velvet drapes, Persian rugs underfoot, and every flat surface boasting a porcelain figurine or two.
Its roots are in a love of abundance – art, pattern, texture and stories layered like a decadent cake.
While mid-century modern whispered in smooth teak tones, maximalism has always been a joyful shout.
The modern revival of maximalism is all about personal expression. Instead of clearing your shelves, you fill them with treasures that make you smile.
It’s eclectic, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a little rebellious – thumbing its nose at beige perfection in favour of riotous colour and glorious clutter.
Want to give it a whirl? Start with colour. Think bold, emerald green walls, peacock blue couches, or a fuchsia armchair that practically hums.
Layer in pattern on pattern: florals next to stripes, animal prints flirting with geometrics. Rugs are your friend – stack them, overlap them, let them fight for attention.
Art is key. Don’t stop at one tasteful canvas; create a gallery wall that’s a mishmash of oil paintings, vintage posters, family photos, and the framed menu from your favourite Paris café.
Lighting? The more personality, the better – a crystal chandelier in the bathroom, a lava lamp in the study.
And don’t forget the trinkets: anything with a story attached.
The magic of maximalism is that nothing is too much.
So if you’ve ever looked at your space and thought, “This could use more zebra print and three more lamps”, congratulations; you’re already halfway to maximalism.
