What Is Maximalism? Here's How to Do Maximalist Design

If you're a fan of maximalism, you're in luck, because maximalism style is on trend as of late. As opposed to minimalism, maximalism is a "more is more" design style that features many colors, shapes, and textures. A wall covered with art, bold wallpaper patterns, and bright colors are all examples of maximalism.

With proper thought and care, maximalism is easy to achieve in the home. We asked designers to weigh in on maximalism's history, recent revival, and key characteristics, and they also share some useful decor tips.

A Brief History of Maximalism

Maximalism is by no means a modern trend; maximalists have existed across the globe for centuries.

Alessandra Wood notes that wealthy people have used maximalism throughout history as a way to show off what they have, saying, "One of my favorite examples of this practice can be traced to 16th-century cabinets of curiosities." The items placed on display would vary—first, animal specimens were popular, while in later years, individuals chose to highlight artwork and other goods, Wood explains.

"Cabinets of curiosities were like small, private museums that were stuffed top to bottom with treasures," she adds. "Every surface covered with something."

As time went on, maximalism emerged once again during the Victorian era. During this time, consumable goods became much more affordable and easily accessible, according to Wood.

Victorians covered their entire homes with decorative elements, from wallpaper to rugs, as they believed in the idea that each person's personality should be reflected in their home as a form of self-expression.

Maximalism's Recent Popularity

Wood believes that maximalism in today's society certainly takes a cue from past eras. "First, those who decorate in that style are like curators of their own space, hoping to showcase a collection of goods they love," she notes. "Second, they are more likely than people who love other styles to believe that their space reflects their personality."

And the style has seen a resurgence in more recent years due to economic regrowth, explains Dawn Cook, co-owner of BLDC Design. "After the recession of 2008, design trends turned to minimalist—making a statement with less," she shares. As people have slowly began to have more disposable income, they began to collect more and lean back into maximalism.

Maximalism is particularly popular among younger generations, particularly millennials, who were eager to incorporate plants, eclectic colors, and other accessories into their spaces, Cook adds. "Maximalism became a way to define an eclectic home with a chaotic array of colors, prints, objects, and textures in a single space." Social media has also inspired many to turn to maximalism.

Key Maximalism Characteristics

Patterns and Colors

Have fun with pattern play and vibrant colors when designing a maximalist home. Bold wallpaper, glossy furniture, and other accessories help pull off the look, according to designer Ashley DeLapp, founder and principal of Ashley DeLapp Design.

Joy

And don't forget about the importance of joy, notes designer Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors. "Joy is a fundamental element of maximalist design because the vibrancy and energy that hits you when you walk into a well-decorated maximalist space should induce happiness," she says. "My motto: You can't control everything, but what you can, let it bring you joy."

Maximalism Design Tips

For some maximalists, narrowing down the top items that they do wish to feature in a space can pose a bit of a challenge.

Feature Pieces

It's not always easy to decide on which pieces to focus on in maximalist spaces, and sometimes an expert eye can be helpful when making critical choices. Consider consulting a designer, or otherwise, focus on just two pieces.

Cook operates under the principle that there should only be one or two "wow-worthy" pieces within a given room, giving your eyes something to focus on, and shares a few suggestions. "Whether a packed bookshelf of a myriad of books, walls hung with a multitude of mixed art, or a room dominated with plants—something needs to take control and lead the design," she says.

Ceiling Design

Don't forget to look to the ceiling—what Ladd refers to as a room's "fifth wall" when it comes to adding some oomph to a space, too. Paper it to coordinate with the other four walls in a room if you wish. If wallpaper only runs in one direction and doesn't really work for your ceiling, consider coordinating paper.

Layering

Finally, don't forget about the importance of layering within a maximalist space. "Layer, layer, layer," Ladd states. "Take all the things you love, and layer them on multiple surfaces like bookshelves, side tables, walls, and furniture. It does take a certain skill of knowing when to keep going and when to stop. You don't want the result to be chaotic; you want it to be balanced."