If you go wild for bold colors, funky prints, and live by the concept that more is more, you’ll want to keep reading. It’s most likely that you’re all about embracing maximalist style and love showing off your favorite hues, collections, and patterns.
After years of minimalist designs and neutral color schemes flooding our Pinterest inspo and Instagram feeds, we are seeing a new home decor style on the rise: maximalism. The trend is all about embracing more—more color, more patterns, more texture, and ultimately, more freedom to have fun with your decor allowing you to create a space that feels fun and personal.
This is my home decor style to a tee! One of my favorite parts about owning a condo, is that I could make each room it’s own. I wanted my condo to scream Brittany and have my personality all over it – and I think I have achieved that!
Maximalism is not about clutter, it is more about discovering the mood or personality of a room rather than pushing the boundaries on the amount of stuff you can fit into it.
Whether you’re fully sold on the maximalist aesthetic or just considering dipping your toes into the bolder side of home decor, here are a few ways you can easily incorporate maximalist decor into your home.
Be Confident and Go Bold
The key to mastering the Maximalist vibe is to not fear being over the top. The whole point of your home is to make it one that you love. My home is my sanctuary, so when decorating and filling it I knew I wanted to fill it with pieces that brought me joy. I didn’t want my house to look like the magazines because those are impersonal and not homey to me. Yes they are beautiful, but a maximalist home is full of fun! I wanted every person to walk in through my front door and be happy and know that I am the one who lives there! I know that my decor style isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but everyone isn’t living in it every day. I am! So don’t be afraid of what other people will think when they walk into your home. They most likely will think “Wow I wish I had the guts to pull something off this cool in my home”.
Curate a Gallery Wall
Hanging a gallery wall of vibrant artwork is a great way to test the maximalist waters. Whether you are going the affordable route (my faves are Society6 and Etsy) or supporting your favorite small artists, or doing what I do and mix both, adding a gallery wall adds your personality to any room. Combine a variety of artwork sizes and frame styles to nail the perfectly-curated gallery wall look.
My gallery wall is one of my favorite spots in my living room. I don’t necessarily look for pieces to add to it, the pieces just find me. Even if I don’t think I have room, it is fun to always play around and rearrange when adding new pieces. My mom also has a massive gallery wall in her house from all of the art she collects when we travel. It is honestly my favorite part of her whole home. It tells such an amazing story and brings back so many memories.
Bust Out the Paint
When it comes to your walls, neutrals are always a safe bet. But if you’re going for a maximalist look, it’s time to step outside your comfort zone. The best way to create a wow factor in a room is colored paint. Don’t worry not every wall in your house needs to be a bright color – I have a mix of neutrals and colors. My favorite way to do this if you aren’t ready to commit to a whole room is by adding an accent color wall. I did a deep purple wall in my dining room and it really adds the flair that room needed. For the other rooms I wanted them to be bright and cheery, so a bubble gum pink in my office and a coral in my bedroom was the perfect fit.
Add a Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years, and for those looking to get a little more adventurous, it’s a great way to add a maximalist look to your home. Ease in with a single wall in a fun pattern, or go all-in with a fully-wallpapered room. As you select your wallpaper, be mindful of patterns that will clash with the other colors and decor in the room. The wallpaper will be the star of the room, so try to keep other patterns/prints to a minimal – especially if it is a smaller room.
Wallpaper is something that I haven’t dove into yet, but I think a great place to start would be a guest bathroom or closet!
Show Off a Collection
A great way to showcase your stuff is by displaying it. Why else would you buy things if no one is going to see it? Whether it be books, trinkets, art, pottery, or in my case shoes, anything works as a collection. I color coordinate my books in my bedroom to add a fun element of color! In my office, I showcase my best/favorite shoes in a cute way. My favorite collection is my travel trinket display. I get something small every place I travel and add it to my travel shelves. It has turned into one of my favorite spots in my condo. Have fun with colors, patterns, and different materials to make it more interesting and welcoming.
Embrace Pattern
If patterned wallpaper is a little too out there for you, experiment with patterns using accessories that are easier to switch out. Consider adding patterned throw pillows, blankets, curtains or rugs for a simple pop. Patterns are crucial to the maximalist look, so don’t be afraid to play around with what works in your space and don’t be afraid to mix patterns. The whole point of maximalist style is to showcase your personality. It doesn’t have to be bursts of color though. Mixing patterns in neutral colors will do just the trick!
Choose Bold-Colored Furniture
Furniture is a big investment, but if you’re ready to fully commit to maximalism, bold-colored furniture is a must. For me, I knew I have always wanted a pink couch. This is probably the only time in my life where I could have one, and I wanted to take advantage of it. I went with a blush velvet sofa and it truly is the most WOW piece in my condo! If you are thinking about adding a bold piece of furniture I say do it!
It can be a patterned chair, a funky coffee table, dining room chairs (I have wooden print dining chairs and I am equally obsessed). As you build the room, play with fabric colors and texture to add interesting elements. The color and fabric pairing options are endless!
Create Maximalist Table Decor
Stack some coffee table books, add candles or vases, and incorporate different sizes of plants. Place tall plants next to small vases, and stack your books with the largest on the bottom and the smallest at the top. Layering is the key! This is a simple way to add a more maximalist look to your home. I would say this is a first step – it is just rearranging the things you already have.
Don’t Worry About Being Too Curated
This one is simple. Buy pieces you love. If you see something on the Home Goods shelf that is just too adorable to pass up, buy it. If an artist has a piece that you cannot stop thinking about? If it will make you happy, buy it! My motto is “I will find a spot for it somewhere.” The little unique touches to your home is what adds your personality. If everything is curated, and nothing gives off a little individuality, then what is the point? I want a home that looks livable, exudes joy, and when people walk in they know that I am the one that lives there.
Are you ready to add some maximalist touches to your home!?
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