Styled Spaces Co
Maximalist interior design
Design Style

Maximalist Interior Design

Bold, layered, and expressive

What is Maximalist Design?

Maximalism celebrates abundance, personality, and creative expression through bold colour, pattern-on-pattern layering, and curated collections. Rooted in the philosophy "more is more," maximalist design creates visually rich, stimulating spaces that tell personal stories and showcase individual taste.

Core Characteristics

The defining features of this style

Layered Abundance: Multiple patterns, colours, and textures coexist

Bold Colour Saturation: Rich, saturated hues throughout

Pattern Mixing: Florals with stripes, geometrics with toile

Curated Collections: Books, art, objects displayed abundantly

Gallery Walls: Multiple artworks, mirrors, and objects arranged together

Fearless Self-Expression: Rules are guidelines; personal taste dominates

Personally selected

My Maximalist Picks

Four pieces chosen to capture this look. Prices may change at the retailer.

Shop all 9 picks

Affiliate links: I may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Colour Palette

The colours that define this aesthetic

Primary Colours

  • Jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst
  • Rich saturated hues: burgundy, navy, forest green, mustard
  • Deep accent walls: charcoal, midnight blue, deep teal
  • Unexpected combinations: pink + orange, green + purple

Accent Colours

  • Metallic: brass, gold, copper (generous use)
  • Bright pops: fuchsia, electric blue, chartreuse
  • Contrasting patterns in multiple colours

Colour Application

walls:Bold paint colours or vibrant wallpaper with patterns
furniture:Mixed colours; don't match everything
textiles:Layer multiple colours in cushions, throws, rugs
ceiling:Consider painted or wallpapered fifth wall

Materials & Textures

The building blocks of this style

Primary Materials

  • Velvet sofas, cushions, curtains in rich colours
  • Silk cushions, lampshades, accent textiles
  • Brass and gold hardware, mirrors, lighting
  • Patterned wallpaper (multiple patterns)
  • Lacquer high-gloss furniture pieces
  • Mixed woods without matching
  • Marble and stone in bold colours

Texture Strategy

  • Maximum variety: smooth velvet, rough jute, shiny metallics
  • Layer tactile elements: fur throws, beaded cushions, embroidered textiles
  • Mix finishes: matte with gloss, rough with smooth
  • 5-8 different textures per room is appropriate

Flooring Options

  • Bold patterned rugs (multiple, even layered)
  • Herringbone or chevron wood floors
  • Patterned tiles (especially in kitchens/bathrooms)
  • Deep-coloured carpet or vintage rugs

Furniture Selection

Choosing the right pieces for this style

Key Furniture Pieces

seating

Velvet sofas in bold colours; mismatched vintage chairs; tufted ottomans

tables

Mixed styles (mid-century + traditional); glass, wood, or lacquer finishes

storage

Open bookshelves filled with books; ornate cabinets displaying collections

statement

Baroque mirrors, ornate headboards, sculptural furniture

Furniture Characteristics

  • Mix eras freely: Victorian + Mid-Century + Contemporary
  • Don't match sets; each piece can be unique
  • Ornate details welcome: carved wood, tufting, decorative legs
  • Bold colours and patterns on upholstery
  • Layered arrangements (more furniture than minimalism)

Recommended Brands & Retailers

Anthropologie (eclectic maximalist)Jonathan Adler (bold, colourful)Vintage and antique shopsCB2 (bold, contemporary)Etsy (unique, handmade statement pieces)

Lighting Design

Illuminate your space the right way

Lighting Approach

  • Statement chandeliers as focal points
  • Multiple light sources (lamps everywhere)
  • Ornate or sculptural fixtures
  • Colourful lampshades
  • Mix metals and styles

Recommended Fixtures

chandeliers

Crystal, brass, or colourful statement pieces

table

Bold ceramics, coloured glass, patterned shades

floor

Sculptural or oversized with personality

ambient

String lights for additional ambiance

Room by Room Application

How to apply this style throughout your home

Living Room

  • Velvet sofa with 6-8 patterned cushions
  • Multiple rugs layered (vintage over jute)
  • Gallery wall covering most of one wall
  • Multiple lamps (3-4 in one room)
  • Coffee table with stacked books and objects
  • Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
  • Plants in decorative pots (multiple)

Bedroom

  • Upholstered headboard (tufted or patterned)
  • Layered bedding: patterned duvet + contrasting pillows + throw
  • Bold wallpaper or painted accent wall
  • Mismatched nightstands
  • Multiple art pieces above bed
  • Curtains in bold pattern or rich colour

Dining Room

  • Mix-and-match dining chairs (different styles/colours)
  • Patterned or colourful rug under table
  • Bold wallpaper
  • Statement chandelier
  • Open shelving with displayed dishware
  • Table styled with runners, candles, centrepiece

How to Implement

A step-by-step guide to achieving this look

1

Choose Colour Foundation

  • Select 1 base colour you love (e.g., emerald green)
  • Choose 3-4 additional colours that work with it
  • Paint one wall in bold colour or apply patterned wallpaper
2

Start Pattern Mixing

  • Choose 1st pattern (e.g., floral)
  • Add 2nd pattern in different scale (e.g., stripe)
  • Ensure colours repeat between patterns
  • Add 3rd pattern once first two work
  • Test with cushions before committing to large items
3

Layer Textiles

  • Add velvet sofa or chairs
  • Layer 6+ cushions in various patterns and textures
  • Include throws in complementary colours
  • Add multiple rugs (layer if space allows)
4

Create Gallery Wall

  • Collect frames in various styles and sizes
  • Arrange on floor first
  • Hang asymmetrically (salon-style) or in grid
  • Mix art, mirrors, and objects
  • Don't match frames; variety adds interest
5

Display Collections

  • Install open shelving
  • Arrange books by colour or stack horizontally
  • Intersperse objects: ceramics, sculptures, plants
  • Fill surfaces: coffee table, console, nightstands
  • Rotate collections seasonally
6

Add Metallic Accents

  • Replace hardware with brass or gold
  • Add mirrors with ornate frames
  • Include metallic lighting fixtures
  • Use gold or brass decorative objects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls that can derail your design

Actual Clutter vs. Curated Abundance: Keep spaces clean; dust should not accumulate

No Colour Cohesion: Totally random colours look chaotic; repeat colours intentionally

Too Much of One Pattern: Vary pattern scales (large, medium, small)

Ignoring Negative Space: Some breathing room is essential

Cheap Materials: In maximalism, quality matters

Budget Considerations

Achieve this look at any price point

High-End Approach

  • Custom wallpaper (de Gournay, Farrow & Ball)
  • Designer velvet furniture (Jonathan Adler, Anthropologie)
  • Original art and antiques
  • Custom gallery framing

Mid-Range Approach

  • Affordable wallpaper (Spoonflower, Etsy)
  • Vintage furniture reupholstered in bold fabrics
  • Mix of affordable art prints and DIY frames
  • CB2 or Urban Outfitters bold pieces

Budget-Friendly

  • Charity shop finds painted in bold colours
  • DIY art and gallery wall with thrifted frames
  • IKEA furniture with bold fabric slipcovers or paint
  • Affordable textiles (HomeGoods, TK Maxx)
  • Build collections over time from flea markets

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Is this style right for you?

Daily Habits

  • Dust collections regularly (abundant objects = more dusting)
  • Rotate displayed items to prevent stagnation
  • Keep floors clear for vacuuming despite abundant furnishings
  • Organise collections; maximalism is not messiness

Potential Challenges

  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
  • Can feel overwhelming if not curated thoughtfully
  • Difficult to achieve if you're not naturally organised
  • May feel dated if trends followed too closely

Best For

  • Creative individuals who love colour and pattern
  • Collectors and those with abundant possessions
  • People who want rooms that spark joy and energy
  • Confident decorators comfortable with bold choices
  • Those who see their home as self-expression

Styles That Pair Well with Maximalist

Eclectic

Slightly more restraint while maintaining variety

Bohemian

Introduce more natural, global elements

Grandmillennial

Traditional patterns with playful twist

Art Deco

Add glamour and geometric patterns

Discover Your Perfect Style

Not sure if Maximalist is right for you? Take our style quiz to find your perfect match.

Take the Style QuizExplore All Styles
Free weekly design inspiration

Not Sure Where to Start?

Get our weekly newsletter with design tips, trend reports, and curated product picks—perfect for beginners and design enthusiasts alike.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Prefer to discover your personal style first?Take the Quiz