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
Maximalist in Practice
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
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
Velvet sofas in bold colours; mismatched vintage chairs; tufted ottomans
Mixed styles (mid-century + traditional); glass, wood, or lacquer finishes
Open bookshelves filled with books; ornate cabinets displaying collections
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
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
Crystal, brass, or colourful statement pieces
Bold ceramics, coloured glass, patterned shades
Sculptural or oversized with personality
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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.
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.