After years of pared-back interiors, colour, pattern and personality are finding their way back into our homes. We explore the return of maximalism - and why more can sometimes be more.
For years, minimalism has been the go-to interior trend. Clean lines, neutral colours and clutter-free rooms designed for calm, considered living. But lately, something more colourful has been happening in our homes – maximalism is making a comeback.
‘Maximalism represents a bold, expressive approach to design that’s not for the faint-hearted. It celebrates creativity and individuality, encouraging people to create spaces as bold and unique as they are,’ explains Jamie Watkins, Co-Founder of interior print brand, Divine Savages.
Put simply, it’s all about interiors that embrace colour, pattern, texture and personality. Rather than being pared back, maximalist decorating encourages surrounding yourself with the things you love.
‘Maximalist decor is an eclectic mix of furniture styles, bold patterns on walls, floors and soft furnishings, and an array of decorative objects. At Divine Savages, we’re avid collectors at heart, so every surface in our own home becomes an opportunity for expression, from the wallpaper and artwork to antique curiosities, displayed atop vintage or upcycled furniture,’ reveals Jamie. Done well, it’s about creating a layered, characterful space, where different colours, styles and objects work together, rather than compete.
Divine Savages Crane Fonda wallpaper in Black-Gold and Soft Copper, courtesy of @always_sunday_house
So why are we embracing maximalism? Perhaps we’re thinking less about creating picture-perfect spaces, and more about making our surroundings feel cosy, welcoming, comfortable – even fun – places in which to spend time and unwind.
And if you’re looking to sell, maximalism can also make a home feel established and individual – qualities particularly appealing to buyers when a property risks looking similar to countless others.
‘Over the past decade, maximalism has evolved from a reaction against minimalism – which focuses on simplicity – to a sophisticated style encouraging a “more is more” attitude, promoting personal expression and storytelling,’ explains Jamie. ‘It now places greater emphasis on eco-friendly choices, global influences and smart technology. We’re in no doubt it will continue thriving as people become more confident in their design choices.’
Divine Savages Safari Soirée wallpaper in heron blue, courtesty of @house_loves AND @exploringinteriors
The good news is, maximalism is less about following a strict decorating formula and more about creating a home that’s uniquely yours. Perhaps that’s why this colourful, characterful style is proving such a welcome alternative to minimalist design: our homes can not only look great, but tell our stories too.
Fabric and wallpaper by Divine Savages
GET THE MAXIMALIST LOOK
Interior designer Immy Miskin, from Decorbuddi, who work across Herts, Bucks and Beds, gives her tips on how to bring maximalism into your home.
Start with colour
Try painting a room a bold shade and introducing colour with furniture and accessories. Earthy reds, ochres, olive greens and inky blues work well; for example, Smith & The Devil by COAT creates a beautifully warm backdrop in a cosy living or dining room for adding artwork, pattern, antique furniture and personal treasures, without the space feeling overly busy.
‘Our advice is to pull out one key colour from your wallpaper for paintwork and accessories – the result is both stylish and sophisticated and prevents a bold print overwhelming the space,’ agrees Jamie. ‘For a subtle look, opt for the wallpaper’s background colour for your paint, as it’s often a lighter, more neutral shade.’
And don’t forget your ‘fifth wall’, aka the ceiling. It’s another opportunity to introduce colour, pattern, texture and interest.
Pattern and colour carried through to lAMPSHADES by Divine Savages
Mix patterns thoughtfully
Stripes, florals, checks and geometric prints can happily mix – just think about colour, scale and how they sit next to one another. Try combining a smaller-scale print with a bolder one; or a more graphic stripe or check with a softer floral. Repeating a colour, tone or detail elsewhere, even in a small way, such as on a cushion, can create a space that feels layered, collected and full of character.
Image courtesty of Divine Savages and Ca Pietra, featuring The Brambles tiles
Create a gallery wall
Mix artwork, photographs, mirrors and perhaps a few unusual finds, such as masks or vintage plates. Keeping some consistency, such as similar frame colours, can help tie everything together.
Image courtesty of Divine Savages, featuring Portobello Parade wallpaper
Layer your lighting
Maximalist interiors benefit from a warm, inviting glow. Think about how you’ll use different types of lighting throughout the day and evening, from brighter overhead lighting to wall lights and softer, low-level table and floor lamps. Having flexible ‘layers’ of light can completely change a room’s atmosphere.
Image courtesty of Mind The Gap
Display what you love
Books, ceramics, travel finds, plants and heirlooms can all form part of your scheme. Don’t worry about everything matching; the whole point is showcasing your personality.
Image courtesy of Alternative Flooring
Know when enough is enough
Breathing space is still important. Choose a few statement pieces, and tone down the rest of the room, giving them space to shine. Lampshades are a lovely way to introduce more colour, pattern and personality – in a reading nook, beside the bed or in a living room. For something playful, try a patterned fabric with a contrasting trim, such as Anna Hayman’s mini brush fringe shades.
Lead image courtesy of Divine Savages, featuring Crane Fonda wallpaper in coral
JOURNAL · MORE IS MORE