Tips for Mixing and Matching Decor Elements

Maximalist-style interior décor is an eclectic amalgamation of colors, objects, textures, and patterns showcased in a playful and striking way. This style, although centuries-old, has become a favorite among recent interior design trends. Rooted in the idea of excess, maximalist home décor is a bold and lively style that celebrates personality and creativity. However, this home décor style, emulating the ‘more is more’ philosophy, should not be confused with an over-decorated interior.

The maximalist interior design dates back to the Victorian Era when people decorated their homes to display wealth through luxurious textures, furnishings, layering accessories, and exotic collectibles. Over the ages, this style’s philosophy influenced other interior styles such as English cottage, French country, Art Deco, and Hollywood Regency. Maximalist décor extends beyond interior design, being found in architecture, music, and the visual arts.

Maximalist-style décor features colorful upholstery, rugs, and decorative accents, mixing and matching different styles while embracing the unconventional. Emulate this style in your home with a plush leather sofa with delicately carved legs, ornate credenzas and sideboards, accent chairs, coffee tables, and consoles sporting intricate designs.

Defining Elements of Maximalist Interior Design

Maximalism is never subdued; it is bold and bright, evoking a ‘wow’ reaction with lively colors, mixed patterns, layered fabrics, bright wallpapers, ornate accents, and statement showpieces. Here are its salient features:

• Vibrant colors  
• Rich wallpapers
• Mixed patterns with contrasting motifs like animal print, geometric shapes, or florals
• Baroque accents
• Layered fabrics
• Extravagant collectibles

Go Bold with Colors and Patterns

Color plays a crucial role in maximalist interior design. The ever-popular nude shade is discarded in favor of show-stopping colors like brown, maroon, orange, deep green, royal blue, bright mustard, and hot pink to express joy. Elaborate and expansive patterns with contrasting motifs, such as paisley, geometric shapes, animal prints, small and big stripes, checks, and chevrons, are embraced to create an over-the-top look.

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Tip: Use bright wallpapers and incorporate floral motifs into the upholstery

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Introduce Eclectic Furniture and Décor

Maximalist home décor includes delightful furniture trends alongside vibrant accent pieces. Strategically placed opulent sofas, eclectic accent chairs, or hand-carved beds in bright-colored lacquer, along with dazzling chandeliers or statement pendant lights against vibrant wallpapers and a collection of abstract artworks, imbue a captivating charm in maximalist-style decor.

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Tip: Pair a leather chaise with diamond nailheads with a gramophone on a round glass end table.

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Pick Up Abundant Textures and Layers

Maximalist interior design intertwines textures and layers. Upholstery made of fur, velvet, and leather can be combined to create an appealing look. Floral designs contrasted with stripes and checks can create eye-catching layers of furnishings. The most important element of maximalist decor is blending to create an eclectic look that doesn’t appear overwhelming.

Layering light is integral in maximalist-style interior décor. Incorporating various light sources is a fun way to create a space that is cozy, lively, and welcoming. Candles, string lights, chandeliers, table lamps, or pendant lights can be used to create layered lighting.

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Tip: Install a pendant light and place accent chairs, puffs, and plants below it to create a reading nook.

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Try Mixing and Matching of Styles

This style adopts a fusion of styles from traditional to contemporary, modern to farmhouse, and boho to industrial. A harmonious maximalist ambiance is created when an ancient rug is matched with a sleek coffee table, and a four-poster bed is paired with an eclectic lampshade. Maximalist home décor mixes different styles into a cohesive theme, allowing diverse design elements to come together harmoniously.

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Tip: Pair an L-shaped sofa featuring a chevron print with winged chairs adorned in paisley designs. Complement the ensemble with cushions in abstract prints.

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Make a Statement with Maximalist Style Interior

Begin by selecting furniture with glossy finishes or hand-painted furniture pieces. Choose a variety of décor items, like a ceramic vase with artificial flowers, bronze figurines, artworks, etc. Bold and bright wallpapers can cover your walls.

Select bed sheets and linens in bright colors with geometric patterns. Develop a theme by experimenting to discover what works for you and ditching what doesn’t.

Easy Ways to Incorporate Maximalist Furniture in Your Home  

As maximalist décor celebrates vibrancy, start by opting for the styles you like. Choose one or two popular styles, like vintage and contemporary, rustic and Art Deco, or bohemian and industrial. Whether it’s the living room or a bedroom, decorate it with pieces of furniture from your favorite styles. Ensure that the furniture pieces complement each other; for example, a round center table pairs well with a bookshelf with rounded edges, or throws and rugs with similar designs to tie the space together. Here are some ideas for you:

Living Room:

Pick an upholstered sofa and pair it with a fur ottoman. You can place a rustic coffee table with modern designs to complete the look. You can pick any sleek showpieces and contemporary artwork for an impressive maximalist atmosphere.

Dining and Kitchen:

Glossy-finished wooden or solid-color kitchen cabinets with ornate handles or a sideboard with golden embellishment can add the required oomph for a maximalist look. Pair a Wooden dining table with upholstered dining chairs. Decorate the kitchen and dining area with silverware and brass tableware.

Bedroom:

Create a calm and serene maximalist bedroom by selecting a low platform bed and a bright hand-painted armoire. Place a Persian rug, a solid wood bookcase, and a mid-century modern dresser. Accentuate your favorite colors, fabrics, and accessories to showcase your individuality.

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Tip: Use teal cabinetry in the kitchen and install a chandelier over a rustic wooden dining table.

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It’s Your Style to Play With!

When designing your home in a maximalist style, tailor it to your taste and personality by choosing a theme. Select items you love and highlight your favorite colors. Some experimenting is required to curate a captivating maximalist interior. Do not show restraint; it’s your style to experiment with. Remember that maximalism cannot be attained by dipping your toes into it. So, start experimenting and creating your unique maximalist home décor.

Frequently Asked Questions