Whether you are a collector at heart or simply a lover of eclectic spaces, Maximalism may be the design style that’s perfect for you. Selecting bold colors, interesting tchotchkes, and diverse materials will help you curate a highly personal layered space. The thoughtfully organized style celebrates excess, allowing you to express yourself through your space while limiting clutter. 

Understanding Maximalist Style 

While Maximalism has evolved from decade to decade, going in and out of trend, the goal has remained the same: expressing yourself to the max. 

Maximalist style got its start in the 17th century, when French royalty embraced grandiose interior design. King Louis XIV — and the design style that bears his name — popularized Maximalism. The King’s love of opulence and lavish interior design would later inspire other Maximalist movements, including Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Victorian. 

By the 20th century, homeowners began to look towards more sleek, modern designs as Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary styles gained popularity, the opulence of the Maximalist movement took a backseat. 

By the 1980s, art and design once again turned to bold designs, ushering in the resurgence of Maximalism — this time with an emphasis on vibrant colors and bold patterns. Today’s Maximalist designs focus on the individual’s preferences, but the main features, such as bold colors, mixed patterns, cohesive trinkets, and blends of textures, remain.

Owen Jones

Owen Jones was an architect and one of the most influential design theorists of the 19th century. His focus on ornamentation and pattern design led to ornate patterns still featured in wallpapers, area rugs and throw pillows today.  

Mario Buatta

In the 1980s, Mario Buatta’s designs were noted for their ability to capture Neoclassical features and add whimsical features to achieve elegant but bold interiors. He passed away in 2018, but his influence remains on thanks to the resurgence of ornate gallery walls.

Kelly Wearstler

In more recent years, Kelly Wearstler has become one of the most important influencers of interior style with her unique combination of bold colors and oversized patterns. She uses these features as the focal point of the room, covering all of the walls, ceilings, and floors in her distinct style. 

Defining elements of Maximalist interior design 

Whether you’re looking into Bohemian Maximalist design, Eclectic Maximalism, Glam Maximalism, or one of the other dozen substyles, they share a few common elements. 

Bold, bright color palettes

Maximalism is known primarily for bold color palettes. Depending on the sub-style, palettes can be highly saturated pinks, oranges and greens, rich jewel tones, or contrasting colors, such as a rich pink and a bright green. 

Luxurious textures

The style uses a blend of textures to keep spaces fun and interesting. The highly customizable nature of the style removes limits on the types of textures used to achieve the look. Common textures include velvets, animal hides, shag rugs, embroidered pillows, wicker baskets, and so much more. 

Eclectic decor and furnishings

There’s no limit to the pieces that can be included in these layered designs. Maximalist decor isn’t limited by era, drawing inspiration from vintage, antique, or modern styles. The aesthetic utilizes handmade ceramics, metal mid-century wall art, framed art, mix-and-match vases, and ornate mouldings. 

Blends of patterns and florals

Maximalism is a big fan of patterns (especially florals) that may not match on their own but are brought together through the strategic use of design elements and furniture pieces. From symmetrical geometric patterns to bold and funky florals, there are many different patterns to choose from.

Tips for bringing Maximalist interior design into your space

Maximalism can easily fit into any space, blending seamlessly with your existing design styles and decor. These tips will help you perfectly curate your eclectic touches in your home.

Embrace excess and opulence

The entire design philosophy of Maximalism can be best described as “more is more, making it the antithesis of more sleek or simplistic styles like Japanese, Modern, or Scandinavian design. With Maximalism, the whole goal is to celebrate your individuality through an excess of decor, patterns, and colors. Don’t be afraid to pair antique chandeliers with funky patterns and quirky trinkets. Use fur rugs; cover your walls with artwork. Paint your ceiling a fun color. Whatever you do, embrace the exciting “muchness” of the style. 

Get playful with palettes and patterns

When selecting the color scheme for your space, avoid the neutrals in the paint swatch section. Instead, aim for bold, daring colors. From here, choose complementary or contrasting color palettes. For example, a large range of blues, from deep royal to pastel, will create a bold, monochromatic look. While a combination of rich green and light pink will help you draw interest to specific features or pieces. Don’t be scared of choosing patterns that “clash.” In this style, pieces are artfully paired to make patterns appear cohesive, like a floral wallpaper with Persian doormats in a similar color palette. 

Combine plenty of textures

As you search for focal pieces, look for ones with interesting fabrics and textures. When picking couches, chairs, and headboards, look for suedes, velvets, or leathers. Select bedding, pillows, and blankets that are embroidered or sequined. The combination of textures keeps the eye moving around the space, while your color palette keeps it cohesive. 

Select pieces unique to you

The most exciting part of Maximalism is the limitless possibilities for personalization. Go to your local antique stores and browse the aisles for funky sculptures. Go to local artisan markets to collect unique pottery, vintage clocks, or animal statues — anything that catches your eye. To achieve your perfect space without creating a cluttered look, strategically spread pieces around the room.

Elevate Maximalist Design in your home with Onton

Onton can help you achieve the Maximalist space of your dreams by opening you up to endless possibilities. 

Onton Discover

Check out Onton Discover to find Maximalist spaces that inspire you. Use our collections of user-generated designs to envision how layering bold design elements can transform a room. 

Onton Imagine

Envision Maximalist style in your own home with Onton Imagine. Upload a photo of any space (or use one of Onton’s preset rooms) with a detailed prompt to produce the perfect “more is more” space. 

Onton Search

Next use Onton Search to locate that perfectly daring rug or opulent plush couch to complete your new layout. Not ready to buy just yet? Save products to your Collections and come back later!

Onton Concierge 

If you’re stuck, turn to Onton Concierge for access to professional design advice. Our personalized guidance will help you explore the world of Maximalism more in-depth. 

Try Onton for free today and get access to a world of Maximalist design possibilities!