What is Maximalism? A Guide to Maximalist Interior Design

After decades of beige, pared-back interiors reigning supreme, the pendulum is steadily starting to swing again in maximalism’s favour. A vibrant embodiment of the “more is more” philosophy, maximalism challenges the dominance of minimalist schemes like coastal, Hamptons, and Scandinavian with its bold colours, layered textures, eclectic decor, and playful patterns. 

It represents an expressive approach to design, and its modern resurgence reflects a cultural shift towards interiors that reflect the creativity and personality of those who inhabit them. This blog explores maximalism’s roots and the cultural, social, and design trends shaping its resurgence.

Maximalism is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Visually, this design philosophy embraces a kaleidoscope of colours, layered patterns, eclectic décor, and a blend of textures to create spaces rich in personality and storytelling. 

The antithesis of minimalism — which promotes simplicity and functionality — maximalist style is all about curated chaos. It encourages bold combinations of vintage and modern elements, statement art pieces, and meaningful mementos, creating a layered and expressive aesthetic. Every detail contributes to a rich, cohesive narrative, reflecting the inhabitant’s personality, experiences, and unique tastes.

Maximalism traces its origins to the lavish aesthetics of the 16th century, flourishing through the grandeur of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism in the 17th and 18th centuries. These movements embraced gilded details, opulent chandeliers, intricate paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, creating richly adorned spaces that celebrated excess and artistry.

True maximalism took shape during the Victorian era, defined by ornate furnishings, rich colours, and extravagant displays of wealth, status, and personal taste. Homes became layered with intricate patterns, plush textiles, and decorative objects, reflecting a love for opulence and individuality.

In the 1920s-50s, Hollywood Regency brought glamour to maximalism, blending 19th-century Regency influences with the glitz of the silver screen. Designers like Dorothy Draper, William Haines, and Paul R. Williams were commissioned to transform the homes of movie stars into over-the-top abodes, popularising this sophisticated style among the masses.

The modern revival emerged in the 1980s as a reaction to the functional minimalism of mid-century design. Inspired by the era’s exuberance and freedom, the maximalist movement encouraged total immersion in colour, texture, and form. Today, it thrives as a counterpoint to minimalism, reinventing living spaces with personality, creativity, and character.

The rise of social media has led to new iterations of maximalism, including cottagecore, dopamine decor, dark academia, and grandmillennial, which centre around creating interiors with loved and cherished items. Influencers and designers have propelled the maximalist interiors trend, showcasing captivating interiors that stand apart from pared-back mainstream styles like coastal, contemporary, and Mediterranean.

How to Achieve Maximalism In The Home

Bold and vibrant colours are at the heart of maximalist style, but selecting the right palette for each space is key to creating a balanced and purposeful aesthetic. Consider how colour will influence mood and functionality — for example, warm tones can invigorate social spaces, while cooler hues can create a calming atmosphere in private areas. 

Shades like mustard yellow, deep burgundy, and emerald green add energy and intimacy to living and dining areas, while muted blues, soft lavenders, or dusty rose promote tranquillity in bedrooms. Kitchens can benefit from rich cobalt blue, warm terracotta, or vibrant orange for a lively, inviting atmosphere, while home offices thrive with grounding tones like forest green or charcoal grey, accented with pops of burnt orange to enhance focus and creativity.

To prevent visual overwhelm, a neutral or muted base — such as off-white, warm grey, or soft beige — can provide a grounding effect, allowing bold colours and layered patterns to shine without clashing. Thoughtful coordination of hues ensures the palette enhances each room’s intent while maintaining a sense of cohesion and harmony.

The key to maximalism lies in the fearless yet intentional layering of patterns, materials, and textures to create a home brimming with character and depth. When thoughtfully combined, the interplay of florals, geometric patterns, and animal prints can add movement and visual intrigue. To avoid overwhelming the senses, balance bold patterns with solid hues and vary their scale to create contrast and cohesion.

Beyond prints, mixing materials is essential. The juxtaposition of plush velvets with cool marbles, rich woods with reflective glass, or soft linens with metallic accents creates a rich, tactile experience. Statement pieces — whether an antique mirror, sculptural lighting, or eye-catching artwork — anchor the room, while carefully layered accessories bring lived-in warmth and personality.

Think rugs upon rugs, cushions stacked high, and collected treasures displayed proudly—each element contributing to an environment that feels curated rather than chaotic. The result? A home bursting with life, nostalgia, and undeniable charm.

Despite its bold and layered aesthetic, maximalist home decor isn’t about materialism—it’s about surrounding yourself with pieces that hold meaning and tell a story. Instead of tucking memories away in cupboards and drawers, maximalism invites you to weave them into your home’s design.

Whether it’s a memento from an overseas adventure, a cherished family heirloom, a unique piece you found at a local vintage store, or a painting by one of your favourite artists, every object becomes part of your home’s narrative, turning it into a living gallery of your personal experiences. By thoughtfully curating these personal treasures, you create an environment that feels deeply authentic, layered with meaning, and full of visual intrigue.

Maximalism Mistakes

Maximalism isn’t about filling every inch of your home with decor — it’s about layering with intention. A room jam-packed with oversized furniture, excessive trinkets, and too many competing focal points can make anyone feel claustrophobic. We recommend giving bold pieces room to breathe. 

For example, if you have a statement sofa in a bold print, balance it with a neutral rug or open shelving instead of wall-to-wall artwork. Or, instead of cramming a gallery wall with dozens of frames in different styles, opt for a few larger statement pieces, using negative space to highlight them. Thoughtful curation ensures your home feels vibrant and expressive without tipping into chaos.

Maximalism embraces mixing styles, but without a unifying thread, the result can feel disjointed. For example, a room combining Art Deco, Bohemian, and Industrial styles without a consistent colour palette or repeated texture will feel confusing and unfinished. 

The solution? Choose a core colour palette and repeat key materials or motifs. You can mix vintage and modern, but ensure there’s a common element — such as brushed brass finishes, a recurring pattern, or complementary colours. This will help your home feel cohesive while allowing personality and character to shine through.

No matter your design style, aesthetic appeal should never come at the expense of practicality — especially in Australian homes, where open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow are often key features. In maximalist interiors, where layers of décor create a rich visual experience, functionality remains essential.

Maintain balance by keeping pathways clear, arranging furniture to encourage conversation, and incorporating stylish yet practical storage solutions. Instead of crowding every available surface with books, candles, and trinkets, use a well-curated bookshelf or display cabinet to showcase your treasures. This helps keep coffee tables and countertops clear, ensuring your home feels both vibrant and effortlessly livable.

Mastering maximalism may feel overwhelming, but the key lies in balancing bold expression with thoughtful curation. By layering colours, patterns, and textures with intention, you can create a visually dynamic space that remains cohesive and inviting. With these principles in mind, your home can be a rich, personalised reflection of your style without feeling chaotic or overdone.
 

For more design inspiration, read our blogs:

Our Top Predicted Australian Interior Design Trends 2025

How to Create a Tranquil Japandi Bathroom

How to Infuse Hellenistic Architecture Into Your Interior Design