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    • Apr 9
    • 4 min read

GET THE LOOK - What is Maximalist Style?

Updated: Apr 14

***Original post 2021.***


Last week I talked about Global Style which is an eclectic style meaning it draws from many other influences. This week I'm featuring another eclectic style...Maximalism.


Maximalists are people that enjoy the idea of being bold with colors, patterns, textures, shapes, materials, and sometimes all of them at once. But Maximalist design is not about stuffing as much into one space as possible without a plan. In fact, Maximalist spaces are carefully curated collections of items that bring joy to the owner. Maximalism is based on the idea that no person is just one thing, so our homes shouldn’t be just one thing either. Maximalists believe more is more and they enjoy bold, fun, and sometimes quirky details. They like what they like and the world be damned. Refreshing, isn't it?



Maximalist Style


Maximalist living room with a mix of bright colors with unique furnishings and decor that feel like one of a kindfinds.


How to Get the Look - Key Elements

Successful Maximalist decorating still draws on the ideas of layering and repetition, balance and composition, but in a way that mixes the divergent tastes of its owner. Maximalist Style doesn't have any unifying physical elements like materials, colors, shapes etc. So instead of discussing those, I'm going to walk you through three "rules" for pulling this style off.


  1. INSPIRATION - Start with some cherished piece or pieces that spark an idea for the space. It can be a great vintage sofa, a favorite piece of art or just a great color palette. Whatever it is, build the room around it. For the room above it was the rug that first inspired me.

  2. REPEATED ELEMENTS - Once you have your inspiration you can start collecting more pieces for the room. However, look for things that repeat what is already in the space. Look at the Living Room above.

    1. You can see that colors are repeated several times throughout the room. I established a color palette and worked from that when choosing furnishings and decor. I stuck to one metal finish to keep it simple.

    2. Take a look at the shapes in the room as well. A teardrop shape is repeated in the rug, sofa pillow, and tail of the painted peacock. The curves of the chairs, ottoman, side table and chandelier are also repeated shapes. Rectangles are another repeating shape I used.

    3. Notice the repeating motifs. Flowers and peacocks appear several times throughout the room...not enough to make it "themey" but enough to make it seem intentional.

  3. BALANCE - Elements in your space should be balanced. That does not necessarily mean they need to be symmetrical. Your room can have asymmetry and still be balanced. Balance helps the eye to rest even when there are disparate elements in a space.

    1. Take for example the side tables above. While the two tables I used are very different shapes, they use similar colors to create a sense of balance.

    2. Take a look at the wall art. The two end paintings have very different subject matter and colors. However they both have black backgrounds and similar sizes. This makes them feel balanced.

    3. Notice the pairings of pillows to chairs. I have a hot color chair paired with a cool colored pillow. Then across from it I paired a cool color chair with a hot color pillow. This distribution of color feel balanced.

Now that you know how, start creating your own Maximalist manor! Click on any of the products below to Shop the Look.


***Updated April 2024.  In the case that the same items were not available, similar items were chosen.***


Maximalist Style




Not a fan of the options above? Here are some more fun finds so you can make it your own! Click on any of the items to get a closer look.



Maximalist Sofas & Chairs




Maximalist Coffee & Side Tables




Maximalist Lighting




Maximalist Accessories




Maximalist Rugs



Websites to shop for more Maximalist Style:


If you haven't yet, take my Design Style Quiz to see what your personal style is!


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If you would like to see more Interior Design Inspiration head over to my Portfolio for a little eye candy.


If you need more assistance pulling a look together for you space, you can read more about what I offer on my Services page.



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