Maximalism Done Right: 7 Design Tips to Remember

Minimalism was huge in the 2010s and remains a darling of interior design tastemakers everywhere, even if the pendulum appears to have swung hard in the opposite direction, with sleek, hyper-curated minimalist rooms. In this space, maximalism stands out as a refreshing break, offering a more human and layered approach to design.

Still, it’s easy to get maximalism wrong. The style is about abundance, yes, but it can easily devolve into clutter. With so many elements to play with, maximalism can be a bit trickier to implement than minimalism or adjacent styles like mid-century modern or Japandi. Bringing out rich textures, contrasting patterns, and bold use of colour without making a mess usually requires a lot of thought or at least solid design instincts.

Even so, you shouldn’t worry too much. Imperfect implementations are par for the course when it comes to maximalist interiors. After all, the appeal of the style lies in how unapologetically human it is. Even the best put-together maximalist homes celebrate the quirks of their inhabitants. If you’re keen to try this aesthetic in your own space, here are 11 tips to help you do maximalism the right way.

1. Use Wall Art to Set the Tone

Maximalist interiors thrive on visual impact, and few elements achieve this better than large-scale wall art. Whether you favour vintage film posters, abstract pieces, or line drawings, carefully selected art prints can bring structure and focus to even the busiest rooms. Start with one or two bold pieces, then see if you’re willing to commit to a more maximalist aesthetic.

2. Layer Colours with Purpose

Maximalism isn’t just about having more stuff for its own sake. Like any style, it’s about intentionality. In other words, to bring things together, there’s got to be a clear reason for the madness.

When it comes to most maximalist styles, this means choosing a strong core palette and building around it with complementary or contrasting tones. The simplest way forward is to use a dominant shade to ground the room and let a few accent colours add a different dimension.

3. Mix Patterns Wisely

If done well, odd combinations like stripes with florals or animal prints next to tartan can work beautifully. Again, intention matters. As far as patterns go, try playing around with scale and rhythm. Pair large prints with smaller ones and keep at least one colour consistent across different elements. When it gets a bit jarring, it may be time to rein things in.

4. Set Up a Gallery Wall (or Two)

A gallery wall is a maximalist staple for many good reasons. It allows you to get the “look” while still leaving you with a lot of floor space. These displays can also be an easy way to tweak the feel of a room without the major commitment of furniture or standalone sculptures. Play with different frame sizes and styles, but keep spacing relatively uniform. You can even include other objects, such as small mirrors, woven pieces, or sconces on the walls to add some depth and texture.

5. Combine High and Low

Contemporary maximalist design often mixes high-end elements with low-cost pieces, taking cues from classic French and similar aesthetics. For example, a priceless antique coffee table complementing a mass-produced chain-store couch can be charming rather than gauche if the pieces are properly selected. Blending vintage finds with patina with relatively pristine modern purchases can create a layered look that feels organic, interesting, and undeniably you.

6. Let Texture Do Some of the Talking

As alluded to a couple of times, texture is often the unsung hero in maximalist spaces. If you need a rug, you can go more plush than you normally would to evoke the style. Other textured pairings you can try include combining velvets with cane, glass with hammered metal, or gilded ceramics with wood. Such contrasts create the kind of tactile richness that makes the visual abundance feel more human and approachable.

7. Create Defined Maximalist Zones

Despite the name, maximalism doesn’t mean every square metre must be filled. If anything, maximalist design projects can fail when this happens, since having too much stuff encroaches on the usability of the space.

If you have limited space or aren’t fully committed to the look yet, you can use the techniques described to define smaller maximalist zones within a room. For example, you might carve out a reading nook with a statement chair, a tall lamp, and a wall of moody art prints behind, all while leaving other parts of the room less crowded. 

Maximalism Is About Intention

Maximalism can be a declaration of personality and confidence, but it must be planned that way. It’s intent that lets you express your story through your space, according to your own rules (or lack thereof). And while it seems that maximalism encourages more consumption, it counterintuitively rewards thoughtfulness above all else.

If you’re ready to lean into the look, start with your walls. A gallery wall with a few bold, well-chosen art prints can give you a better idea of whether the style is for you, helping you experiment with layering without committing to a total overhaul. From there, you can make more thoughtful additions to your room, avoiding the clutter that stymies so many other maximalist interiors.