Grayson West
Maximalist decor is an expressive interior design style featuring rich colors, diverse patterns, layered textures, and an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories. This style allows for personal storytelling through decor and brings life to every corner of a home. Ready to transform your space? Here are 25 maximalist decor ideas to inspire your design journey!
Bold Color Palettes
Maximalism usually emphasizes bold, contrasting colors, though personal preferences may differ. Deep jewel hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red can be combined with vibrant yellows and oranges for an electrifying effect. The key is layering these shades throughout the room, using them on walls and furniture.
Layered Textures
The texture is pivotal in maximalist decor, offering visual and tactile variety. Velvet cushions, silk curtains, and faux fur contrast beautifully against leather furniture or rough-hewn wooden accents. Layering different textures allows each piece in the room to stand out while providing a sense of depth and richness.
Statement Furniture
Maximalism also encourages statement-making furniture pieces. Think about oversized armchairs in vibrant colors, patterned sofas, or antique-style tables with intricate detailing. They act as focal points in a room. To avoid overwhelming the space, pair them with simpler, neutral-colored accents or blend them seamlessly into the design with complementary tones.
Eclectic Art Collections
The walls in a maximalist space often showcase an eclectic mix of artwork. These may include large, dramatic paintings, smaller framed photographs, or quirky posters. Hanging art at varying heights and mixing frames of different styles or materials (gold, wood, or matte black) adds personality and dimension.
Maximalist Lighting
Another vital aspect of maximalist interiors is lighting, where chandeliers, floor lamps, and pendant lights take center stage. Choose oversized, ornate fixtures that add drama, such as crystal chandeliers or retro-inspired lava lamps. Incorporating lighting with intricate designs, such as beaded or fringed lampshades, contributes to the aesthetic’s opulence.
Pattern Play
Try to bring the clash of different patterns. Stripes, polka dots, and animal prints can blend together when done thoughtfully. A floral-patterned rug might sit beneath a striped sofa, while a leopard-print cushion adds an unexpected touch. Pairing bold patterns with solid colors can create a balanced area and avoid visual chaos.
Exotic and Global Influences
Textiles like Indian block print cushions, African mud cloth throws, or Turkish kilim rugs create an international flair. Decorative items like Moroccan lanterns, Chinese porcelain vases, or Japanese ceramics can add cultural depth. Such a fusion of global influences invites a sense of wanderlust and adventure.
Floral Accents
Attractive floral prints are another hallmark of maximalist interiors, whether in fabric, wallpaper, or actual plants. Floral-patterned wallpaper in rich tones can make an entire room feel like an exotic garden. Large, vibrant flower arrangements in oversized vases add color and freshness to the room.
Wall Murals
One popular way to express maximalism is through the use of murals. These may include a tropical jungle scene, a cityscape, or an abstract geometric design, which transforms a plain wall into an impressive focal area. Murals create a sense of drama and evoke strong emotions, making a room feel exciting.
Vintage and Antique Pieces
Maximalism often draws on the beauty of vintage and antique furniture, blending the old with the new. A 19th-century French armchair can coexist with modern decor to create a timeless, curated space. These pieces, with their intricate details and history, add character and warmth to the room.
Open Shelving
Floating shelves filled with books, art, and other objects can turn even the smallest space into a curated display. Colorful books, quirky trinkets, and framed photos can all be arranged in a natural yet artistic way. Open shelving also gives the room a more lived-in, comfortable atmosphere.
Bold Wallpaper Choices
Floral, geometric, or animal print wallpaper with bold color schemes can completely change the feel of a space. Opting for wallpaper that covers an entire wall makes the room feel immersive and enveloping. Optionally, high-contrast wallpaper can be paired with simple furniture to balance the design.
Whimsical Accessories
Whimsical accessories, like an antique clock, a quirky lamp, or a sculpture, can create a sense of surprise. Beyond their functional purpose, they also contribute to the overall aesthetic. Choose clashing textures, like a velvet pouf next to a sleek metal side table, for a delightful contrast.
Art Deco Influences
Fans of maximalist decor often take inspiration from Art Deco, a style known for its glamorous, geometric, and luxurious elements. This design trend is characterized by gold accents, mirrored surfaces, and bold, angular lines. Other luxurious fabrics, including marble, lacquered wood, and velvet, create a sophisticated, opulent atmosphere.
Bold, Patterned Flooring
A geometric tile design sometimes complemented with an intricate Persian rug, can instantly turn your floor into a work of art. Layering rugs in different colors, textures, and patterns adds to the room’s aesthetic. A patterned floor can also serve as the base layer that ties everything together.
Creative Ceiling Designs
In maximalist decorations, the ceiling is not overlooked. It becomes another canvas for creative expression. Bold wallpaper, painted murals, or even hanging installations can transform the ceiling into a unique feature. A gold-leaf ceiling or a painted geometric design creates visual intrigue and draws the eye upward.
Unconventional Furniture Groupings
Some maximalist decor styles don’t adhere to traditional furniture arrangements. Mixing seating arrangements in unexpected ways—such as placing a velvet chaise longue next to a tufted armchair—creates a dynamic, comfortable vibe. So, you can group furniture in a way that elicits conversation rather than following standard layouts.
Bold Mirrors
Large, decorative mirrors are another key element in maximalist interiors. A gilded or intricately framed mirror can reflect the room’s bold colors and eclectic furniture and make the room feel larger and brighter. Mirrors also add a layer of glamour and sophistication, especially when paired with ornate lighting or vintage decor.
Mixing Metal Finishes
Brass, copper, and silver can be combined through light fixtures, furniture, and accessories. For example, a brass chandelier can be paired with a gold-framed mirror and a silver coffee table, creating a rich, layered effect. The key is to balance the different metals by using them in various textures and finishes.
Sculptural Furniture
Furniture pieces sculpted to perfection can also add an artistic, avant-garde edge to maximalist decor. These pieces may include curvy, fluid shapes or furniture, like a twisted metal chair or a marble pedestal table. Sculptural furniture serves as functional and artistic elements and brings sophistication and a touch of surrealism to the room.