We’ve seen a few years of restrained, pared back interiors, from Japandi aesthetics to 60 shades of greige, all speckled with acres of pampas grass. But now, colour, pattern and quirk is making a triumphant return, bringing life back to our homes. For maximalists, it’s a feast.
That said, the everything-everywhere-all-at-once look isn’t for everyone. One person’s vision of dopamine-surging joy is another’s migraine come to life. The maximalist look isn’t shy; it’s a megamix of clashing colours, pattern and statement design that can feel overwhelming to balance.
But, by sticking to a (fairly slim) rulebook, you can bring an underlying current of cohesion to what looks, on the face of it, like unbridled chaos.
How to do maximalist style
London-based interior designer Emily Caplan has these tips for anyone who wants to try the look:
- “Give the scheme longevity. Try and buy pieces that you personally resonate with, mark a special occasion or pick up on your travels. It makes them extra special.
- Be mindful of what you have already. Keep pictures of the space on your phone so that you aren’t too impulsive.
- Try and keep some kind of colour scheme running though, it will make it more cohesive.”
Building on Caplan’s tips, we’ll break it down for you.
First up: colour. Pick a tone you like and stick to it, be it powdery pastels, dusty desert hues or jewel tones. This will set the tempo for whatever theme you’re layering on top: cottagecore, 70s boho, hotel chic, gothica. If you’re a renter nervous about painting walls, use homewares to bring in colour, order books and candles by colour on shelves, or apply peel-and-stick wallpaper that won’t damage walls (as long as your landlord gives the nod).
For homeowners, the only thing holding you back is yourself. As Dulux’s Creative Director Marianne Shillingford told ES Best, “Instead of painting a feature wall or a whole room, start your decorating journey with a tiny area: maybe just a corner, some pipework, a closet. Upcycle old furniture. If you start with a small insignificant project, it will help build your confidence. And above all remember, it’s only paint.” Go forth bravely with that paintbrush, wannabe maximalists.
Second, don’t think that pattern is limited only to wallpaper. There are myriad ways to fill your space with interesting looks, and you can start small, from throw cushions and blankets before going bigger with rugs, and upholstered sofas and occasional chairs. Find pieces that tie in with your colour scheme to keep your interiors story straight, but don’t dismiss things that stray slightly out of the box; for instance, coral-coloured drapes can really make a blue-toned bedroom pop.
Which brings us neatly to: lighting. Whatever look you’re hoping to achieve, lighting is always a key element. It can change the mood in an instant, adding warmth and drama at the flick of a switch. Look for lamps with unusual bases, lampshades in patterned fabric, and statement ceiling pendants that are a feature all of their own.
You’ve got your paint, pattern and lighting. Now, onto texture. It’s your home, so it needs to feel liveable and welcoming, and the best way to do that is with things that feel nice to the touch or add a layer of interest: think velvet, embroidery, rattan weaves. Tapestries are another way to nail colour and texture, plus they can go up on the walls in place of wallpaper or paint.
Above all, embrace the unexpected. In a maximalist’s world, the weird is wonderful, a chance to bring some play into the everyday. It could be small-scale eclecticism: squiggly jug handles, animal-themed knobs on existing drawers, or a mirror with an unusual frame. It could be big, like adding wallpaper to the ceiling, painting hall trims in neon brights or updated and upcycled furniture. Luckily Instagram and Pinterest are full of ideas to inspire and encourage (nearly 160,000 #maximalistinterors on the ‘Gram alone).
And of course, we’re on hand with a cheat sheet of winning homewares to inject maximalist style to your home.
See our edit of the best pieces below, and bookmark this page to come back from more.
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Andrew Martin Custom Headboard in Julia
This grand headboard is a maximalist's dream and can be made up in a variety of patterns and colours. The baroque-style design comes in two sizes: 5ft (king) and 6ft (superking) and you can choose contrast piping to show off those curves too.
Buy now £1565.00, Andrew Martin
Ottoline Scalloped Border in Red
Simultaneously statement and subtle, Ottoline’s scalloped border is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of character without feeling overwhelming. Perfect for hallways, living rooms and bedrooms, this pretty trim began life in a London drawing studio before being digitally printed in the Netherlands.
It looks best on plain painted walls and comes in a matt-effect finish, with options across the colour wheel. As well as this rich red, you can get it in orange, coral, yellow, mint, emerald green, pink, brown, pale blue and dark blue.
Buy now £85.00, Ottoline
Pooky larger stucco table lamp in emerald
For lighting with a twist, look no further than Pooky. The specialist has dozens of fun, statement options for bringing quirky glow to your spaces. If you're a fan of Firmdale Hotels' interiors, Pooky can help recreate the effect at home. The brand also sells bases and lampshades separately so you can mix and match with pieces you already own.
From £237.
Buy now £237.00, Pooky
Swoon Ziggy Drinks Cabinet
Standing 150cm tall, there’s no missing this drinks cabinet. The brass doors are finished with a radiating starburst pattern and once pulled open, reveal dedicated bar storage inside. Think a nine-bottle rack, tall compartments for 70cl and 1L bottles and a unit of smaller shelves to keep glasses. This design stands on a strong metal frame with empty space underneath - we say fill it with low stools to complete your home bar look.
Buy now £819.00, Swoon
Spoonflower Large-Scale Muted Blue-Green Alien Abduction Toile de Jouy Wallpaper
Sure, it looks like a normal toile at first glance, but look closer and you'll find an unusual scene in this patterned wallpaper.
Available at Spoonflower by artist Some Call Me Beth, it shows a camping scene with an alien abduction. If you're looking for something out there that's not too shouty, this is the perfect thing to make you smile and have guests chuckling. It comes in lots of shades and is available as peel and stick as well as regular wallpaper.
If this is too Close Encounters for your taste, Spoonflower has hundreds of designs from a variety of artists. Delivery from the US.
From £98.33
Buy now £98.33, Spoonflower
Rockett St George The All Seeing Hands Ornament
You have to hand it to Rockett St George, the quirky furnishings label knows how to make homewares that'll make visitors do a double take. This hand-shaped ornament can be stood upright on shelves or placed flat as a handy place to put your keys.
Buy now £28.00, Rockett St George
Oliver Bonas Wild Strawberry Embroidered Cushion Cover
Maximalism meets cottagecore in this sweet cushion cover that embraces your wild streak.
Buy now £22.50, Oliver Bonas
Dunelm Elements Sculpt Two Tone Green Glass Vase 30cm
Add colour, texture and interest instantly with Dunelm's tulip-shaped vase. Both ends are hollow so you can simply flip it over if you're hankering after a different look.
Buy now £35.00, Dunelm
John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Zebra Towels
The high street department store has teamed up with Matthew Williamson on a range of fun homewares and furnishings to bring colour to the home, from lamps to bath towels. This zebra-print has been given extra flair with a peach and green makeover.
From £14.45.
Buy now £14.45, John Lewis
Monsoon Zainab patch printed quilt
A reversible quilt to curl up under on the sofa, Monsoon's lightly padded blanket features a block print-style floral print on one side and plain teal on the other.
Buy now £150.00, Monsoon
Matilda Goad & Co. Scalloped Squiggle Table Lamp
From the rippled handles, to the warm red base and the scalloped lampshade, there's nothing we dislike about this table lamp from Matilda Goad & Co. Cottagecore with a luxe veneer, it's inspired by 20s Art Deco style.
Buy now £268.00, Anthropologie
Ian Snow Celestial Blue Duvet Cover Set - King
Up the design ante with a striking duvet cover. From Indian company Ian Snow comes this Jaipur-style cover with matching pillowcases. It's made from 100 per cent cotton, meaning it's light, breathable and moisture-wicking. An easy way to make a big statement in the bedroom.
Buy now £109.95, Ethical Superstore
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Wave contrast-handle glass pitcher 1.2L
It's hard to make a plain old glass of water exciting, unless you're pouring from Sophie Lou Jacobsen's two toned design.
Buy now £180.00, Selfridges
MAISON BALZAC Pompom Wine Glasses
Pom poms on your glasses? Sure, wine not? Liven up your tablescapes with unusual glassware that'll get the conversation flowing.
Buy now £120.00, Koibird
Anthropologie Tesserae Atticus Chair
If you're nervous about putting up wallpaper, look at furniture to bring pattern to the table. This accent chair is unforgettable thanks to the tropical beach print featuring a jungle cat lounging amongst palms. If you're looking for seating with a side of escapism, consider the search over.
Buy now £1198.00, Anthropologie
Ted Baker Zodiac Gemini Star Sign Circle Round Wool Rugs
Geminis as well as maximalists will adore this round wool area rug, the perfect thing to liven up floors, because great home decor is a 360 enterprise. Rather unusually it's from Ted Baker, better known for its occasionwear, but brings a sense of ceremony to your home. Made from a wool viscose mix, the pile is dense, soft and easy to maintain.
From £189.
Buy now £189.00, The Rug Seller
MAISON BALZAC Prawn Cocktail Platter
The Australian brand loves to play with its dinnerware. Case in point, this platter made from hand blown borosilicate glass that's been finished with a pair of sculpted glass prawns on either side.
Buy now £175.00, Koibird
Life of Luxury Teal Flock Large Queen Victoria Bust
Bringing the old fashioned look of a bust into the 21st century with a flocked covering, this is the modern way to do stately vintage. The sharp teal hue means Her Maj will stand out in any room.
Buy now £49.00, NOTHS
Anthropologie Celestial Petite Accent Chair
A petite chair to sit in a bedroom, hallway or living room corner, the design unites a classic shape with cool astrology-themed upholstery. With a spring seat, it's as comfortable to sit in as it is lovely to look at.
Buy now £698.00, Anthropologie
Rockett St George Gold & Pink Stripy Disco Ball
Few maximalist homes are complete without a mirror ball, but Rockett St George takes it a step further with coloured discs on the orb for an even more playful party vibe. Make it all the more surprising by suspending it in the kitchen or bathroom.
Buy now £55.00, Rockett St George
Urban Outfitters Tulip Floor Lamp
Always wanted to feel like Alice in Wonderland at home? We can’t say the thought hadn’t crossed our minds either. Fall down the rabbit hole and into a meadow-inspired living room with help from this tulip-shaped floor lamp. Complete with leafy stem, we defy you not to smile any time you see it. Stands 160cm tall.
Buy now £149.00, Urban Outfitters
Mind The Gap Abigail Sofa - Royal Garden
Blow boring out of the water with a sofa that speaks for itself. This two-seater is upholstered in linen fabric with exotic birds, fauna and flowers patterned all over. Bold and beautiful.
Buy now £1967.00, Lime Lace
House of Hackney Dinosauria Medium Fringed cushion
Serving refined maximalist style, House of Hackney should be on the shopping list of anyone who loves eccentric stately home style. This fringed cushion spotlights the Jurassic era, theming dinosaurs for more grown-up tastes. It's like something out of a Victorian explorer's living room.
Buy now £175.00, House of Hackney
India Mahdavi Sofa Jelly Pea
A maximalist sofa with a maximalist price to match, this stunning sofa ticks all the OTT design boxes. The curved four-seater design is covered in linen with a vegetable tree print, all on a wooden base. With so many colours in the mix, it'll fit in nicely with lots of interiors palettes.
Buy now £18800.00, Svenskt Tenn
ANNA + NINA Leopard Candles Set of Two
Baby step your way into maximalist glory with small accessories. These leopard print candles are an ideal way to express your wild side and promise to liven up your dinner table.
Buy now £28.00, Liberty
Dunelm x Natural History Museum Table Lamp Clear and Brass
The homewares shop has teamed up with one of London's most-loved museums to create a curious collection of homeware. We love this lamp with a transparent base, which you can fill with ornaments and trinkets to create a look that's uniquely yours.
Buy now £55.00, Dunelm
Accessorize Home Tortoiseshell Medium Wooden Tray with Scalloped Edge
From pillowcases to nightstands, scalloping is everywhere. Get in on the trend with this MDF tray, finished with a tortoiseshell effect. It's an ideal home for your perfume collection, or somewhere your stick your keys and headphones when you get in from work.
Buy now £25.00, Accessorize
Dunelm x Natural History Museum Octopus Glasses Holder
Need a home for your specs or sunnies? You're squids in with this holder, shaped like an octopus. An eccentric ornament alone, the holding feature means it's perfect for the bedside table.
Buy now £18.00, Dunelm
Olive & Sage Sabor the XL Leopard
Serving no purpose apart from looking fierce, Sabor is ready to leap from Olive & Sage's website and into your home. The handsome leopard statue is made from ceramic, is over 3ft tall and sports a gorgeous hand-painted finish. One for big cat fans.
Buy now £489.00, Olive & Sage
