▷ What is maximalism? Learn more about this growing trend

“More is more”; Perhaps this is a good expression to define maximalism. Unlike minimalism, this trend values exaggeration, bright, vibrant colors and the layering of elements. And do you know how this movement was born?

How was maximalism born?

Maximalism was idealized and implemented by architect Robert Venturi, who stated that “Less is boring” or “Less is boring”. Venturi first mentioned this expression in his book “Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture” (1866). Over time, the trend has been adopted by many architecture and decoration professionals, the opposite of minimalism. In fact, many believed that the trend was a way of personalizing and making an environment unique, marking the client’s personality and, therefore, creating a completely exclusive space.

What are the main characteristics of maximalism?

As we said earlier, the tendency is towards the art of exaggeration; and, for this to happen, certain factors compose it. Mixing styles, harmony, diverse compositions, filling empty spaces, using elements that convey the client’s personality and, perhaps most importantly, choosing temporary furniture and decorations – this allows for personalization whenever the client wants (after all, we’re not always the same, are we?).

How to create a maximalist environment?

Now that you know the characteristics of maximalism, it’s time to put it into practice in your project. First, understanding the customer’s needs and tastes is essential to creating a fully personalized environment. After that, pay attention to these questions:

1. Use colors and their complements

Remember that harmony is a fundamental piece. Choosing a single vibrant color or color palette with a complementary composition will transform the room. Color is essential to bring the project to life and convey comfort, even if it is an exaggerated environment. Therefore, use them responsibly.

2. Fill in empty spaces strategically

Unlike minimalism, empty spaces must be filled. Paintings, photographs, objects, mirrors can be good solutions; In fact, don’t worry too much about their alignment – it could be the detail that sets the project apart.

3. Use decorative objects that tell stories

To convey personality, the choice of objects that represent it will make a big difference. Objects that represent phases of the customer’s life, collectors and individual tastes can be prioritized. Making him feel embraced by his own memories increases the feeling of belonging to the environment.

4. Browse styles

Don’t get attached to just one artistic phase. If you interact with the client’s needs, use elements ranging from baroque to post-modern. This will be ideal for creating an exclusive environment.

Fun Room Project, with designer furniture, such as the classic Chesterfield sofa, Panton chairs, Kartell lamp and contemporary artworks collected from all over Europe, via Casa Vogue.

And what about consumerism in this matter?

One of the concerns about this trend is whether it will encourage rampant consumerism, but be aware that this is not necessarily true. Many maximalist projects can use items that are already a part of the client’s life, which helps create a unique space. In addition, even when looking to use objects that tell stories, recycling elements remains a good solution. Visiting antique stores can be an excellent solution to avoid over-stimulating production.

Maximalism is often described as the opposite of minimalism, but the concept involves much more than simply filling a room with furniture and decorative objects. A successful maximalist interior combines colors, patterns, textures, artwork and personal collections in a way that feels intentional and connected.

Robert Venturi’s famous response to the modernist principle “less is more” helped challenge the idea that architectural quality necessarily depended on simplicity. His book Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture was actually published in 1966, and its ideas contributed to broader discussions that later influenced postmodern architecture and more expressive approaches to design.

In interior decoration, this philosophy can be translated into spaces where individuality is prioritized over strict visual restraint.

More Does Not Mean Disorganized

One of the biggest misconceptions about maximalism is that any combination of objects will work. In reality, rooms containing many visual elements often require careful planning to prevent them from becoming chaotic.

Designers can establish connections through repeated colors, materials or shapes. A color appearing in a rug, for example, might be repeated in artwork, cushions or smaller decorative objects.

This repetition creates visual continuity even when individual pieces come from completely different styles or periods.

Color Becomes a Protagonist

Maximalist interiors provide considerable freedom to experiment with color. Deep blues, greens, reds and yellows can coexist with softer shades when their relationships are carefully considered.

Walls do not necessarily need to remain neutral. Strong paint colors or wallpaper can establish the foundation of the entire room.

Another approach is to maintain relatively simple walls while introducing color through furniture, textiles and artwork. This provides greater flexibility for people who enjoy changing their decoration frequently.

Mixing Patterns Successfully

Floral prints, stripes, geometric patterns and abstract designs can all appear within the same maximalist environment.

The key is finding something that connects them. This might be a shared color palette or a deliberate variation in scale. A large botanical wallpaper, for example, can be combined with smaller geometric patterns on cushions or upholstery.

Using patterns of identical scale throughout the room may create excessive visual competition. Variation helps establish a clearer hierarchy.

Layers of Texture

Texture is equally important because maximalism is not only about color.

Velvet, linen, leather, wool, natural wood, metal, glass and stone can introduce different tactile qualities. Combining smooth and textured surfaces creates depth and makes the room more interesting from different viewing distances.

Textiles are particularly useful for layering. Rugs, curtains, cushions and throws can transform an otherwise simple furniture arrangement into something much richer.

Art and Collections Take Center Stage

Maximalism is particularly suitable for people who enjoy collecting artwork, books, travel souvenirs, ceramics or other meaningful objects.

Instead of hiding these possessions, the interior can celebrate them. Gallery walls allow photographs, paintings and illustrations to coexist, while open shelving provides space for books and collections.

However, displaying everything at once is not always necessary. Leaving some separation between groups of objects can help individual pieces remain visible.

The result should communicate the owner’s interests rather than simply demonstrate how many decorative objects fit into one room.

Combining Different Periods

Another characteristic of maximalist interiors is the freedom to mix furniture from different eras.

A contemporary sofa can sit beside an antique table. Vintage lighting can complement modern artwork, while traditional wooden furniture can coexist with highly graphic textiles.

This mixture makes the room feel as though it developed gradually rather than being purchased as a complete matching collection.

It also provides opportunities to reuse inherited or vintage furniture instead of replacing pieces simply because they belong to another style.

Lighting Helps Organize the Space

In a room containing many colors and objects, lighting can help establish focal points.

General illumination provides overall visibility, while table lamps, floor lamps and accent lights can emphasize artwork, bookshelves and architectural features.

Decorative lighting fixtures can themselves become part of the maximalist composition. Sculptural lamps, colorful shades and unusual materials provide another opportunity for expression.

Maximalism Can Still Be Functional

A highly decorated interior still needs to work comfortably. Circulation paths should remain clear, furniture should correspond to the dimensions of the room and frequently used objects need practical storage.

This is particularly important in smaller homes. Maximalism can work in compact spaces, but furniture proportions become even more significant.

Vertical surfaces can be used for decoration and storage without consuming additional floor area. Tall bookshelves and gallery walls, for example, provide visual richness while preserving circulation.

Personality Over Perfection

Perhaps the greatest attraction of maximalism is the freedom it provides for personal expression. The objective is not to follow one rigid decorative formula but to create an environment that reflects the people living there.

Favorite colors can coexist with inherited furniture, travel souvenirs, books, artwork and contemporary pieces. Objects do not need to belong to the same collection to work together.

A Celebration of Individuality

Maximalism demonstrates that sophisticated interiors do not always need to be restrained. Color, pattern, art and decorative objects can coexist successfully when there is an underlying sense of balance and intention.

Rather than interpreting “more” as an invitation to accumulate without limits, maximalist design uses abundance as a creative tool. Every layer contributes something to the atmosphere and helps tell the story of the people who inhabit the space.

The result can be bold, eclectic and highly personal—a home that prioritizes character over uniformity and proves that sometimes complexity can be just as compelling as simplicity.