Maximalist Interior Design: Breaking Down the Myths and Embracing Boldness

Maximalism in interior design is often misunderstood — unfairly dismissed as cluttered or chaotic. But in reality, it’s a thoughtful, joyful design style that celebrates abundance, individuality, and bold self-expression.

This blog unpacks what maximalist interior design really means — and more importantly, what it doesn’t. We’ll break down the common myths, explore the key design principles behind maximalism, and show you how to make it work beautifully in real life.

If you're more of a visual learner, I’ve also put together a companion YouTube video that dives deeper into these concepts. Check it out here: Maximalist Interior Design Is Kinda Misunderstood — this video has been created in collaboration with Foyr Neo.

What People Think Maximalism Is vs. What It Really Is

Maximalism often gets misunderstood and can have a reputation for being ‘too much’, with many people assuming it’s about overcrowding a space with every item you own. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, maximalist interior design is about controlled creativity — an artful layering of textures, patterns, colours, and objects, where every piece has a purpose and a story. Far from chaotic, this style reflects a deep connection to the owner’s personality and passions. Maximalism isn’t about random clutter; it’s about creating a personal narrative through design. Think of it as a carefully crafted collection of meaningful items that, when combined thoughtfully, tell your unique story.

The Key Principles of Maximalist Design: Layering, Cohesion, and Intentional Boldness

To make maximalism work, there are three core principles to keep in mind:

1. Layering Maximalist interiors are rich in texture, colour, and pattern. It’s all about layering different materials — think velvet, wood, metal, and ceramics — alongside contrasting patterns and colours. This layering creates depth, interest, and a sense of richness in the space.

2. Cohesion While maximalism encourages abundance, cohesion ensures the space still feels intentional. By working within colour palettes and balancing large and small-scale patterns, you can create a cohesive, harmonious feel, despite the varied elements. Balance is key.

3. Intentional Boldness The beauty of maximalism lies in its boldness. It’s not just about one statement piece, but multiple. Imagine a dramatic wallpaper paired with a sculptural light fixture — it’s about making big, bold design choices and pairing them confidently to create an unforgettable space.

Sources of Inspiration: Mood Boards, Pinterest, Books, Shows, and Foyr Neo

One of the first steps in designing a maximalist space is gathering inspiration. Mood boards are a great way to visualise your ideas, and platforms like Pinterest, magazines, books, TV shows, and even exhibitions are full of inspiration from designers and homeowners embracing maximalism. I love collecting images from these sources because they allow me to mix and match patterns, colours, and textures before diving into the design process. Each piece of inspiration feeds into creating a unique and personal space, and it’s through these sources that the vision begins to take shape. 

Once I’ve gathered my ideas, I turn to Foyr Neo — a design tool that brings these concepts to life. With Foyr Neo, it’s easier to present the final look to clients and also to digitally play around with designs, rather than having to rely on manual sketches or mood boards. This software lets you quickly adjust and refine the space, allowing you to fine-tune every detail. Pro Tip: Seeing a space come to life digitally is often the best way to sell the maximalist look to clients who might be nervous about the bold choices involved. The software allows you to move around the space with the new design proposal, see the new items in situ, and experience the layout from different perspectives. Plus, the 4K renders are incredibly detailed, providing a highly defined view of how items, colours, and textures will look in the final design. This clarity helps clients visualise the end result with confidence and ensures that no design choice is left to chance.

Maximalist Interior Design Myths

Myth #1: "Maximalism Equals Clutter"

Not true. Maximalism is about curated chaos — it’s a layered, intentional style, not a random pile of things. The key to maximalism is playing with scale and size. You can mix large statement furniture with smaller, quirky accessories or patterns that clash in a way that feels purposeful, not messy. It’s about striking a balance, creating tension and interest, and making each item stand out. When done right, this careful layering creates a dynamic space that feels full of life and personality, but never overcrowded.

Myth #2: "Maximalism Doesn’t Have Flow"

Actually, flow is crucial in maximalism. The space needs to feel like it works as a whole, even when it’s filled with so many gorgeous items. With all the beauty and abundance of maximalist design, we still want to make sure we’re not tripping over anything — or creating a space that’s hard to navigate! Maximalism doesn’t mean chaos; it’s about creating a fluid layout where each element feels intentional. The key is balance: you want to ensure the flow of the space works practically, while still celebrating all the stunning pieces you've carefully curated.

Myth #3: "Maximalism Is Too Expensive"

While maximalism embraces abundance, that doesn’t mean it has to come with a hefty price tag. Sure, you can splurge on some show-stopping pieces, but a lot of the beauty comes from mixing high and low. Think vintage finds, quirky second-hand items, or even a piece from your family — maybe that old side table passed down through the generations. These items have character and tell a story, and they don’t need to be expensive to feel important in the space. Maximalism encourages you to get creative with what you already have or find hidden gems that are unique and meaningful.

When to Consider Maximalism for Your Home and How to Know If It’s Right for You

Maximalism isn’t just a design trend — it’s a way to express who you are, both as an individual and as a homeowner. But is it the right style for your space?

When should you consider Maximalism? Maximalism is perfect when you want your home to reflect your personality. It’s ideal for clients who want a space that’s as unique and vibrant as they are. If you're drawn to bold colours, mixed patterns, or rich textures that tell a story, then maximalism might just be the style for you. It’s also a great choice when you have a collection of meaningful items — whether it’s artwork, family heirlooms, or quirky finds — that you want to display proudly. Maximalism allows you to show off these pieces in a way that feels cohesive, not overwhelming. If your home is filled with things you love and that bring you joy, maximalism will help you celebrate those items and create a space that truly feels like you.

How to know if Maximalism is right for you? Maximalism might be the right choice if you’re someone who wants a lived-in, vibrant space that feels dynamic and full of life. But it’s also about being open to mixing things up and breaking away from the traditional minimalist rules. You should feel excited about layering textures, combining bold colours, and mixing patterns without fear of them clashing. But it’s important to remember: maximalism isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. If you're someone who craves simplicity, enjoys neutral tones, and prefers a minimalist aesthetic, then a more restrained style may suit you better. 

If you’re unsure whether maximalism is for you, start small. Try introducing a few bolder pieces into your home and see how they make you feel. Maximalism doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing — it can be an evolving process that grows with your tastes and the story you want to tell through your design. If you think maximalism is the right style for you but you’re not sure where to start, that’s where I can help. As an interior designer, I specialise in creating personalised, bold spaces that feel uniquely yours. Check out my design packages here or drop me a message if you’re ready to bring your maximalist vision to life.

Bringing Maximalism to Life: How I Can Help Transform Your Space

Thank you for exploring the world of maximalist interior design!

Maximalism is all about celebrating personality, boldness, and individuality in your home. By mixing textures, patterns, and meaningful pieces, it’s a style that lets your space tell your unique story. I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about what maximalism truly is — and what it’s not! 

If you’re ready to bring a maximalist vision into your home but don’t know where to begin, I’m here to help. As an experienced interior designer, I work closely with you to design spaces that feel vibrant, personal, and entirely you. I integrate Foyr Neo into my design process to create 3D floorplans and stunning renders, giving you the confidence to visualise your new space before making any decisions. Whether you’re embracing maximalism or simply want to add a bold touch to your space, I offer a range of interior design services to help make your dream home a reality. Explore my design packages or reach out on my contact page