What Is Maximalist Interior Design? A Beginner’s Guide with Tips & Shopping Recommendations
- Abbie Downey
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
What is Maximalist Interior Design?
Maximalist interior design is a joyful celebration of colour, pattern, and personality. The philosophy is simple: more is more! It’s about embracing bold choices, layering textures, and curating a space that reflects who you are.
First gaining popularity in the 1980s- an era of excess and expression- maximalism has evolved into a timeless design approach, with a strong resurgence in recent years. Unlike minimalism, which champions simplicity and restraint, maximalism is all about storytelling, personal expression, and eclectic combinations that come together in a beautifully curated way.
But maximalism isn’t about clutter. A well-designed maximalist space feels intentional and cohesive, filled with meaningful pieces that celebrate history, culture, and individuality. Whether it’s antique finds, statement artwork, or layers of textiles, maximalism transforms a house into a home that sparks conversation and admiration.
How to Approach Maximalist Interior Design: My Personal Take
For me, maximalism is the perfect balance of old and new, guided by colour theory and underpinned by strong design principles. No two designs I create are ever the same- because no two clients are the same! My approach is deeply personal, ensuring that every home reflects the unique personality, memories, and stories of the people who live there.
That said, a home should be as practical as it is beautiful. I carefully blend antique or reclaimed pieces with modern elements, layering colours, patterns, and lighting to create depth and warmth. Maximalism isn’t about simply adding more- it’s a thoughtful process, like solving a giant, vibrant, eclectic puzzle. And that creative challenge? It’s exactly why I love what I do!
How to Incorporate Maximalism into Your Home
If you're new to maximalist interior design, don’t worry! Here are my top tips to help you get started with confidence.
Embracing maximalist interior design and bold choices can feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing! Here's my expert advice to help you introduce maximalism into your home in a way that feels authentic and exciting:
1. Look at Your Wardrobe
Your wardrobe is a great clue to your interior style. If you gravitate towards bold patterns, you might be a secret wallpaper lover. If you love layering textures, think about adding cushions, throws, and rugs to your space. Prefer dark, rich fabrics in your clothes and accessories? You might enjoy moody interiors with deep tones and plush textiles.
Your personal style can be a brilliant guide when designing your home.
2. Take the Leap with Colour
One of the biggest mistakes people make when experimenting with maximalism is choosing a bold wallpaper but pairing it with plain white walls, which can make it feel disconnected from the rest of the room. Instead, pull a complementary colour from the wallpaper to use on surrounding walls. This helps create a harmonious, intentional look where everything works together beautifully. It seems scary but trust me, it’ll be worth it!
3. Start Small with Accessories
If committing to bold furniture or wallpaper feels overwhelming, start with accessories. Artwork, in particular, is a fantastic way to bring personality into your home. A gallery wall is a signature maximalist feature. This is where you arrange several pieces of art work, wall hangings and accessories on one wall to create a large, collective of art. Curating these pieces that you love will make your space feel truly unique.
4. Follow Inspiring Accounts on Social Media
Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves of interior inspiration. Save images that resonate with you and review them over time- you’ll likely spot patterns in the colours, textures, and styles you’re drawn to. This will help you refine your vision and make more confident design choices. If you’d like to follow me check out my social media tags below:
Where to Shop for Maximalist Interior Design
Sourcing unique, characterful pieces is key to maximalism. Here are some of my favourite places to find bold, eclectic homeware:
Aarven – Ethical, handcrafted home accessories to add soul to your space.
Benjamin Moore – A dream for colour lovers, with over 2,500 paint options.
Vinterior – The go-to for vintage and antique furniture.
Pooky – Beautiful, decorative lighting to make a statement.
Maison Flaneur – Unique, globally sourced homeware.
Glassette – Curated objects and artwork for a distinctive touch.
Mindthegap – Maximalist wallpapers, fabrics, and soft furnishings.
Anthropologie - A treasure trove for anything from furniture to accessories.
Final Thoughts
Maximalist interior design is about confidence, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you take small steps by layering accessories or fully commit with colour and pattern, the key is to design a space that feels joyful and uniquely yours.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—your home should tell your story. And if you need expert guidance, I’d love to help you bring your maximalist vision to life!
Ready to go bold with your interiors?
Let’s create a space that truly reflects your personality! Get in touch to start your interior design journey with Feather&Fossil.
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