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Always having a finger on the pulse of trending design, Design Intervention founder Nikki Hunt predicted the arrival of a new wave of maximalism. Here, she shares her essential tips on how to get the maximalist look for your home.
Maximalism is definitely on-trend now, judging by the number of recent articles in design magazines and the news, declaring a new age of opulence, a resurgence of colour or a rediscovery of this decadent style. Of course, as a designer who is fond of the look, I could not be happier about this!
At Design Intervention, we have been championing this modern maximalist style for a few years now. But the year 2020 is seeing this look becoming mainstream. Even Ikea (yes, the purveyor of streamlined Scandinavian lines) has launched a new collection with distinct maximalist leanings. And quite frankly, after well over two decades of clean lines and neutral palettes, a change is long overdue.
Nikki Hunt
So what exactly is the new maximalism?
This design style mixes eras, patterns, textures and materials. It incorporates elaborate detailing and showcases treasured artefacts. Maxed-out interiors are multi-layered, delivering a dynamic and multifaceted environment that is uplifting, revitalising. They make for empowering statements and always feel utterly unique. When you adopt this approach for your space, it reflects your courage to live life to its fullest.
The minimalist interior has dominated the design landscape since the mid-1990s, when homeowners were drawn to its subtlety and understated aesthetic. However, with the dawn of a new millennium and the rise of technology, there is an increasing desire for individuality and the ability to stand out from the crowd. While bloggers and influencers make use of digital technology to achieve this, interior designers now turn to maximalism as a way to create unique, one-of-a-kind spaces.
Minimalist interiors are imbued with serenity, while maximalist ones radiate energy. Minimalist interiors embrace simplicity, while the maximalist room delights in featuring unexpected elements. Minimalist rooms are understated, and maximalist ones are luxurious.
Minimalist interiors include only what is functional, while maximalist ones are filled with details and embellishment. Where minimalists celebrate the unfettered lifestyle, maximalists celebrate life with all its nuances and idiosyncrasies. However there is one important similarity and it may astound you.
Everyone knows that minimalism is about removing clutter but it may surprise you to learn that decluttering is essential for a chic maximalist interior too. That is why maximalism is not chaotic when done right; it is a result of deliberately curated choices.
The great artist Joan Miro once said: “The works must be conceived with fire in the sould but executed with clinical coolness.” And there could not be a more perfect guideline for the would-be maximalist. With minimalism, there is a distinct aesthetic and clear, easy-to-follow rules. Maximalism embraces everything, all eras, all colours, patterns and textures – and that can be a little daunting.
A maximalist home may embrace colours, textures and opulence. but it is also deliberately curated.
This dining room mixes many eras, featuring baroque glass table and chandelier, textured dining chairs and oriental floral paintings.
Bold tropical print, sculptural table lamp, parquet flooring and organic-shaped coffee table are part of the same theme: nature.
A pleasing symmetry in a maximalist study.
This maximalist bedroom balances bright yellow with black and white, and keeps its many textures in gold and brown to keep the palette cohesive.
A bedroom that delights in mixing Indian with French heritage.
Green interior elements recalls the greenery outside.