Maximalism brings together plenty of things designers love: color, personality, and experimentation. That said, it's a surprisingly tricky aesthetic to pull off in the home. It's all too easy for rooms to feel cluttered or overwhelming. That's why designers always follow one rule when it comes to maximalism in home design.
Kate Hartman, founder and principal of Kate Hartman Interiors, says that this design style is "expressive and personal." But she also warns that maximalism can easily turn into excess for excess’s sake when it’s done without restraint and intention, resulting in a space that feels chaotic or even like a parody of itself. “The goal is not more, but meaning through thoughtful abundance,” she explains.
Although maximalism is all about layering elements, achieving this design trend in your home takes more curation than most people realize. It's not just about filling your home with trinkets; it's about finding your showstopping pieces and giving them a little space to shine.
If you're looking at your collection of colorful art, textured throw pillows, and bold furniture and wondering why it all still feels a little off, keep reading for expert tips on how to pull off a maximalist look in your home.
How to Pull off a Maximalist Room
Jennifer Kole, principal designer of Jenami Designs says that she never mixes more than two extremely bold patterns in a maximalist room. “I layer on other textures and color, and use plenty of different materials for furniture, but I tend to hold back on pattern overload so that my design stays chic and livable,” she reflects.
Hartman mirrors this strategy when designing a maximalist room. She says, “Too many competing focal points can quickly tip a space into chaos, so it's important to think of colors, patterns, and objects as a collective rather than isolated statements. When every piece is trying to be the star, the room loses its impact.”
More Design Advice
✔️ Decorate in unexpected spots. While it’s important to be choosy with colors and patterns in a maximalist space, the sky’s the limit when it comes to surprising ways to bring in these elements. “Don’t be afraid to add color, pattern, and texture to places you might not think to,” Kole says. “I never neglect ceilings, moldings, and backs of built-ins. If it’s layered correctly, the impact of the space will come alive and welcome you in.”
✔️ Create contrast. “I love pairing elements that do not immediately seem like they belong together, such as bold, modern artwork layered over floral wallpaper,” Hartman shares. “That kind of contrast creates interest while keeping the space grounded. Thoughtful juxtaposition is what prevents maximalism from feeling overdone.”
✔️ Consider hiring a pro. If maximalism is your bag, but you still don’t know exactly where to start or how to curate everything, Kole recommends hiring a professional to achieve a well-balanced maximalist room.
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
