Mentioning maximalism in design to some people causes immediate panic. They envision a gaudy mishmash of bold colours and patterns that scream for attention. How could something so audacious promote calm and relaxation?
With most of us spending more time at home thanks to the pandemic, the thought of loud designs and plentiful décor is utterly unappealing.
Maximalism does not have to mean messy. Whilst it is true that some people go to the extremes with it, toning it down is possible.
What is maximalism?
In short, maximalism is the antidote to minimalism. For years, designers embraced the idea that less is more. Calm colour palettes with few personalisations were the name of the game with minimalism. Some people found the trend quite boring and rather stifling when it comes to personal expression. The antidote for the design doldrums is maximalism. Now, it is all about bigger, better, and brighter.
The latest iteration of maximalism is inspired by Dutch master painters who incorporated richer colours and layered décor with plenty of texture in their work. It requires people to draw upon the things they love and turn them into a decorating scheme.
It is a common misconception that maximalism is all about hoarding and overstuffing every room in your home. Maximalism still embraces the notion that decluttering your home is best. Where it differs from minimalism is in its promotion of the mixing of patterns and the curation of collections and one-of-a-kind items. It is the perfect blend of bold colours and modern accents.
For example, you need only look at the lushness of modern Italian interior design, the slightly random styling of modern Parisian homes or the colours and textures of the current favourite of Hamptons style.
Hamptons interior home styling
Here’s more inspiration for Hamptons style interiors.
French interior home styling
Here’s more inspiration for French style interiors.
Italian interior home styling
Here’s more inspiration for Italian style interiors.
Dutch interior home styling
Here’s more inspiration for Dutch style interiors.
Maximalism and home sales
For years, we’ve recommended keeping colours and designs neutral if you were placing your home on the market. The theory was you wanted prospective buyers to imagine living in your home and embracing the lifestyle, rather than feeling smothered by your personal style. With more people embracing maximalism in design, some are wondering if it will hurt their ability to sell their home quickly. The answer is – it depends.
Maximalism is much harder to pull off than minimalism. It’s easy enough to use warm, neutral tones on walls and furnishings and pare back décor so it isn’t distracting. It can be more difficult to incorporate a maximalist style that does not overwhelm. The key is to find a balance between curated objects that are complementary to the room and clutter that is a turnoff to potential buyers. Here are some tips for pulling off maximalism with style.
Begin with a base. Be courageous with colour choice. This could be one bold tone or a combination of several daring but complementary colours.
Add in some texture. Textured looks can help bright colours pop and establish a focal point for rooms. Maximalism is all about depth, so textures that embrace the concept are encouraged.
Organise the ‘clutter’. Remember how we said there is a fine line between curated belongings and clutter? Organising your accent pieces pulls the maximalist look together best when everything is arranged with purpose. Go for the ‘lived-in’ look over the ‘tossed about mess’ look.
A final word on maximalism in design
Interested in giving the maximalist look a go in your home but worried about how it will affect resale value? Reach out to our knowledgeable team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
