Rejoice- the More is More movement is finally here! Maximalism is forecasted to be the biggest design trend of 2019. That said, here are 9 Maximalist decor ideas that will totally transform your home!
So what prompted this turn of the tide? After the wave of minimalist design, people realized their homes should feel more personal…and less like the lobby of their dermatologist’s office.
If this style feels a little out of your comfort zone, know this: Maximalism isn’t about splashing mismatched patterns, and knick knacks around for the sake of it. Not at all!
So what does Maximalism really mean? That when it comes to designing your space: More is More.
Maximalism is never chaos, it just hints at it—think charming eccentricity versus a stay in a mental hospital
Sadie Stein, Elle Decor
Maximalist decor lets you show off your personal taste, hobbies, and lifestyle, without giving the “rules of decorating” a second thought. It’s all about layering fun colors, bold patterns, and memorable objects for an inviting space that’s uniquely you.
Skeptical? You can get a stylish maximalist look using the colors, patterns, and styles that you already love! So get ready to shelve those ideas about wall to wall velvet, and embrace your inner eccentric with these maximalist decor ideas.
#1. Decorative Plates On Display
They’re not just reserved for showing off your grandmother’s wedding china anymore, people! Displaying decorative plates is a fun way to add maximalist texture to your walls, and believe it or not, they look amazing OUTSIDE the kitchen.
Try grouping a set of heirloom hand-me- downs, or snag some from a vintage shop. It’s easy to mix and match colors and textures to fit your personal style. Remember to test out your layout ideas first, and check out this “how to hang plates on the wall” tutorial via Driven by Decor for more tips.
Decorative Plate Set Ideas
#2. Floral Walls Make A High Impact
Whether it’s small bouquets or oversized blossoms, floral walls make a dramatic impact across any space.
A small area like an entryway or powder room is a great place to dip your toes into maximalist decor with this look. But if you’re ready to go bold: head for your biggest bedroom wall.
Bold Floral Wallpaper Ideas
#3. Get Creative With Curtains
Eye catching curtains are a great way to add a touch of luxe, but you can steer clear of the windows. Curtains make a cozy addition in other keys areas of the home.
Adding curtains really helps to define a space, while amping up that glamorous feel. Try using them above a soaking tub, as a bed canopy, or along your built in bookshelves for an chic maximalist touch.
Maximalist Curtain Ideas
#4. Statements On The Ceiling
How does a Maximalist make a spaces feel even grander? The easy way: by drawing the eye up!
The ceiling is a great place to add a touch of maximalist cheer to any space. Paint a ceiling medallion in your favorite shade, or use a patterned wallpaper to make a room pop.
Statement Ceiling Ideas
#5. Maximalist Decor Style Makes Mirrors More Memorable
If you’re going to be staring at yourself in a mirror, you may as well enjoy the view. Mirrors are staples of decor for living rooms and entryways, but who said they have to be run of the mill?
Opt for a bold mirror that commands the attention of your space. Decorative mirrors come in all kinds of fun shapes and styles, so it’s easy for them to be the center of attention in your home.
Memorable Mirror Ideas
#6. Lanterns Bring In The Light
Lanterns have taken the design world by storm, and as much as I love a dainty chandelier, these lantern lighting fixtures have a lot going for them.
Swap out an outdated fixture in your living room or dining space, with a lovely lantern pendant light. They compliment the maximalist vibe, and are sure to grab your attention everytime you flip the switch.
Lantern Lighting Fixture Ideas
#7. Add Maximalist Decor Layers With Folding Screens
We don’t need them for our frequent wardrobe changes like the screen sirens of the day, but that doesn’t mean they ever stopped being in style.
Instead of using them as a room divider, use a folding screen to add lovely layers throughout your space. Try mounting one as a piece of artwork, or place it behind a bedside table for a bold maximalist touch.
Folding Screen Ideas
#8. Show Off Your Style With Open Kitchen Shelving
The one thing that instantly terrifies us all: taking the lids off our clutter catchers. But when done right, open shelving in the kitchen can make your space look bigger, and let you show off some of your favorite things at the same time.
The key to nailing open shelving is using your best looking and most often used items. Since my kitchenaid mixer is such a pretty shade, I love that I never have to hide it with my boring blender.
Don’t want to install new shelving? Any easy way to get the same feel, is by popping the doors off some existing cabinets. Style with your prettiest cake stand and colorful glasses for a lovely maximalist layers.
Open Kitchen Shelving Decor Ideas
#9. Display Your Maximalist Decor On A Bookcase Wall
Maximalists just LOVE displaying their favorite things, and a bookcase wall is the perfect place to show them off.
Don’t have Built-Ins at home? Try combining a set of bookshelves, or going on trend with a DIY industrial pipe shelf kit. And what’s the best way to style your bookcase wall? Your favorite objects, paired with wall sconces, and beautifully colored books. Now that is maximalist decor at it’s finest.
Bookcase Display Wall Ideas
Ready To Give Maximalism A Try?
Maximalist decor can either feel right up your alley, or like it’ll take a leap of faith. Whichever the case, trying out this trend will definitely have your home feeling more like YOU!
And as you’ve probably picked up through examples, Maximalism can include any of the colors, patterns, and design styles that you’re already a fan of.
At the end of the day embracing maximalist design is the best way to transform a lifeless room, into an energizing one. Trying out any of these maximalist decor ideas will help show off your personality, and leave your guests in awe as soon as they enter.
Are you a Maximalist at heart, or does this design trend leave you feeling unsure? As anti-minimalist myself, I love hearing which way you’re leaning. Drop a comment below and let me know where you stand on the “more is more” movement!
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Yes! So happy to see maximalism coming back and you give so many great ideas here! I see everyone else Kondo-ing their space and I’m like, give it all to me!
Thank you so much Beth! I am so happy to see it coming back too, that’s what sparks joy for me 😉
Agreed! I’ve always been a ‘more is more’ kinda girl. I have so many collections and different style tastes, minimalism just isn’t an option for me ?
Glad you and I are on the same page, Shannon- life just seems more fun that way! Thanks so much for reading!
I love your style. I’ve always thought that anything worth doing, is worth over-doing!! ?
Hi Devra! So glad you think so too, I always think MORE is MORE! Thanks for reading!
I am a ‘color’ woman and recently completely remodeled my home. New wallpaper throughout, all new furniture. I followed my intuition and it couldn’t have turned out better. I ended up finding out I am a French GLAM cottage coastal person who LOVES pinks, teals and whites. Wish I could send photos but iPhone doesn’t allow size. I am entertaining so much more now and I get raves on my home.
Wish I could send photos of my remodel/redecorated French Normandy home. Who knew I was a maximalist?? Using my intuition, I ended up rewallpapering EVERY room in florals of teals…antiques and modern furnishings in pinks, teals and whites. I get raves for my French/English cottage GLAM coastal style. It works , well, beautifully.