What is Maximalist Interior Design?

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What is Maximalist Interior Design? One of the hardest things to define is our interior design style. When we find one, we ask ourselves, is there one or many? We are starting a new series at Le Chateau De Pierre. We are discussing defining our interior design style and tips to achieve the look. Over the many years of designing, people typically have many design styles that inspire or evoke many emotions. They often wonder how they identify with these design styles and whether one is more prominent than the other? First on the list is Maximalism. Learn the ways to hone these specific interior design styles.

What is Maximalist Interior Design
Photo Credit : Anwar Hakim

Defining Maximalism

Maximalism is more than a design style. It is an art form that expresses personality through bold patterns, color, eclectic furniture, and organized Chaos. Typically maximalists thrive on the notion that “More is More,” unlike Minimalism, a mantra in design that “Less is More.” A maximalist sees every white wall in the room as an opportunity for many design moments. Stay tuned for simple tips to achieving a sophisticated maximalist design aesthetic.

Le Chateau De Pierre Maximalist mood board.  What is Maximalist Interior Design?
Photo Credit: Unsplash

The Use of Impactful Colors, Patterns, and Textiles.

What is Maximalist Interior Design?
Body of Work by Sig Bergamin

Maximalists’ are not shy when designing with colors or patterns. Using rich, vivid colors in a design means you are headed in the right direction. When achieving this look, use bold colors and patterns that tell the story. Much of designing any aesthetic uses re-occurring standards that help speak the desired mood. In this case study, Sig Bergamin (a Maximalists expert) designed an elegant and sophisticated room using one dominant color, Blue.

Sig focuses on layering the walls with floral wallpaper and using patterned chevron pillows while establishing a “style language” for the room. As the design develops, he also plays with line, shape, and form within the furniture to complement the entire room. Much of the story starts to come alive through his choices with the textiles and fabrics. As a maximalist, he gravitates towards bold color-Blue, with many different hues and patterns, which he embraces as an art form of creative self-expression.

Integrating Eclectic Furniture Pieces

Picking specific pieces for an outfit requires that one item speaks to us to pull the look together. In Maximalist interiors, It is much of the same concept. More than one type of furniture style gives the room variety. As we continue to tell the story, we find furniture from different eras with visual interest; these pieces add depth to the storyline. Eclecticism is one of the most used style languages that execute this exceptionally well. Eclecticism generally works hand in hand with Maximalism. Mixing and matching furniture types, patterns from different eras, and art pieces from different cultures gives the room a strong narrative.

What is Maximalist Interior Design?
Body of Work by Sig Bergamin

The Beauty in the Organized Chaos

When viewing Maximalist interiors, they look “gaudy” and “over the top.” Nevertheless, the beauty lies in organizing chaotic patterns, colors, and textures. Meanwhile, Chaos is the main storyline in the design, forming a sense of order. Unsure about cracking the code when designing rooms? Read about design principles to execute any design style. In another case study from Sig, the background in the design is relatively plain. His eccentric choices are evident in the furnishings and window treatments rather than in the wallpaper. The elegance is well displayed through various French provincial chairs and the masculine yet contemporary solid side table. 

How to Get The Look

Photo Credit: Eclectic Trends

Implore repetition in many ways by using graphic wallpaper and textural patterns and include furniture pieces with various shapes, lines, and curves for interest. Choose daring colors in the design palette, preferably vibrant ones. Create vignettes with captivating focal points. Lastly, choose art that tells a story and becomes the bespoke element in the room. As a part of this series, I like to visually provide my take on Maximalist design.

Le Chateau De Pierre- Maximalist Design

Le Chateau De Pierre  Design  Maximalist  Mood board.
Photo Credit: Jose Hevia; Design Concept: Le Chateau De Pierre
Le Chateau De Pierre  Design  Maximalist  Mood board
Design Concept: Le Chateau De Pierre

Stay tuned for more of the Define Your Interior Style series.

  • Neutrality and Naturalist
  • Maximalist
  • Eclecticism
  • Minimalism
  • Contemporary
  • Grandmillennial (Granny Chic)
  • Luxe Décor
  • Traditional
  • Bohemian
  • The Collected look (old world)
  • Farmhouse
  • Modern

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