20+ Maximalist Spaces That Prove More Is More
Richly colored rooms jazzed up with loud patterns, lush textures and juxtaposing shapes — the fundamentals of maximalist design — are the antithesis to the sedating spaces spawned by minimalism. However, doing the most à la the bold and brazen aesthetic of the ‘80s and ‘90s, is au courant again. With the opportunity to let your design dreams run wild, this maximalist trend celebrates one-of-a-kind spaces that are personality-packed and completely unique to the individual. In the seasoned words of fashion and design maven Iris Apfel: “More is more and less is a bore!” Scroll down to discover 20+ rooms that prove maximalism is the new minimalism.
A playful clash of vibrant hues, graphic prints and natural textures set a bohemian backdrop for Judith Gougeon’s living room wall outfitted with heirlooms and travel keepsakes.
Snob founder Denise Zidel’s principal bedroom is an eclectic retreat infused with bold, playful hues and a symmetry that sings.
An assortment of artifacts that nod to Denise’s South African heritage take centerstage displayed on a zesty orange-red shelf.
For Y&Co.’s Ali Yaphe, one can never have too much pattern, texture or color. “The pieces in a house tell the story of the people who live there,” she says. Her walk-in closet is no exception: a prized photograph of a European church detail hangs on the wall, while a few beloved trinkets sit atop the built-in shelving.
The interior of Bettencourt Manor, a Toronto vintage shop with treasures galore by Matthew and Rick Bettencourt, delivers a coolly curated maximalist approach steeped in vintage and new finds.
This home office boasts a striking spiky pendant light with similar accents filling the gaps in the room’s matching bookshelves — a pro maximalist move that ties the space together eloquently.
A punchy red desk stuns when donned with gilded accents and a deliciously cool color palette.
Dipped in a sapphire hue that wows, this living space infuses throw pillows with traditional patterns and leather woven chairs for a glamour that’s unmatched.
A romantic living room hearth is easily transformed into an art easel, beautifully showcasing layered artwork in a boho way.
Pops of teal swim in designer James Davie’s historic Toronto pad, which is chock-full of furnishings that tell a story. The intricate botanical charts that dress the walls are vintage treasures, reinforcing the room’s conservatory feel.
A lush pansy purple rug, grass green upholstered chairs and mustard color-blocked oak built-ins give this office an over-the-top dose of maximalist charm.
Maximalist interiors don’t play by the rules, and this living room in homeowners Genevieve Makinson and James Aitken’s 1880s Toronto home makes a great case by mixing pieces from different periods: a modern Gubi chair sits next to an antique-style sofa.
A leopard-print runner adds unexpected drama to this traditional stairwell by designer Erin Gates, while a photo frame gallery wall mimicking the neutral palette adds visual interest.
Designer Dan Fink created an entryway with objects as unique in style as his design ethos. A vintage leather medicine ball functions as a cushion for the tubular chair, while a geometric stool contrasts beautifully against traditional red woods.
Masterfully layered elements — a wallpapered ceiling, doubled rugs and a mantel boasting marble and metal materials — create a luxe but cozy vibe in Philip Mitchell’s drawing room from the 2018 Kip’s Bay Decorator Show House.
A pair of graphic grand canvases provide a bold contrast to the black wall, while artfully layered accessories in taupe, purple and energizing yellow add depth.
Dressing more surfaces than walls with wallpaper adds depth and creates a dramatic effect. This dining room does the absolute most with crystal wallpapered bookshelves and a dreamy draped chandelier overhanging a tablescape next to none.
This très chic abode layers in bust statues, plush velvet cushions and a pair of graphic printed armchairs, beautifully capturing an oh-so-French feel.
Designer Philip Mitchel transformed his 650-square-foot Manhattan apartment into a comfortable maximalist haven, proving no space is too small to do the most.
Prettified in a plethora of pinks, this dining rooms reads sumptuously sophisticated. A range of different dining chairs add exquisite character and dimension to the space.
Swathed in audacious contrasting textiles and featuring a handsome bookshelf sitting snugly in between two twin beds, this room delivers a cozy and practical allure.
