3 min readWhen the world’s fixated on “quiet” luxury for too long, someone’s going to eventually feel like shouting. That has certainly been the case with interiors as of late, where many designers are looking to buck the all-over beige and opting for full-blown, unapologetic maximalism.
“Over the last decade, spaces started to feel a little too ‘catalog-perfect.’ Many interiors were driven by neutral palettes, flat-pack furniture, and trend-based uniformity,” says Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects.
What we’re seeing now is a reaction to that—a pendulum swinging fervently in the opposite direction. People are craving collected, curated, and lived-in interiors. They’re hungry for art that makes you think instead of simply filling an empty space, rich textures and pattern pairings that feel exciting, and a combination of antiques mingling with contemporary finds. Below, designers share how they’re decorating with a maximalist-forward mindset—and how you can bring the same into your own home.
They’re Using Rich Tones and Patterns
White, cream, and beige have been the official minimalist color palette, but these muted tones are being swapped for more saturated color stories and playful patterns.
“You can have a lot of fun just with paint,” says interior designer Cecilia Casagrande, founder of Casagrande Studio. “Color-drenching in one color is maximalist, or you can use two colors—one on the walls and another on the trim. You can even put a third on the ceiling.”
She says you can also color block by using different shapes in various colors on a single wall. Also, try mixing wallpapers on the ceilings, walls, and in nooks or on bookshelf backings.
They Embrace History
Minimalism requires stripping back. In historic homes, this meant removing historic details and ornamentation. Mark Elster, co-founder of AOME Architects, says he’s seen a renewed appreciation for these details among clients.
“We’re seeing a growing appreciation for architectural features that bring character back into the home, like expressive millwork, trim, decorative lighting, stone detailing, and custom elements that create a stronger sense of identity,” Elster says. “These details can help spaces feel more personal and less generic.”
Some details are being added back—a challenge, but doable, he says—and some are entirely new. For example, in a recent project, their team worked with an interior designer and a blacksmith to build a one-of-a-kind staircase railing.
They Make the Ceiling a Moment
Seizing the space with a maximalist mindset means giving often-overlooked spots some design TLC. A prime example of this is the ceiling. Ashley Ludkowski, interior designer and founder of Selva Studio, says she often thinks of it as the fifth wall.
“It’s a canvas for color, texture, wallpaper, wood detailing, or unexpected paint treatments,” she tells us. “When done well, it creates immersion and instantly transports people. If you want a room to feel unforgettable, start looking up.”
They Factor in Emotions
The core tenets of modern maximalism revolve around color, texture, pattern, and layering, but throwing everything at the wall and adding stuff for the sake of having stuff isn’t the goal. Ultimately, Rebuck says the best maximalist homes are guided by emotional connection, and that curation requires patience.
“A maximalist space is built out over time. It requires discipline and the understanding that there should be an underlying thread that ties everything together,” she explains. “This gives people the opportunity to make their home their own work of art.”
They Incorporate Statement Furniture
Furniture is also key in a maximalist space, as every piece contributes to the overall story. This might look like an ornate gilded mirror over an entry table, a funky chair in the corner that draws the eye, or an old couch given a makeover via new fabrication.
“Reimagine your existing streamlined pieces in richer colors or patterns,” Casagrande says. “Doing different fabrics on the same piece of furniture does not cost significantly more, or you can simply use a contrast piping on the whole piece. You can even just add trim.”
They Take a High-Low Approach
You don’t need everything to come from luxury showrooms and high-brow art galleries. In fact, some of the most memorable interiors beautifully mix high and low finds. Rebuck says the key is choosing pieces that feel personal, distinctive, and lasting versus simply filling a room as quickly as possible.
Art is a great way to do this. “I think it’s a common misnomer that collecting art requires a large budget, but it's not true,” Rebuck says. “Some of the most interesting pieces are found while traveling, visiting local galleries that support emerging artists, and at affordable art fairs.”
