As a trend, maximalism is growing in popularity and long are the days of the ‘less is more’ philosophy of minimalism. Turn up the volume when it comes to colour, scale and prints, and the result is a more dynamic and bold interior that shows bigger is indeed, better. Whilst it is not a new movement, the style has returned with a vengeance in recent years. Perhaps society’s love of travel and the trinkets and curiosities collected along the way, combined with the exposure of many a design program, the average punter can now embrace the cosy clutter of a home filled with all of their favourite things.
Discovering new juxtapositions of textures and patterns, and the layers upon layers that build a room in its entirety rather than the individual items that fill it: This, in essence, is Maximalism. It’s design freedom. It’s experimentation that provokes and engages, but at the same time can also prove quite difficult to master.
If you’ve been following my Instagram page, you’ll see my frequent appreciation for the queen of maximalism herself – Kelly Wearstler. Forget white walls and plain floors, the American designer has been synonymous with ‘mixing and maxing’ interiors using furniture shapes and scream-worthy prints in out-of-this- world proportions. Her signature eye has forged an envious portfolio of the most incredible hotels & resorts, as well as her grand residential interiors for the most prominent of clients.
Other icons of the maximalist vibe, is Patrick Mele and Michelle Nussbaumer. Mele is renowned for his edgy & playful take on the style, with his ability to pair modern and classic pieces, side-by-side. On the other hand, you have Nussbaumer’s who creates interiors that are collected and worldly yet never fussy.
Regardless of your level of commitment to the style, whether it be a little vignette of collections, or an entire house that is a chock-a-block treasure trove, there’s no denying that this style allows for a more personal approach to designing. Gone are the days of stowing away the ‘good-China’ or special heirlooms but rather enjoying them day-to-day and reflecting on the very memories they once created. A mosaic of life’s memories, if you will. As Wearstler says – “Design is storytelling. I always want to tell evocative stories, adventurous and full of soul, incorporating a mixology of materials and influences. Love colour. Take risks. Stay curious.” She says. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?!