Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to do to your living room what glitter does to a preschool craft project—transform it into something fabulous, over-the-top, and slightly overwhelming (in a good way). If you’ve ever looked at a “minimalist” decor setup and thought, “I require at least 97% more drama,” this one’s for you, darling! Maximalist decor embraces the more-is-more philosophy, where bold patterns, audacious colors, and whimsical details rule. Ready to take that inner scream of “TOO MUCH” and turn it into a work of art? Let’s dive into 18 maximalist trends for those who like it LOUD (seriously, wait until #13)!
1. Velvet Everything
No longer reserved for your grandma’s elbow patches and fancy ottomans, velvet is the official fabric of maximalism. Chairs, curtains, pillows—if it holds still long enough, it’s getting a velvet makeover. Soft to the touch, yet screamingly loud in appearance, velvet says, “Touch me, but only while admiring my overwhelming grandeur.”
2. Pattern Clash Party
Who says stripes and florals can’t live together? Throw in some polka dots and maybe a tribal print rug, and invite chaos to your living room. This is your chance to say, “I do what I want!” with fabrics instead of words. Let the patterns fight it out while you just bask in their vibrant glory.
3. Go Bold or Go Home—With Color
If your living room doesn’t look like it could double as a candy store at a rave, you’re not maximalist enough. Think jewel tones, hot pinks, neon greens, and maybe even all the colors of the rainbow… at the same time. Who says a color scheme needs to ‘match’ when it can ‘clash spectacularly’?
4. Eclectic Gallery Walls That Tell a Story (or 50)
Why put up one tasteful piece of art when you can hang 87? The key here is layers, layers, layers. Mix family photos with knickknacks, antique mirrors, and maybe that quirky “dogs playing poker” print your totally cultured friend hates. It’s not chaotic—it’s curated chaos.
5. Maximalist Lighting to Show the Way (Chandeliers vs. Saturation)
The superior lighting option for the maximalist? A chandelier that looks like a crystal explosion met a disco ball. Bonus if it could double as a spaceship. Don’t be shy—add multiple chandeliers in a single room for major ‘Drama with a capital D’ moments.
6. OTT Rugs for an OTT Life
Yes, the walls are loud. Yes, the furniture is louder. And yes, the floors are… positively screaming! Think neon Oriental rugs, shag carpets so thick you lose a shoe in them, and prints so busy they require seatbelts. Subtlety is for hallways—you’re living your best rug life over here.
7. Animal Print Is Always the Answer
Is there anything more primal and satisfying than throwing down leopard print like you own the place? (Because, hint: you do.) Zebra? Yes, please. Throw in a tiger stripe or two, and soon you’ll feel like you’re living in a chic, abstract jungle of your wildest dreams.
8. Indoor Plants That Are Basically a Rainforest
Who needs an outdoor garden when you can live in a literal jungle? Maximalist plants aren’t satisfied with a few potted daisies—they want ferns, ficuses, and maybe a 10-foot fig tree. Beware: Your home may eventually feel like Tarzan’s bachelor pad. But chic.
9. Statement Ceilings (Yes, the Ceiling)
Walls shouldn’t have all the fun. Paint your ceiling a bold, unexpected color or cover it with a funky wallpaper that mimics the feeling of looking into an overstuffed circus tent. Bonus points if you add glitter or a mural. Ceilings are forever the forgotten maximalist frontier.
10. Gaudy Mirrors that Reflect Your Fabulousness
Imagine a mirror so extra, it makes the Mona Lisa feel underdressed. We’re talking crazy-large gilded frames, mosaics, or something reminiscent of a baroque palace. Don’t just check your outfit—check your entire life in one of these bad boys.
11. Bookshelves of Babel
If you don’t have color-coded shelves that resemble a rainbow threw up on them, are you even doing maximalism right? Forget function—arrange those books by hue and stack accessories on the shelves until you’ve got a home decor Jenga game happening.
12. The Maximalist Throw Blanket Pile
Minimalists may have one throw blanket (snooze), but maximalists have throw blankets coming out of their ears. Velvet, faux fur, tribal prints, and maybe even one that glows in the dark—cunnoisseur-approved! Need 20 throws? Don’t worry, we won’t tell. In fact, we encourage it!
13. Layered Curtains… or Should I Say FAB-RIC WALLS?
Okay, we have been DYING to share this with you. Your windows are craving attention, and not one but THREE layers of curtains are the way to go. Think silk, velvet, sheer… maybe tie-dye? Your windows deserve a wardrobe. Plus, no one ever complained about too much privacy, right?
14. Go Big (Plants) or Go Home
Did you know there’s no such thing as a plant that’s too big? We’re opting for something with trunks in your living room, big fern fronds on your dining table. Tip: The bigger your plants, the harder your guests’ jaws drop.
15. Sculptures – The Giant-er, the Better
Who says art should stay on the walls? Drop a human-sized ceramic ostrich in the corner for some understated (but still very loud) charm. The more bizarre and oversized the sculpture, the more it says, “I’m an individual, thanks very much!”
16. Luxe Everything (Yes, Even Tissue Boxes)
Maximalists don’t let an ordinary tissue box ruin their vibe. Every item—from soap dispensers to salt shakers—should sparkle. Add rhinestones. Add gold foil. Why not? If it’s in your house, it better look like it was touched by Midas.
17. Bar Carts on Every Floor
Why have a single carefully designed bar cart when you can have one on every level of your home? Stock it with vivaciously funky glassware, and maybe even some exotic liqueurs you’ve never heard of but seem cool. (Are you stocking absinthe in crystal Morris glassware yet?) We thought so!
18. The Maximalist Menagerie of Collectibles
Have a collection of something intensely niche? Perfect. Maximalism adores items like vintage bobbleheads or crystal unicorn figurines. Display every single one of them. There’s no “overcrowded” in maximalism, only “maximum fabulous.”
With your new maximalist haven assembled, don’t forget to revel in the glorious chaos of it all by inviting some friends over who will be equally impressed (and possibly overwhelmed) by your decor choices. And remember, if your maximalist side table doesn’t start as a conversation, it’s failing at life.
At Homespir, we are all about celebrating the bold and the beautiful in every home! Whether you’re simply browsing or binging maximalism looks into the wee hours, we’ve got plenty of home inspiration waiting for you at homespir.com. Make sure to give us a follow on social media and, for even more indulgence, sign up for our seven-times-more-fabulous-than-your-average home decor newsletter. Your home will thank you, and so will your wild side.
