What You Need to Know About Maximalism at Home

We are all familiar with minimalist home designs and decors. But have you heard of maximalism? Where minimalism is all about decluttering and focusing on a few meaningful items, maximalism can be summarised as more is more. Though it embraces the concept of more, it is not an excuse for you to hoard things or overstuff the room. Instead, maximalism encourages repetition, strong colour palettes and intricate designs - in an organised manner.

The good news is you can decorate your home with more of everything you love, whether it's colours, books or even plants. But there is a fine line between a maximalist style and a mess. Here are some handy tips on how you can showcase your personality through a maximalist home without going overboard.

When it comes to creating an art piece, you almost always begin with a blank canvas. Similarly, a maximalist living space is like an artwork. It is recommended to start with a neutral foundation, before incorporating other elements, especially if you are new to maximalism. 

Keep items or spaces with larger surface area, such as curtains, carpets and walls, neutral so that it is easier to layer with patterns and colours. Simple flooring options such as parquet, marble with little veins or even quartz make a good foundation as well. 

When designing a maximalist living space, there is a common misconception that it promotes hoarding. On the contrary, maximalism actually encourages utilising your space in the most efficient manner while incorporating loud patterns and vibrant colours that complement each other.

Placement is key to prevent visual fatigue. Make your decor feel intentional and be strategic with the location and item you want to showcase. For example, if you have a bright or patterned cabinet, it can be flushed against a neutral wall. Opt for a simple wall clock above it or place some candles on top for balance. 

A maximalist decor is one of the best ways to showcase your personality or style. After all, you can tell a lot about a person by the way their home looks.

A big fan of symmetry? Subtle in colour but bold in pattern, the Joo Chiat Sideboard features a striking black and white chevron inlay that adds a quirky touch to the space. Its ample storage will be much appreciated as well.

By choosing items with similar textures and patterns, it also embraces the maximalist idea of excessiveness without becoming an eyesore. 

For instance, a patterned table runner, such as Onlewo’s Table Runner, would do the trick in sprucing up your dining table. Featuring an abstract arrangement of local flora, its vibrant colours and patterns can instantly brighten up meal times. Plus, this Peranakan-inspired table runner complements any dining table, no matter glass or solid wood. Above that, try using a decorative dish or intricate vase to add depth to the dining area.

For those who have solid coloured armchairs or sofa, layer it with a throw or a cushion. One with elegant embroidery like Janavi’s India Cushion can help to elevate that maximalist look. Designed with Janavi’s hand-embroidery in duchess satin, the contrasting colours and intricate details exude a homely and warm vibe. 

When it comes to combining different textures, Commune’s Volta TV Unit is the perfect harmony of bold contrasts. Crafted with a solid walnut carcass, it features a fabric upholstered door front with steel stretchers and leg caps in an elegant matte brass finish.

In addition to textures and patterns, another way to bring energy to the room is with colours. But to ensure that you don’t end up with an overwhelming combination, choose a colour theme and stick to it. For a start, try layering different shades of the same hue. When you're more confident, you can even explore using contrasting colours. With the help of a colour wheel, you can create a palette that is suited to your taste. 

Take Scene Shang Shang’s System side table for example. Comprising of stackable drawer components, the side table features a contrasting combination of bold navy blue and bright pistachio green against a soft brown beech wood The colours, though differing in hue, complement each other nicely and adds vibrancy to the room. A bonus point: the components fit together with grooves and extrusions at four corners without the need for tools.

Not forgetting the kitchen, there is room for maximalism there as well. Unlike the living area, the kitchen space is usually smaller in size. In this case, a plethora of patterns can be overwhelming on the eyes. Instead, a dash of bold colours would work better. Choose appliances with saturated hues such as a retro fridge in bright orange or an electric mixer in hot sauce red to brighten up the small space.