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Jan 21, 2024

How to Design a Maximalist Home

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Being extra is encouraged...

Neutral lovers, I apologize in advance. I know we've all got a deep (justified) love for the whole "less is more" thing, but there's a new HBIC in the aesthetic landscape, and she goes by "maximalism." In case you aren't familiar with this concept, (and the name doesn't clue you in,) this style essentially flips minimalism on its head. Maximalism relies on knick-knacks, all of the colors, and just general excess to fulfill its mission. Picture: Art-deco meets 60s retro meet Renaissance-era extravagance! With maybe a dash of The Capitol from The Hunger Games. Just no subtlety to be found.

So, let us all celebrate the power of doing the most. We shall not shrink ourselves or our visual vibes! And our home decor is the perfect place to start. If you're in search of a guiding beacon of light to help you introduce this "more is more" energy into your space, we're here to provide key reference points that'll jumpstart your ~maximalist journey~. For a chic and stylish haven, read on for the products you should start collecting, and the helpful decor guidelines to keep in mind along the way.

Filling the space is exactly what we want to do, sure. But we *also* want to lean more toward intentional chaos and away from mindless clutter. Sneaking in a consistent color palette while building your maximalist setup will ensure your crib maintains an air of cohesion within all of the fun.

Now's your chance to curate a gallery of unique, flashy prints. Your art selection is such an exciting avenue to express your own personality and get down to the nitty-gritty details of the themes that define your specific brand of maximalism. If you're tapping into a campy look, throw up those Andy Warhol-inspired pieces. A more ornate overall vibe can call for some colorful abstract pieces. Maximalism doesn't necessarily equate to "random," so setting some baseline inspo is essential.

A gorgeous library wall will add so much character to your maximalist space. You'll fill your interior space in an engaging way with a full inventory of reads on display. You might also wanna judge (some) books by their cover. Stacking together a handful of eye-catching coffee table books is a great way to add layers in the room.

The key to this design style is that it relies entirely on authenticity. If all of the trinkets and baubles you place across the space look like they were purchased as a set, you sorta lose the heart and soul that's present when you gradually build a varied collection. Start with a couple of base home accessories that you like, and from there look out for other decor pieces that sort of fit their tone. Don't hesitate to mix in DIY and sentimental goods stuff while you're at it.

Leave no room behind on your maximalist journey. As a matter of fact, the bathroom is a great jumping-off point to start experimenting with this aesthetic on the low, before you build that "more is more" vibe in the more public-facing parts of your home.

Loud throw pillows and blankets are the icing on the cake in your space. Play around with different shapes and patterns—this is where you can establish small focal points in the room, and even jumpstart one of your room's visual narratives: a color or pattern that'll be referenced again throughout your interior.

Obviously, bright colors and this aesthetic go hand and hand. But, when you're committing to the style, don't shy away from the deeper tones. Nothing emphasizes the vibrancy of the louder decor pieces quite like a bit of balance.

If your lighting isn't dramatic as hell, WYED? No worries if stocking up on chandeliers doesn't seem feasible, since there are a ton of showy lamp options out there that you can sub in to get that flashy vibe across. ✨

TBH, your sleeping space *is* the main event. Incorporate some color with vibrant duvets, plus a funky bed frame will really up your bed's personality. Personalizing your headboard is it great way to add some extra spunk too.

Eccentric planters and vases deserve all of the love here. Honestly, the quirkier, the better. What is the last thing you would expect to see a bouquet of flowers in? Use it. The whole ~expect the unexpected~ factor is one way to visually confirm your home's individuality.

'Cause you deserve to be sitting pretty. You can go full out with a statement chair, or just let your choice of seating be a wink toward the overarching theme.

Mix and match all of the materials y'all! I'm talking about a furry picture frame, or a velvet rug. Texture variety is the extra mile that will have your home looking like a one-of-a-kind maximalist oasis.

Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan who covers entertainment, lifestyle, career, beauty, and astrology. Just, you know, all the things. You can check out some of Annabel's work here and, also find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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