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16 Stunning Images That Show ‘Maximalism’ Can Turn Even the Tiniest Apartment Into An Opulent Mansion

Nov 23, 2023

Home décor has been refined, uniformed, and themed my entire life. Up until recently, the majority of living rooms I’ve seen were just beige. Our living rooms have outgrown minimalism, and I’m so glad that maximalism is taking its place. I wholeheartedly embrace this trend of embracing eccentricity in interior design.

Onurdongel / Getty Images

Let me be the first to inform you that maximalism is in and minimalism is out, in case you haven’t heard! I’m always scrolling through the r/maximalism subreddit, where users showcase their artistic abilities with elaborate displays of varying patterns and colours. Even though it may seem pricey, it’s actually less expensive than splurging on expensive department stores for home decor because most of the pieces can be found at thrift stores (we love sustainability) or by repurposing items you already own that are just lying around the house.
These 16 images perfectly capture each of the fundamental elements of maximalist design:

1. I’ve seen enough living rooms with specific themes where everything HAS to match.

I adore your viewpoint! The main idea behind minimalist design is to embrace your individuality and let each object in your room to reflect who you are. It’s a freeing approach to interior design where you can play around with hues, patterns, and textures without having to worry about everything having to follow a set theme. The end effect is a colorful, diverse room that exudes energy and a sense of profundity. The sole rule is that there are no rules—it’s a celebration of individualism!

u/illlameoutwithyou / Via 

Maximalism has a reassuringly rebellious quality. It is not at all required that you stick to a particular theme, feel, or colour palette. Put it on the wall and call it a day if it brings you joy!

2. A key component of maximalism is the “gallery wall”. It’s simple to make your pieces appear a little more coordinated by giving them all the same frame:

What a fantastic tip! The trademark of maximalist design is a gallery wall, which gives you the opportunity to arrange a wide range of artwork, pictures, and other items in a way that is both dynamic and harmonious. You may provide a feeling of coherence among the diversity by employing the same type of frame for every component.

It’s a deft method of combining many hues, designs, and themes while maintaining the multi-layered, eclectic aesthetic that characterizes maximalism. This method contributes create a harmonious overall impression while letting each item shine out on its own.

Though they don’t {technically~ go together, the matching frames can help to tie everything together.

3. Alternatively, you could choose slightly different but somewhat similar frames:

Of course! A great technique to create minor diversity while preserving the eclectic spirit of maximalism is to use slightly different but comparable frames. You may add additional depth and intrigue to your gallery wall by experimenting with different textures, finishes, or forms with this method. The variety of frames gives your wall personality and a touch of amassed charm without going too far toward disarray. For those who desire a unified style with a dash of flair and personality, it strikes the ideal balance.

u/mrosefirth / Via reddit.com

4. It can still look amazing and function even if the frames are completely mismatched! The aim of maximalism is to occupy space and immerse yourself in your passions:

Just that! The idea of maximalism is to surround oneself with the things that bring you joy, even if they don’t match exactly. When frames are completely mismatched, it makes for a vivid, eye-catching gallery wall that expresses your individuality and tells a tale.

The display can feel more vibrant and full of personality when the frames are varied, adding to the show’s depth and texture. It’s about making a space that feels really yours while honoring the wealth of your hobbies, memories, and interests. In maximalism, everything comes together wonderfully because of the love that goes into each component and the satisfaction of arranging them together.

u/SaltySeaDog13 / Via reddit.com

Check out the rainbow rug and the zebra blanket as well. We adore it when we mix patterns without shame.

5. There are no rules, as I have stated. If you choose not to, you are under no need to use any frames at all! You could even create a moment where there is less wall and more gallery by overlapping the artwork on your gallery wall:

Just that! The sole rule in maximalism is that there are no rules at all. You are allowed to design your place and style anyway you see fit. A striking, immersive effect may be produced by forgoing frames or even artwork that is layered over one another. Overlapping parts makes it more difficult to distinguish between separate works of art, giving the impression of depth and almost three dimensions.

With this method, your gallery wall becomes a dynamic, living composition that draws the viewer’s attention in all directions. You highlight the richness and abundance at the core of maximalism by allowing the artwork to occupy a larger portion of the wall. It all comes down to expressing yourself in the most genuine and unrestrained way you can!

6. In addition to simply hanging pictures, I enjoy seeing the most unusual objects used as décor. Why not hang a purple meteor on the wall? It makes your house into a cunning little game of “Where’s Waldo?”

That’s a really creative and enjoyable way to decorate! Including strange items in your décor, such as a purple meteor, not only creates a sense of surprise but also stimulates interest and investigation. It transforms your area into a dynamic experience with delightful discoveries at every corner. A fun personality is reflected in the colorful, surprising décor that keeps things interesting. These distinctive details give your house a really unique and vibrant personality in a maximalist setting, which embraces the unexpected.

u/jc_kilgannon / Via reddit.com

What I’m looking for is exactly the kind of strangely comforting chaotic energy found in the orange filing cabinet with the drum perched on top.

7. I don’t want to be right if a framed photo of a lobster and a coffee mug clock on the same wall are wrong:

That’s the essence! It seems like the ideal example of maximalist decor—where the wackiest pieces come together to create a pleasant and memorable display—to combine a coffee cup clock with a framed photo of a lobster. Regardless of convention, it’s all about showcasing your passions and creating an environment that feels like you. This whimsical arrangement of items gives flair and appeal, turning your walls into a talking point and a showcase for your unique style. Maximalism is so much fun because it embraces the unexpected!

u/fuckgnomes / Via reddit.com

8. When it comes to maximalism, there are no creative boundaries, so you can go beyond the wall. If desired, items such as tapestries can be hung from the ceiling:

Of course! Maximalism allows for endless inventiveness, and hanging tapestries from the ceiling is a great way to give your room depth and drama. It leads the eye upward and produces a rich, colorful, and tactile environment that fills the space. This method may showcase your own style and make a room feel cozier and more personal. Making the most of the vertical space in your house enables you to add even more depth and layers, creating a lively and dynamic room. It all comes down to using daring and creative expression to express oneself!

u/lasers8oclockdayone / Via reddit.com

9. You can use items you already own, such as books, creatively:

One great approach to embrace maximalism and add unique touches to your design is to use things you already own, like books! You may create layers of interest in your room by creatively stacking books, keeping them open to show off lovely pages, or utilizing them as risers for other décor.

You may also set up books next to unusual plants or décor items to create a comfortable reading area. Using this method will make your home seem lived in and like a reflection of you, while also highlighting your favorite books and adding warmth and character. It’s also a fantastic way to reuse stuff, clear clutter, and improve the look of your home!

u/Rare-Banana-2256 / Via reddit.com

I’m a huge proponent of maximising your space by stacking your favourite books as makeshift shelves and rejecting the notion that books belong on a bookshelf (boooring). Reusing your books as décor for your home is a creative way to give them new life.

10. Or Plant

Such a beautiful feature would be a wall of plants! If you’ve had trouble keeping plants alive, you might want to start with low-maintenance choices like snake plants or succulents. They can survive a little neglect and are typically more tolerant. Faux plants are an additional choice that may still produce that verdant, lush appearance without maintenance. Real or fake plants combined with some brilliant art or décor pieces will give you the same maximalist vibe you adore without the hassle of having to take care of them!

u/julycooper2 / Via reddit.com

I would definitely buy an entire wall of plants if I could manage to keep even one alive.

11. An additional maximalism strategy is to cover everything in vivid hues and patterns:

Of course! Adopting bright colors and striking patterns is an essential maximalism tactic. A lively, upbeat environment is produced by covering surfaces in vivid colors and eye-catching patterns, including walls, furniture, and fabrics. Combining different patterns together, such as stripes and polka dots or floral and geometric, gives the room depth and energy.

u/shrew_feathers / Via reddit.com

The secret is to stack those striking components to produce a visually stimulating space that is both vivacious and welcoming. The idea is to create a happy, harmonious space where all the colors and patterns work together to express your own style.

12. Like this kitchen, which gives me the impression that I’m driving a Mario Kart around Rainbow Road:

What a clever analogy it is! It’s true that a kitchen full of bright colors and patterns may bring back the carefree, imaginative atmosphere of Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road race. Cooking and entertaining feel like a delightful adventure because of the vibrant, rich tones that create a cheery ambiance.

u/creamiepuffs / Via reddit.com

Adding vibrant tiling, striking appliances, and lighthearted décor may make the area feel lively and captivating. It all comes down to transforming your kitchen into a bright center that encourages play and creativity, much like the energetic Mario Kart universe!

13. Or this unconventional living room that defies convention with its vivid blue wall against a wall with stripes of black and white:

That seems like a daring and thrilling pairing! A stunning contrast of black and white stripes and a vibrant blue wall enlivens the room. It’s a fantastic illustration of how maximalism can stretch the bounds of conventional design and enable striking combinations of unexpected elements.

This type of design conveys a distinct personality and sense of style in addition to drawing attention. An environment that is dynamic, colorful, and appealing may be created by combining different colors and patterns. This makes it the ideal setting for eccentric furniture and unique accents.

u/Zealousideal-Self722 / Via reddit.com

14. Maximalism doesn’t even need to be a vibrant rainbow of hues:

That is really accurate! A more muted or monochromatic palette may nevertheless be embraced by maximalism and still be rich in texture and detail. A sophisticated but layered effect may be achieved by combining different patterns and materials with different tones of the same hue.

u/Feral_galaxies / Via reddit.com

Rather of depending exclusively on vivid colors, depth and intrigue may be achieved by the interaction of textures, shapes, and forms. This method may celebrate the rich, gathered aspect of maximalism while still giving a place an exquisite, curated air. It all comes down to expressing your individual style and discovering what speaks to you!

15.Even the girlies with the {dark and stormy aesthetic} can participate:

Of course! All aesthetics, especially the gloomy, stormy atmosphere, are welcomed under maximalism. Rich textures, dramatic atmosphere-creating layering, and somber, deep hues are all excellent ways to convey this look. A room may be made to feel both intimate and enigmatic by adding components like diverse art, dark flowers, and elaborate furnishings.

u/Illustrious-Bank-759 / Via reddit.com

It all comes down to embracing the things that speak to you and designing a space that expresses your individuality, whether that means using striking hues or a more somber, moody color scheme. Whatever the aesthetic, maximalism fosters limitless inventiveness!

16. Every component is combined in this room: a gallery wall featuring a variety of pieces that, in addition to combining patterns and colours, somehow flow together:

It sounds like a really tastefully designed area! A diverse collection of items, each with its own colors and patterns, may make for a unified yet dynamic gallery wall. Even if the pieces are physically unique, well-executed pieces can flow together through common themes, forms, or even color palettes.

While still feeling harmonious as a whole, this type of arrangement invites the viewer to examine the individual components. It’s a fantastic way to express your individuality and passions, transforming the wall into a colorful focal point that gives the space depth and character. Such unique pairings of maximalism offer a bright and welcoming environment!