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Maximalism Interior Design: Bold and Beautiful Ideas | Levtex Home

2 days ago

·Written by Joanne Levin

2 days ago

·

Written by Joanne Levin

Introduction

Are you tired of the plain, neutral spaces popularly defining today's style? Are you searching for an aesthetic that’s exuberant yet refined, and allows the entirety of your self-expression? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, maximalism might just be the interior philosophy you need as you think about how to make over your home. Maximalism is the point at which color, pattern, texture, and bold design choices harmoniously come together in a space that feels vibrant, lived-in, and unapologetically unique.

The famous proverb of, “less is more” rings true for minimalism, but who does its antithesis serve? Maximalism invites you to embrace the “more is better” ideology to build a home that tells your story. Let’s dive into the essence of maximalism in interior design, explore its key principles, and discover how you can apply it in your own home.

“Anything that you love or think is beautiful has value to being in your house, it’s those things that make it your home."Henriette von Stockhausen, designer at VSP Interiors

What is Maximalism Interior Design?

Maximalism is deeper than just superfluously stuffing a room with decor—it’s about creating an environment where every piece feels intentional. This design philosophy celebrates abundance, creativity, and self-expression while maintaining a sense of cohesion. Think bold colors, layered textures, and a mix of eras and styles coming together in perfect harmony.

While maximalism might seem overwhelming at first, it’s a highly personal aesthetic with a flexible approach. It’s not about clutter, but curation—choosing elements that bring joy and reflect your personality. When done right, maximalist spaces feel rich, inviting, and entirely inimitable.

"Maximalism leans into big and bold decision making when it comes to color, pattern, texture, shape, and form. It’s a fun way to put all of your favorite things together in one room and show them off in a striking and playful way."Megan Hopp, interior designer and founder of Megan Hopp Design

The Key Principles of Maximalism Interior Design

1. Embrace Layering in Maximalism Interior Design

Layering is the bread & butter of maximalist design. This includes patterns, colors, textures… and even decor! Through intentional layering of these components, you are creating a level of cohesion and coziness in one act of design.

For beginners, start with a base color palette that will ground the room together. Then, add complementary patterns like florals, geometrics, or abstract designs. The key is to find common threads—like recurring colors or themes—to prevent the space from feeling chaotic.

For example, the Levtex Home Bertelli Navy Quilt can serve as the centerpiece of a bedroom, layered with contrasting throw pillows, a textured rug, and bold curtains to create a dynamic yet coherent look.

“I was always told the more layering there is in a room, the more relaxed it will feel. Unsophisticated interior design is a one-note piano. You see it, you get it. A room needs to be like a person you’d like to get to know, which means it needs to be interesting and erudite, to have history and background. And collections of things tell you where somebody’s passion lies. Even so, it’s not for show, but for comfort.”Gavin Houghton, design artist

Embrace Layering in Maximalism Interior Design

2. Define Maximalism with Bold Colors & Patterns

Maximalism favors those who dare to be bold. Jewel tones, rich earth colors, or even eccentric accents can take center stage in a maximalist room. Patterns—whether on wallpaper, furniture, or textiles—add intrigue through each of their harmonious layers.

When combining bold elements, keep your chosen color story in the back of your mind. For instance, if you’re drawn to jewel tones, you might pair a deep emerald green with ruby red or amber orange. Continue the flow of these colors through patterned textiles or rugs that include or accent the primary colors of your aesthetic. This way, you get to be bold without going too crazy!

Define Maximalism with Bold Colors & Patterns

3. Incorporate Diverse Textures

Texture is a powerful tool in maximalist design, helping to enhance the depth and a tactile quality to the space. Combining different materials—such as velvet, faux fur, cotton, and wood—adds a sense of elegance and variety.

The interplay of textures imbues your space with luxury without overwhelming the senses. It coincides with the imaginative visuals of maximalist design by extending to our sense of touch. Imagine this: a layered velvet sofa with woven throws, and a sheepskin rug beneath a polished wood coffee table. A lovely image, right?

Maximalism Interior Design: Incorporate Diverse Textures

4. Decorate Your Home with Eclectic Accents

Maximalism is the perfect excuse to showcase your most treasured decor pieces. From vintage finds to modern art, mixing styles and eras is charmingly alluring. Display items that tell a story, whether it’s a gallery wall of travel photography, a collection of colorful ceramics, or an antique mirror paired with a sleek, contemporary console table.

A good rule is to group smaller items into clusters, creating hand-crafted displays rather than scattering pieces throughout the room. This contains the style of your space, and allows you to incrementally add without over-decorating off the bat.

Maximalism Interior Design: Decorate Your Home with Eclectic Accents

How to Create a Balanced Maximalist Space

Just with everything good in life: it’s all about balance. Without it, a room can begin to feel overwhelmingly cluttered. Here are a few tips to ensure your maximalist space feels inviting without becoming an eye-sore:

Start with a Focal Point: Choose one statement piece to anchor the room—a bold rug, a large piece of artwork, or a patterned sofa. Then build the rest of the room around this key item. Use it as a spotlight, and design around it so that the room has a strong central theme.
Edit Regularly: While maximalism embraces abundance, it’s still important to edit your space. Periodically assess your decor and remove items that no longer fit the room’s aesthetic. Also, if you feel yourself losing affinity toward a specific item, feel free to swap it out! Nothing wrong with wanting to keep your space feeling fresh.
Leave Negative Space: Even maximalist rooms benefit from a little breathing room. Allow certain areas, such as walls or corners, to remain unadorned to balance out the richness of the design. This will also make your room feel more spacious!

"If you’re thinking of trying the maximalist look, start slowly. The style can quickly become overwhelming if it’s not edited properly. By pacing yourself, you avoid veering away from artfully bold into cluttered and messy. Pick a few patterns that you like, and mix them together through accent pillows, rugs, and wallpaper. Finding ways to highlight things you love, like a collection of objects or artwork, is another way to incorporate the look into your home. These are all easy ways to get started and finding unique pieces along the way only adds to the personalized feel."Ashley DeLapp, interior designer

Maximalism Interior Design in Different Rooms

Maximalism shouldn’t be confined to just a single room—its a style for every corner of your home. Here’s how to incorporate maximalism into different areas of your space:

Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home, making it the perfect place to experiment with maximalism. Start with a statement couch or bold area rug, and layer in patterned pillows, textured throws, and wall art. Add books, plants, or vintage trinkets to coffee tables or shelves for an extra touch of personality. Have fun with it, and if you like it–include it!

Bedroom

Maximalism in the bedroom should feel cozy and luxurious. A bold-patterned bedspread can serve as the focal point, paired with layers of textured pillows and throws. Consider adding eccentric curtains, a gallery wall, or even patterned wallpaper for that extra layer of intrigue.

Nursery or Kids’ Room

Maximalist design is particularly well-suited to nurseries and kids’ rooms, where color and playfulness are key. Mix whimsical patterns, colorful rugs, and soft textures to create a space that feels lively and comforting. Consider incorporating elements like storybook-themed art or vintage toys for a personal touch.

Expert Tips for Maximalism Interior Design

Start Small: If maximalism feels intimidating, start with one or two bold elements, such as a patterned rug or a statement piece of furniture, then build from there.
Mix Old and New: Combine vintage finds with modern pieces for a collected-over-time look.
Layer Lighting: Incorporate a mix of lighting sources, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and string lights, to add options and dimensions to your rooms.
Focus on What You Love: Maximalism is about personal expression, so fill your space with items that bring you joy.

Why Maximalism is Worth Embracing

Maximalism is a design philosophy that goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel alive, inspiring, and true to you. By embracing bold colors, rich textures, and layered decor, you can transform any room into a vibrant reflection of your personality.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into maximalism or ready to dive in headfirst, this design style offers endless opportunities for creativity. In ways it’s both an act of style and an act of defiance; actin against the minimal trends of the modern day. So go ahead—mix, match, and layer to your heart’s content, and watch as your space comes alive with character and charm.

"The thing with minimalism is that one thing out of place can make the whole room look wrong. I believe that you should be able to pick something up and put it somewhere else, and it should still work. If you’ve got children and dogs and horses, maximalism is much more forgiving.”Gavin Houghton, design artist

Conclusion

Maximalism interior design is all about embracing what you love and letting it shine in your space. With Levtex Home’s collection of bold patterns, luxurious textures, and unique accessories, designing a maximalist home has never been easier. Whether it’s a single quilt or a full room makeover, each piece adds another layer to your style, making your home a beautiful reflection of who you are.

Ready to bring maximalism into your home? Explore Levtex Home’s curated collections, and let your creativity lead the way to a space that reflects the real you.

FAQ

What is maximalism interior design, and how does it differ from minimalism?

Maximalism interior design is a style that embraces bold colors, layered patterns, and diverse textures to create vibrant, personalized spaces. Unlike minimalism, which focuses on simplicity and restraint, maximalism celebrates abundance and creativity, making rooms feel lived-in and expressive.

How can I incorporate maximalist interior design into my home without it looking cluttered?

Start with a focal point, such as a bold rug or a statement gallery wall, and build your design around it. Use layering to add depth—combine patterns, colors, and textures that share a common theme. Leave some negative space to balance the richness of the design, ensuring your home feels vibrant yet cohesive.

What are some popular interior design styles that pair well with maximalism?

Maximalism pairs beautifully with eclectic, bohemian, and vintage-inspired interior design styles. It also works well when mixed with contemporary designs, as the juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements adds character to the space.

Which rooms are best suited for maximalist decorating?

Any room can embrace maximalist decorating! For the living room, try a bold sofa, layered throws, and a gallery wall. In the bedroom, use a patterned quilt and textured pillows. Even kitchens and dining areas can incorporate maximalism through vibrant tableware, colorful cabinetry, and unique lighting fixtures.