Design Trend: Maximalism

Last week I went to a presentation hosted by the Canadian Decorators' Association (CDECA) and "maximalism" was mentioned as an upcoming trend. Yeah. Uh-oh. 

While I can appreciate many styles of decorating, I am firmly in the clean and contemporary camp. I have Marie Kondo-ized my life. I have eliminated most of my former collections - including books by the carton - and I feel freer for it.   Minimalism is easy to understand: get rid of the knick-knackery, white walls, tight upholstery, glass, angles, no frills. Minimalism has been the favoured aesthetic for twenty years now, so I suppose it's no surprise that the pendulum should begin to swing.

​So maximalism.  Should we go for it? What does this mean for our curated, minimalist-leaning, clutter-free interiors?  Oh lord, dust ruffles? Let's have a look. Deep breath, we'll get through this.

Image Via: Sunset

I think of this as maximalism for the minimalist.  It's what minimalists do to shake things up but still feel modern.  The gallery wall is everywhere now, so it's been sort of a harbinger for the maximalist trend. I especially like it when objects are mixed in with framed art, like we see in the image above. White walls can take a lot of art without looking overdone, which makes a gallery wall a good baby step. 

Image via: Urban Outfitters

Boho is another example of maximalism done in a modern way - especially if you keep things light  with neutral hues and natural elements.  Bohemian is all about textiles. Mixed patterns, layered rugs, lots of pillows, Indian motifs like mandalas, and those wooly wall hangings (which are supremely easy to make, by the way. I recommend the tutorial over at Creative Bug.)

Image via Apartment Therapy

Get out your collections. Vintage cannisters, houseplants, Fiesta ware, antique cameras...whatever it is now is the time to put it on display. Search Instagram under #shelfie for display ideas.  

Image via Country Living

Clearly these folks are all in. Wallpaper, pink painted trim, lots of colour. For anyone who found minimalism lacking in excitement, comfort and personality, the new maximalism will cheer you up.

Image via Angela Fedele

Maximalism can be interpreted in any style. We've looked at modern, boho, cottage and eclectic. Here we have a sophisticated and luxurious take on the trend.  Not one but two ornate chandeliers - with shades -  deep tufting on the banquette paired with those bamboo-styled chairs, and can we talk about the wrought iron console tables? Whew. It's a lot to take in and definitely requires an expert hand to pull together. But it's pretty gorgeous, no?

​I feel better. Seems like there is a maximalist interpretation for even the minimalist-minded. But no dust ruffles. Like ever.