Maximalism is everywhere in design right now and it’s an easy style to love. It’s livable, accessible, and all about surrounding yourself with your favorite things.
“Being a maximalist is letting go of the minimalist ideal,” says designer and blogger Dabito. “There [are] no design rules. It’s having fun with a space and just putting things in a space that makes you happy and makes it feel cozier.”
One thing maximalism isn’t? Stuff for stuff’s sake. Consumerism is fueling the environmental crisis. Maximalism’s flexibility encourages second-hand shopping, showing off heirlooms that might be tucked away in storage, and making things yourself. But if you are in the market for a new piece, these picks can help you bring home that much more color, pattern, and visual interest.
Wall coverings
Consider covering your walls for maximal graphic impact with a single design move. Some companies, like Hygge & West, offer removable options which is great for non-committal decorators, or for renters.
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Otomi wallpaper
- $155
This pattern is based on traditional embroidery patterns from the Otomi people of Mexico. Available in seven colorways.
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Voynich wallpaper
- $200
Based on a 14th-century book, the Voynich pattern incorporates elements of the herbs, plants, and flowers illustrated in the manuscript. Available in three colorways.
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Amalfi Umore wallpaper
- $140
This is glorious hand-painted pattern composed of lemons, oranges, hibiscus flowers, and leaves.
Textiles
One of the easiest—and sometimes most affordable—ways to introduce maximalism is through textiles.
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Warm stripe bath towel
- $40
Made from 100% terry cloth, these towels have orange and green stripes on one side, red and blue stripes on the other.
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Haja Touda’s Beni Ourain
- $3
Salam Hello works directly with Moroccan artisans, who are mostly women, to sell its handmade rugs. This one was woven by Haja Touda in the Todgha Gorge village.
Furniture
Why limit yourself to the same midcentury derivative furniture everyone has? Consider these more exuberant and unexpected options.
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Catalpa sofa
This elegant, customizable sofa has a hardwood frame, leather seat back, and linen cushions.
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Boro star sideboard
- $1
The pattern on this sideboard is based on Japanese patched indigo textiles known as boro.
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Molar fiberglass chair
- $2
Designed by Wendell Castle, this circa-1960 chair is made made from molded fiberglass.
Lighting
Set the right mood and ambiance with chandeliers, table lamps, and even bulbs that make a statement.
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Tropical chandelier
Intended to be a statement piece, this chandelier by Chris Wolston is composed of metallic leaves inspired by the jungle around Medellin, Colombia.
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Mira stacked table lamp
- $1
This sculptural table lamp is available in two mixed-material designs, one with burnished brass, white Carrara marble, and white ceramic, and another version in bronze with travertine and white ceramic.
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Trådfri LED bulb
- $20
Why limit yourself to the same hue of lighting? This remote-controlled LED bulb offers the full spectrum of white light and all colors too.
Accessories
It’s the little touches that make a room.
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Stick It Anywhere vase
- $129
Designed by jeweler Jennifer Fisher, this statement vase is made from dramatic white floral marble.
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Rainbow herringbone baskets
- $185
This colorful hamper is handwoven in Senegal and is sold by a fair-trade retailer.
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Table Tiles Optic
- $18
The graphic pattern on these individual coasters creates 3D optic illusions when they’re arranged together.