Maximalist living room
10 Maximalist Living Rooms We Can't Stop Staring At
Maximalist design champions diverse elements that thrive together in one space. Things like color, texture, patterns and shapes come alive in a maximalist room, harmonizing to create a space that feels fun and personal.
These details will fight for your attention in the best ways, leaving endless opportunities for the eye to explore each element. Here are some maximalist living rooms we can't stop staring at.
01 of 10
@Dazeyden/Dazey LA
A color palette can be monochromatic and still show off a maximalist style room. The assortment of prints upon the patterned wallpaper and abundance of texture given by the pillows screams "maximalism" in such a unique way.
02 of 10
Katherine Carter Designs
We love a glitzy chandelier, especially paired with a velvet bench. This statement making crystal light figure stands out on its own, but adding some fun patterned wallpaper and an interesting print brings this room to true maximalist design.
03 of 10
Dennis R Tesdell
There's no better way to go maximal than with an ornate mirror thats nearly floor to ceiling. Covering the walls in large pieces like mirrors and paintings is a surefire way to create dimension and fun. Everything about this living room makes us look twice.
04 of 10
The Rachel Rice
Maximalism isn't only about mixing design components like color and texture. You can go big by having multiple pieces of furniture in a tight space, while still looking stylish and being functional. This space shows how we can end the stigma around clutter, having it become a part of your space in a curated way.
05 of 10
Ashton Taylor Interiors
There's nothing quite like a bold rug choice. This patterned shag rug comes to life next to its counterparts, like this velvet chair and grand fireplace.
06 of 10
Leaf and Lolo
Covering your space in plants can be a beautiful way to create more specific type of maximalism.
The common theme throughout helps the room to feel organized, while the volume leaves us breath-taken.
07 of 10
Erin Williamson Design
We love the way this room plays on maximalism by integrating another design theme throughout. The aspects of a grandmillenial twist like the bamboo style coffee table and floral blue rug feel at home in the space, while still giving a sense of curiosity that we can't get enough of.
08 of 10
Doman Decor
The way the circular patter of this couch compliments the clean lines of the built in shelves in a wonder in itself. Finding balance is not only possible in maximalism but it can help your design to feel even more purposeful. We also love the consistent blue and orange throughout this room, making it feel exciting and bold.
09 of 10
Design: Lava Interiors; Photo: Christian Torres
There is no denying that furniture placement plays a place in maximalism as much as anything else. The separation of these two sitting areas marked by their own rugs and paintings gives this space a feeling of adventure, and we love how the colors stay consistent yet interesting.
10 of 10
Dogwood Lifestyle
Having a smaller space doesn't have to mean you need to keep your design minimal. Repeating an item such as fun prints in frames is a great way to pack a punch and make your living room feel personal. This styled shelf and peach velvet sofa is a maximalist dream come true.
26 Maximalist Decor Ideas That Just Work
By
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 12/02/21
Colleen Scott Photography for Veronica Solomon
Don't mistake being a maximalist with having a cluttered space. Maximalist rooms are artfully decorated with a "more is more" philosophy, whether this involves displaying an expansive collection, mixing and matching a variety of colors and patterns, or filling a wall with artwork.
As designer Chad Graci says, "Maximalism wants bold, bold, BOLD. Pattern, color, scale, and drama are all working together to be noticed and that, in a way, makes this style work."
Below are 26 maximalist spaces that have mastered this aesthetic. And if you're looking to recreate any of these looks at home, you'll want to pay extra attention to the tips we've also rounded up from top designers.
Meet the Expert
- Amelia Fogarty works for The Finish, a design styling service.
- Chad Graci is the founder of Graci Interiors in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Sarah Stacey is the lead interior designer at Sarah Stacey Interior Design in Austin, TX.
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01 of 26
Kitsch in the Kitchen
@theresa_gromski / Instagram
Jazz up the open shelving in your kitchen by using it to showcase favorite dishware, mugs, and other essentials to create an artful arrangement.
Whether you opt for brightly colored pieces or stick to a more neutral scheme as seen here, you'll be able to create quite the display. -
02 of 26
Gold Goodness
@interiordesignbyjudith / Instagram
Presumably, you utilize your at-home coffee station every morning, so why shouldn't it reflect your personality and put a little extra pep in your step? Design your setup so that it features hues that you love—this space is filled with gold accents galore!
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03 of 26
This and That
@xiomarainteriors / Instagram
Maximalism is all about celebrating pattern play, so don't be shy about mixing and matching different fabrics and prints. The more colorful and energetic, the better, but there are some basics to keep in mind. "Use colors that all have the same level of intensity—for example: all jewel tones," Graci advises.
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04 of 26
Plant Power
@getintheswing
Many maximalist homes are often full of plants! If you love your green friends, don't feel like you need to cut yourself off at a certain number—plants of all shapes and sizes look lovely grouped together to create a jungle-like effect.
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05 of 26
Just Hanging
@maggieoverbystudios / Instagram
Add some major oomph to your walls by creating a gallery-like display that showcases all of your favorite photos and prints. If you really feel like going all in, hang a gallery that runs from the floor to the ceiling.
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06 of 26
Pretty Pottery
@thealluringhome / Instagram
Grandmillennials, this one's for you! Display your favorite ginger jars and other chinoiserie accessories by the fireplace to create an arrangement that will make a major statement in your living room. If you have a collection of pottery, you should show it off, after all!
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07 of 26
All of the Above
@boazinyo / Instagram
Pillows, sculptures, and ornate furniture, oh my! This living room doesn't hold back when it comes to displaying accessories of all kinds. The more, the merrier! The specific items you feature are up to you.
"As long as these items all make you happy, then I am here for it," Amelia Fogarty of The Finish says. "Plush textiles, antique furniture, art and objects are all fun, interesting ways to make a home feel fun and comforting without feeling like there is nowhere to put your feet up and relax." -
08 of 26
Striped Surprise
@treasures_on_the_ni / Instagram
Forget about just incorporating animal-print fabric into a space—why settle for textiles when you can feature actual sculptures in your living room? Here, a zebra and cheetah steal the show in this maximalist nook. In maximalist spaces, quirk is king. "Maximalist interiors are a great place to use something odd that would stand out too much otherwise," Graci shares. "I had a client ask me to use a gilded metal, full scale palm tree in a room."
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09 of 26
Eye-Catching Office
@_glorystudies / Instagram
If you sit at a desk all day, you'll want to ensure that you have something exciting to look at while taking breaks from your screens.
This workspace features a busy wall of prints that add vibrance to this home office while also being educational. -
10 of 26
Cozy Coffee Table
@thejollytownhouse / Instagram
We often see coffee tables with books stacked atop them just so, but it's ok to be a little more casual with your arrangement. Stacks of books equate to a cozy, lived-in look.
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11 of 26
Bold Bathroom
@prettypocketprojects / Instagram
Why not add some pizzazz to your bathroom? This one features all sorts of maximalist touches—bold, patterned wallpaper, neon art prints, and even a colorful tub.
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12 of 26
Prints Charming
@eclectichunkydoryhome / Instagram
Here we see another bathroom decorated to the brim. No detail is left unnoticed, from the eclectic arrangement of art to the multiple prints adorning the walls.
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13 of 26
Gorgeous Guest Bed
@withmadisonaz / Instagram
Primary bedrooms are often designed to be soothing and minimalist, but the guest bedroom is an excellent spot to experiment a bit with some bold color.
This one features vibrant artwork and plenty of textile patterns that pop against the tribal-inspired wallpaper. -
14 of 26
Chic Closet
@lola.decor / Instagram
Make your walk-in closet the star of your home by decorating it to the nines. An already expansive and colorful shoe collection is flanked by velvet furnishings, chic wall art, a bold rug, and much more. "Maximalism is all about embracing 'extra' be it a floral velvet, bullion fringe, or an 19th-century French commode," designer Sarah Stacey notes. "Or all three at once!"
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15 of 26
Scarf City
@thepretentioushome / Instagram
Looking for a unique way to display designer scarves? Frame them, and then display several together for a fab alternative to traditional wallpaper or tapestries. Then keep the print mixing going by incorporating luxe velvets, tiger print, and more.
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16 of 26
Pillow Party
@joytospare / Instagram
The more pillows, the better, right? This sofa boasts an expansive collection of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
The eclectic touches continue on the walls, which feature a bold mix of 3-D art, neon signs, and more. The Best Throw Pillows To Finish Any Room
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17 of 26
Bookworm's Paradise
@mismatchedhome / Instagram
Bookworms, this one is for you! Let all of your favorite reads take center stage by filling your shelves to the brim. Whether you group books by color or opt for a random arrangement is up to you. Paired with an expansive gallery wall, this at-home library is a maximalist's dream.
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18 of 26
Lovely Lineup
@midmaudedarn / Instagram
Love collecting colorful glassware? Set out your finds in rainbow order for a display that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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19 of 26
Rainbow Reads
@libbylivingcolorfully / Instagram
Maximalists know how to make use of every inch of space, even when square footage is limited. Here, an empty wall made for the perfect home for a vertical bookshelf, which displays favorite titles in color order and therefore doubles as a piece of art!
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20 of 26
Gallery Goals
@sararaak / Instagram
No wall space? No problem! Attach an art piece to your bookshelves and let it shine on its own.
Bonus points if you choose a painting that's ultra colorful. -
21 of 26
Darling Dining Room
@itscarlabethany / Instagram
Gone are the days of formal dining spaces. This one is peppy and welcoming with its brightly colored rug, playful curtains, and rainbow wallpaper. Touches like these are bound to make every meal feel like a celebration.
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22 of 26
A Little Leopard
Colleen Scott Photography for Veronica Solomon
Maximalists aren't shy about mixing different furniture styles and finishes all within one space. Here, burlwood nightstands shine alongside a leopard print ottoman, floral wallpaper, and sheepskin stools.
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23 of 26
Green Galore
@whilefloriansleeps / Instagram
You can certainly still achieve a maximalist look while focusing in on one specific color scheme in your home. Here, all sorts of green touches—plants, paint, textiles, and art—are grouped together without looking too simple.
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24 of 26
Happy Headboard
@imjessicabrigham / Instagram
Whether you're choosing to forgo a traditional headboard or just want to add some extra intrigue behind the one you have, hanging a tapestry behind your bed is a foolproof way to add a maximalist touch to your sleep space. The bolder the print, the better.
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25 of 26
Sky High Shelves
@dommdotcom
If your wall space allows, incorporating floor to ceiling bookcases in your living room and filling them to the brim is an excellent way to showcase a passion for reading while also adding plenty of color into your home. Alternating between horizontal and vertical stacks will make your display more eye-catching, which is always the goal in a maximalist room.
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26 of 26
Cool Contrast
@home_ec_op / Instagram
Mixing contrasting colors in a space is the ultimate maximalist move. Here, blue and orange make a bold statement and add major cheer to this den.
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Italian maximalism in the interior - the most trendy style of the year
With the craze for Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism of recent years, the good old trends are back in fashion: to combine a lot, everything and different things in one interior at once. The lack of free space is no longer considered bad taste. The newest, already autumn, trend of this year is maximalism. So, if your room is furnished "richly" - you are in trend.
All at once, but with taste
Stylish Italian maximalism is the redundancy of everything, at once and in one place. There is no free space in your room, but does this bother anyone? You are at the peak of fashion! Now you can not be afraid that your interior will seem too bright, too emotional or too saturated: feel free to combine different colors, different furniture, different styles and different textures. A lot of accessories are also quite relevant, they will harmoniously fit into the interior maximalism and fill it like a mosaic.
Such an interior is very atmospheric, so not everyone will feel comfortable in it. If you are not ready to live in an eternal kaleidoscope, then it is better to refrain from maximalism. This style overflows with emotion and has its own Italian temperament, so think carefully about whether you are ready for such an extravaganza in your home.
Maximalism is very close to eclecticism, which combines various stylistic trends, pop art, with its richness of colors and originality, and fusion style, which combines the incongruous. Moreover, maximalism mixes all this “in one bottle”. nine0003
Maximalism in the interior: if you still dare…
One of the charms of Italian maximalism is bright colors, and in any quantity and combination. Want eight armchairs of different colors in one living room - please. Walls of different textures, shades and styles are also possible. Everything that you consider acceptable for yourself will be quite appropriate in such an interior.
Dynamism is another characteristic of maximalism. There can now be a lot of furniture in one room, a lot, so you can create many small areas in one room, designed for completely different activities. nine0003
A lot of accents are also quite appropriate. It's like an "I'll wear my best at once" outfit - feel free to show off everything you have. Why limit yourself to one painting when there could be five...or sixteen. Vases? Please, the more the better. Statues are also available. This style is just perfect for collectors and lovers of hand-made.
The only thing worth paying attention to is the lighting: it must be good, warm or cold, but the same throughout the room. Otherwise, you will get not interior maximalism, but a pantry full of things. nine0003
Is there anything to avoid?
Yes, of course there is. Although maximalism in the interior involves a combination of a variety of directions, you still don’t need to overdo it.
