After years of pared-back minimalism, interiors are shifting towards a more expressive, personality-led style — and frills are leading the charge. Rather than the overly fussy styles of the past, today’s take is lighter, more relaxed and designed to add texture without overwhelming a space.
Enter frillmaxxing: the styling approach centred on layering ruffles and soft details — from cushions and bedding to lampshades and trims — to bring movement, depth and personality into a room.
Perfect for those who love a romantic aesthetic but want a modern, fresh finish, frills strike the balance between playful and polished when styled with intention. Whether you’re updating a single room or refreshing your whole space, this trend offers an easy way to add visual interest and warmth.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about frillmaxxing — plus simple, stylish ways to bring the look into your home.
What is frillmaxxing?
The clue is very much in the name with this trend – frillmaxxing is all about embracing decorative details and layered texture for maximum impact.
‘Frillmaxxing ties into the idea of romanticising the everyday – creating homes that feel joyful, whimsical and full of small moments that feel special,’ says Steven Dempsey, style consultant at Shutterly Fabulous. ‘The recent demand for period-inspired TV and movies, such as Bridgerton and Wuthering Heights, has hugely influenced the rise of interior trends such as this.’
The trend has also been inspired by peonies, which bloom from spring to summer and add dreamy texture both indoors and outdoors. ‘The softness, scale, and texture of peonies mirror what we’re seeing across interiors – layered fabrics, tonal colour palettes and a move towards abundance,’ says Lucy Hook, floral lead at Bloom & Wild.
It’s a clever way to bring in a subtle floral influence without relying on overt prints or patterns – ideal for anyone wanting a romantic feel that still looks elevated and current.
How to style frillmaxing
The key to getting this trend right is balance. Instead of filling a room with excessive decoration, keep larger pieces like sofas, cabinets and dining tables relatively simple and introduce frills through smaller accents and soft furnishings.
‘For example, a sink skirt can work well, particularly in a pantry, utility area or more country-style space,’ explains Tamsin Holland, design expert at Paula Rosa Kitchens. ‘You could also bring in frilled café curtains, pretty seat pads, patterned blinds or a softer tablecloth.’
Because texture is so central to the trend, colour choice matters too. Richer, warmer tones help frilled fabrics feel more cocooning rather than overly sweet.
‘Warmer shades like pinks, corals and deeper reds are comforting – a dusty pink in velvet or a deeper red paired with woven textures creates something that feels both contemporary and tactile,’ says Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors.
Layering tonal shades is another easy way to stop the look from feeling flat. Instead of relying on one neutral colour throughout a room, combine warmer variations to create depth and softness.
The beauty of frillmaxxing is that even small details can completely change the mood of a space. A gathered table skirt, pleated pendant lampshade or scalloped trim on shelving is often enough to make a room feel more personal without overwhelming it.
The Frill Edit
