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If you find colour, pattern and texture exciting, this might just be the decor style for you...
Move over, stark interiors. The new mood is maximalism – a glorious clash of unexpected colour palettes, bold patterns and tactile fabrics. The key to pulling it off? Be playful and experiment with shades, styles and objects you love. It's all about creating a space that truly reflects your personality and makes you happy!
Keen to try the trend but not ready to go full-on clashy-clashy? Applying different shades of the same colour to your walls, woodwork and ceiling is a great way to highlight features such as coving, decorative panelling or colourful stained glass.
Pictured: Daintree Palm Blush wallpaper and Dolly Bird eggshell paint both Graham & Brown
One trick to making maximalism work in a way that’s easy to live with is to vary the size and style of patterns used. Here, the graphic large-check fabric on the armchair pops against the pretty, small-print floral wallpaper – the patterns enhance each other rather than compete.
Pictured: Kilburns Maze wallpaper in blush, 1838 Wallcoverings
Abundant decor, if carefully edited, will make your space look curated rather than cluttered. Give a gallery wall the maximalist treatment by including items such as plates and mirrors. Plan your arrangement on the floor, then, once you're happy, take a photo to use as a guide. Similar tones of red, blue, mustard and sage tie this look together.
Pictured: Foxmoor dining table, woven cane dining chair, velvet frill cushion, scallop cushion, Gourd basket, Trevone table lamp, striped urn vase, Diamond jute rug, scalloped tray, Flora side plate, Aster side plate, bobbin mirror, East End Prints, Royal Doulton Pacific side plates, all John Lewis & Partners
If you're unsure about flexing your maximalist muscles in a whole room (yet!), start off small with an area such as a dining table. Layer up a bold patterned tablecloth with a contrasting runner and striking tableware. Pile on colour with napkins, glassware and flowers. The more you experiment with the trend, the more confident in your choices
Pictured: Steccato tableware, Spode
Maximalism isn’t just for rooms with generous proportions. Even in a small space, a mix of light, bright shades and deeper, darker hues can be charming rather than overwhelming – as this kitchen shows. The lighter colours draw the eye up towards the view, while the darker shades below the countertop help to ground the scheme.
Pictured: Project by Matthew Williamson, as featured in his interiors book, Living Bright
Wallpaper offers an excellent way to run wild with colour and pattern. This richly toned abstract design makes a vivid look-at-me statement. Add decorative items in equally strong complementary shades and shapes to avoid them looking lost.
Pictured: Riviera wallpaper in Peacock, Ohpopsi. Jaggery table lamp with saffron shade, both Pooky. Mari glass vases in rust, West Elm
Start and end your day with a smile by creating a joyful bathroom. Here, striking tiles in a large repeat pattern create an exuberant feel. A vibrant yellow shade picked out from the tiles and used on the ceiling, wall and woodwork adds to the uplifting atmosphere.
Pictured: Project by Matthew Williamson, as featured in his interior book, Living Bright
Choosing tonal shades that sit side by side on the colour wheel is a great way to create a maximalist bedroom. This means you can go for a striking wallpaper design and pile on the hues, but their family resemblance keeps the space feeling calm. These oranges and yellows combine for an optimistic room for the happiest of weekend lie-ins.
Pictured: Imperial orange wallpaper, Graham & Brown
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