Wave goodbye to minimalism and all things beige. After years of copy-and-paste décor trends and a focus on neutrals, maximalism is making a resurgence. It’s an aesthetic where “more is more”, earning it the nickname “cluttercore”.
The key to maximalism is embracing it as a way of incorporating your personality into your space. Closely linked to dopamine decorating, maximalism is a way to turn your home into a cozy and safe space. It’s all about surrounding yourself with the things you love.
If done right, maximalist home décor can help you feel relaxed by creating a tranquil space that feels uniquely your own. There’s no shortage of maximalist inspiration, from Pinterest boards to social media influencers. ‘Grandmacore’ and ‘Whimsigoth’ are just two maximalist décor trends taking over the internet.
We’re sharing everything you need to know about maximalism and why you should consider adding more personality to your home décor.
What is Maximalism for Home Décor?
Maximalist décor looks different for everyone. It’s all about incorporating ornate accents, different colors, and statement pieces. Often, you wouldn’t expect these to work together, but a little artful displaying and trial and error creates a sense of natural cohesion.
There are no rules for maximalism, but most fans of the trend incorporate different patterns, prints, and motifs. It’s the counterbalance to minimalism, removing the pressure to choose décor that is fully coordinated and looks refined.
One of the key elements of maximalism is layering different elements together. Don’t be afraid to pair plaid with gingham or contrasting wallpaper designs using an accent wall. This Pinterest inspiration shows how maximalism can bring even a tiny room to life.
Why Maximalism is Making a Comeback
After years of minimalism being the go-to trend in fashion and décor, why is maximalism making a comeback? Like most things, home décor trends are circular and often linked to wider socio-economic activities. Economic uncertainty and the long-term impact of the pandemic have led to a backlash against minimalism.
What makes maximalism attractive is that it’s an opportunity to explore self-expression through decorating. It’s about more than giving your home a ‘social media’ look. After years of lowkey décor, people are ready to make a statement and refresh their home design.
Maximalism is making a comeback for its psychological benefits. Surrounding yourself with objects and colors that excite you positively impacts your well-being and happiness. You can transform any space, from a tiny house to a small apartment or office space, and make it feel like your own with maximalist trends.
TikTok is also credited with the return of the eclectic maximalist style. Aesthetics like cottagecore, whismigoth, and retro bohemianism have led to a revival in trends like gallery walls and open shelving for displaying trinkets and collections.
How to Embrace Maximalism at Home
The appeal of maximalism is that it’s surprisingly affordable. It’s easy to incorporate thrifted pieces, upcycled furniture, and older designs into your home. The so-called organized chaos of maximalism means you can create a statement without breaking the bank. By comparison, minimalism relies on having one or two statement pieces with a high price tag.
The key to mastering maximalism is to be intentional with your space. There’s a difference between ‘cluttercore’ and excessive clutter. Curate your items around a cohesive theme and try to balance your personality with giving your space a sense of purpose.
Art is one of the best ways to tie your space together with books and plants adding more dimension. Start your design process by choosing a maximalist wallpaper that you can build your room around. A design like our ‘Stripe Harmony’ or ‘Retro Semi-Circle’ wallpaper gives you the perfect base for experimenting with maximalism.
Fans of all things pastel with a retro twist can take inspiration from Maitri at @honeyidressedthepug. Her love for color comes through in every corner of her space with her social media showcasing how you can blend aesthetics for a cohesive look.
Prefer something dark and antique? If you’ve always dreamt of living inside your favorite Halloween or witchy movie, check out Christine McConnell and her DIY renovations to her Victorian mansion in upstate New York.
Shop for Maximalist Wallpapers at Fancy Walls
Wherever your maximalist muse takes you, we have wallpaper designs to bring your Pinterest board to life. Shop our latest wallpaper designs and take inspiration from our home décor blog.
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