“A style and aesthetic that leans into the more is more mentality” from people who are “trying to make a statement in their home.”

Maximalism has pranced its way into the centre of the interiors world over the past decade. There’s no escaping it, partly as so many influencers and brands we follow have fully embraced it. There’s always at least one maximalist on each and every series of Interior Design Masters - Roisin Quinn, the latest winner is a great example, and I’ll never forget Siobhan Murphy, a finalist on the show in 2021.

Siobhan Murphy, Interior Design Masters finalist in 2021

I love bringing colour and pattern into my home and am always pushing my clients to be braver with theirs. I wouldn’t class myself as a full on maximalist by any stretch, I like my homes a bit more pared back and restful, but I love experiencing the style in restaurants and hotels in particular.

The wonderful thing about maximalism is that it allows you to be completely individual in your choice of colour and style. A maximalist’s home is never finished! It’s all about layering as you build - whether it’s new artwork, mismatched cushions, another piece of vintage furniture or layered rugs.

For anyone looking to embrace a maximalist look in their home, go ahead and have fun with it. However, you want to avoid it looking like a mish mash of clashing pattern and too much clutter as this can be overwhelming on the eye. I urge you to follow my guidance to ensure you create a cohesive, considered, stylish, balanced home. Here are my top ten tips to follow.

Stick to a tight colour palette. Choose three or shades within each room - a good place to start is to pick a base colour which covers 60% of the room, a secondary colour which is 30% and a couple of accent colours. As you get more confident, you can look to expand to five or six colours in your palette. Keep the home feeling cohesive with at least one colour which is repeated in every room. Think about the hardware, perhaps you will choose the same throughout the house for a bit of extra cohesion.
Layer patterns & textures. Maximalist interiors are characterized by their eclectic mix of patterns and textures. Mix florals with geometrics, stripes with plaids – the key is to layer patterns in a way that feels cohesive yet unexpected. Incorporate texture through fabrics like velvet, silk, and faux fur to add depth and visual interest to your space. Two key rules to remember when mixing patterns is to ensure the colours tie in with each other and ensure the two patterns are on two very different scales - one large and one much smaller. Florals go brilliantly with stripes for example, as they are so very different in style.
Avoid going matchy matchy with your furniture. Long gone are the days of three piece suites where our sofas and armchairs were all the same. Choose a mix of materials, colour, style. Maximalism is all about an expression of creativity and individuality so it really is fine if the effect is slightly bonkers.
Mix and match eras. Don't be afraid to go for a modern, clean piece of furniture alongside a vintage style lighting for example.
Maximalism is the perfect style for celebrating eccentricity and individuality. Don't shy away from quirky finds and unique pieces that speak to your personal style. Whether it's a vintage taxidermy mount or a kitschy souvenir from your travels, embrace the unexpected and let your personality shine through.
Accessorising is massive in maximalism. Layer rugs, throw pillows, and decorative objects to add depth and personality to your space. Mix metallic accents like gold, silver, and brass for added glamour.
Create a strong focal point to give the eye something to be drawn to and rest upon
Use symmetry to create a sense of calm. Whether it’s in your accessories and how they are arranged on a shelf, artwork on the walls, furniture placement or wall lights either side of a mirror, there are numerous ways to achieve this.
Don't over furnish just for the sake of it. While maximalism celebrates excess, it's important to maintain a sense of balance in your design. Avoid clutter by editing your collections and keeping pathways clear. Pay attention to scale and proportion to ensure that each element in your space feels intentional and harmonious.
Once you’ve chosen your key elements, put them together in a mood board, either online using Canva, or in scrapbook style. Do each one of your materials, finishes, colours, patterns, fabrics, items used connect with each other and work as a whole?

Finally, check out these designers for some inspiration:

Wendy Morrison - incredible patterned rugs, wallcoverings, fabrics and cushions

The Monkey Puzzle Tree - beautiful fabrics, soft furnishings and wall coverings

Emma Shipley - all sorts of maximalist style fabrics, wallpaper, homewares, accessories

Sophie Robinson - Interior designer, furniture designer, journalist and brilliant maximalist

Fancy giving Maximalism a go? Here's how.