Maximalist Rooms That Give Us Major 'FOMO'
Maximalism is fearless. It’s bold, unapologetic, indulgent, and irreverent — and that is what draws me so much to it.
If you’re like me. . . Maximalism may not even be your utmost style preference; but I can’t help but marvel and gawk at any room that does maximalist design well because I like to imagine that I could be the person cool enough to live here one day.
So here’s to the rooms that throw it all to the wind and the designers who just go for it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. . .
We’ll all be dead one day anyway!
Why not create a space for yourself whose style reflects your bold, funky personality- and just flat out makes you happy?
Here’s a look at those fearless designers and spaces that inspire me and make me drool a little:
Source: Living Etc
Source: Living Etc
Source: Wendy Morrison Design
Sources: Robinson King & Divine Savages
I think getting to live in and enjoy any one of these rooms would be oh so very invigorating and inspiring. Here’s a peek at some of our favorites. The styles cover the range from bohemian and eclectic design, lavish and luxurious spaces, and great ideas that took place in everyday homes.
There’s just as big a space in our hearts for this free spirited and fun maximalist design as the smooth clean modern minimalist spaces out there — but there’s no denying that these rooms are having way more fun!
Whether you’re drawn to the bright, colorful, quirky rooms like the first one pictured here — I mean, that look at that ceiling! — or those darker, more moody and funky rooms - you’ll see that each one marches to the rhythm of its own drum.
At first glance lots of people would call lots of these rooms chaotic and even overstimulating —
— but if you really examine each room closely, you’ll see that each frame, pocket, and corner are a symbiosis and perfect mixture of colors, lines, & patterns that play with each other like a creation from Mother Nature herself.
If you like the idea of a more maximalist design style but you don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to work little by little.
Create layers piece by piece with textiles, furniture, decor and wall art that have differing but complimentary patterns, textures, etc.
“Art And A La Carte” designed by Barbara Ostrom Associates. From the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Source: Interior Design. Photography by Nickolas Sargent.
When you’re starting to feel a bit more adventurous think about painting an accent wall or an entire room with a color that gives you life - and don’t be afraid to go bold!
(You don’t have to go as extreme as the staircase below; use it as inspiration to see how the crazy layers and patterns are pieced all together. It’s pretty fantastic eye candy, that’s for sure.)
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you use those links. For more info please see my Disclosure here.
Staircase inside the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, by Sasha Bikoff. Photography Nickolas Sargent. Source: Interior Design
Staircase inside the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, by Sasha Bikoff. Photography by Nickolas Sargent. Source: Interior Design
The staircase set pictured above was designed by designer Sasha Bikoff for the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. There are a few Kips Bay houses around the country (in Manhattan, Palm Beach, and Dallas) which annually invite talented designers and decorators to transform rooms in the houses - which are later toured by tens of thousands of people from around the globe, which helps raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of America. Since its beginning in 1973 the Show Houses have helped raise over 21 million dollars. Read more about it the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse here..
We love how over the top bananas sasha’s staircase is. . . and would love nothing more than to traipse down those stairs.
It’s like an ice cream sundae acid trip come to life.
If you need some help getting started check out my blog post linked below on
MAXIMALIST Design: Tips, Tricks, + How Tos:
Source: Architectural Digest. Seen On: Smith Honig
Source: Architectural Digest
Source: La Dolce Vita, Designed by Alex Papachristidis
Source: RMB on Instagram
Source: Living Etc
Source: Icacca Jamarca
If you’re like me you paused on the room above and spent a few minutes looking closely at all the artwork, portraits, photos, and funky layers and pieces that are thrown in here! I got a good chuckle at The Simpsons artwork and the little gnome in the room corner. I appreciate this house for its humor and whimsy!
Source: Old Brand New
I’m particularly drawn to green rooms.
During my junior year of college I painted my room an olivey pea green, and loved it. I can’t wait until we have a house of our own one day so I can unleash some colors on its walls and begin adding my mark! My fiancé knows full well already that I will be painting at least one room a forest/emerald green.
To me there is something so invigorating about a deeply verdant, lush green space. As I’ve gotten older I’m drawn to the darker shades — maybe why the spaces below make me majorly swoon.
I SPY: A giraffe table. A flamingo lamp. And malachite print seat cushions.
These colors are working for us. Source: Audenza
Source: Old Brand New. Designed by: Lee W. Robinson
If you like green spaces too, check out my blog post on
DARK GREEN DESIGN:
Source: Living Etc & Photography by James Merrell
Source: Love Chic Living
Animal Print For Days.
Some maximalist rooms are simple in design; filled with less “stuff” and more focused on infusing bold color(s) or a statement piece of furniture or artwork into the space. (Or no color! They keep the color palette clean and focus on eclectic art pieces to layer stories and themes throughout the room.)
Or they go all out and infuse flora, fauna, funkiness, and animal print - like some of the rooms shown right here.
Animal print is a pretty common thread you’ll notice in A LOT of these luxe spaces; and just like plants, flowers, and greenery — animal prints do a really great job at adding a lush vibe and a sense of life and vitality into your space.
Source: Audenza
Whatever your style — whether clean, deco, modern, funky, or luxe — there are so many ways to pepper some beautiful pieces and layers into your home, your space, and your design style!
Source: Audenza
Sources: Robinson King & Wendy Morrison Design
It’s definitely not minimalism!
It’s so far on the opposite end of the spectrum of minimalism. . .
we think it’s truly a way of embracing the joie de vivre and humor of the world around us.
maximalism is about finding a unique way and balance of bringing that joy into a space.
Take note of all the differing styles and focal points you’ll see used in these maximalist spaces. Some of the rooms are lavish, sumptuous, and expensive - like the room pictured below — which seems, in my opinion, a much more fun way of spending your hard-earned money than creating yourself a generic stuffy mansion parlor that looks “beautiful-but-too-pretty-to-touch”. . . We’ve all seen that before. This room, though, is like something from a dream.
A peek inside the home of Yves Saint Laurent’s home in Marrakesh. Source: Elle Decor
Source: The English Room
This pink room is such a great example of maximalism done right.
Elements we love:
Striped ceiling (SO MUCH SWOON)
Geometric patterned floor
Funky striped rug
Funky patterned drapes
Cool gallery feature artwork wall
Awesome lighting (I love it all: the ceiling pendant, the funky torch wall sconce, and the pink neon light)
Statement furniture pieces (peep the agate/stone inspired centerpiece table? Gimme.)
Statement floral centerpiece
Artwork on the floor, irreverently leaned up against the wall
Source: The English Room
Source: First Home
look at each room closely…
notice any common threads that run through these epic spaces? so do we!
common reoccuring themes:
live plants
animal print
floral print
geometric prints
bold colors
layers + layers of patterns
knick-knacks
Source: Icacca Jamarca
Source: Rooflab
the room above. . . omg.
Source: Solange House - The House That Lars Built
Source: Solange House - The House That Lars Built
Source: Robinson King
Inside the SoHo loft of artist and interior designer Martyn Thompson. Source: The Kairos Collective
We know. . . it’s a lot to take in! You almost need to stare at a blank white space to decompress and digest all the ideas and colors to take away with you.
But how fun, right?
Imagine walking in to such a tidal wave of colors, geometric patterns, beautiful shapes, and fabulous design every day!?
being in such a creatively-infused space would definitely push me to be my most creative self, too.
need help getting started?
CLICK HERE TO SHOP ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS,
and peep the list below to
Shop maximalist statement pieces:
Whether your style is luxurious and lavish or more hip and eclectic, there are so many different ways to play with and incorporate maximalist design when creating your space.
We hope these rooms inspired you to give your hand at it next time you go to change up your decor!
Life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so make your home a place that gives you MAJOR feels; that stimulates and invigorates you; and if nothing else — a space that brings you happiness!
SHOP FAVORITES
Did ya like this post? then Share it!
see you on Insta!
if you liked this post, peek at these too!
Originally published 2/14/2020; updated 6/1/2020