Maximalism Done Right: Design Tips for Bold, Beautiful Spaces

The maximalist interior design trend is having a serious moment—and we are totally here for it.

We're seeing more color, more layering, more art, more pattern, more personality… and when it’s done well? It’s absolutely stunning. But here’s the key: maximalism isn’t about chaos. It’s about curation.

The difference between a room that feels intentional and one that feels like a thrift-store explosion? Thoughtfulness.

So if you’re drawn to this bold, expressive style, here are our favorite designer-approved tips for doing maximalism in a tasteful, elevated way—so your space feels personal, layered, and luxe (never cluttered or chaotic).

1. Everything Needs a Friend

This is our number one rule for pulling off maximalist design: no element should feel like it’s on its own.

Whether it’s a bold color, an unusual texture, or a shiny metal, make sure every choice shows up at least one or two more times in the room.

For example:

• Using a bold cobalt blue? Repeat it in a throw pillow, lamp base, or artwork detail.

• Playing with patterns? Layer a large-scale floral, a small geometric, and a bold abstract to keep the look dynamic—but cohesive.

• Mixing metals? Fabulous. Just make sure your gold, copper, or chrome appears in a few spots, not just one.

This visual repetition helps create flow—and makes the space feel intentional, not random.

2. Let It Breathe

Maximalist doesn’t mean messy.

Even the most layered rooms need negative space so your eye has places to rest.

• A dense gallery wall? Balance it with a clean, open wall nearby.

• Colorful, textured pillows? Mix in a few solids to ground the look.

• A shelf full of your favorite finds? Leave breathing room between pieces so each one can shine.

The best maximalist spaces know when to pause and when to go full throttle. It’s that rhythm that makes the look work.

3. Keep a Cohesive Style Story

You can mix tons of elements in maximalism—but they need to feel like they belong to the same overall vibe.

Ask yourself: what’s my design DNA? What’s the throughline here?

You might be mixing:

• Boho, vintage, and global influences

• Traditional furniture with modern accents

• Bold color with timeless shapes

All great—but tie it together through consistent color tones, materials, or an overarching style era.

Maximalism is like a great playlist: every song can be different, but the vibe has to flow.

4. Be Strategic with Color

Color is the lifeblood of maximalist interiors—but without intention, it can quickly feel overwhelming.

Here’s how to stay in the sweet spot:

• Choose a warm or cool base to help unify your palette. (Terracotta, mustard, coral = warm. Emerald, lilac, navy = cool.)

• Repeat major colors at least 2–3 times in different materials: pillows, art, books, rugs, vases.

• New to bold color? Start with accessories and artwork, and keep larger pieces (sofas, rugs) in a neutral or grounding tone.

Maximalism doesn’t mean every color in the crayon box. It means using a lot, but using them smartly.

5. Layer with Intention

This is the golden rule: collect, don’t clutter.

Layering is what gives maximalism its richness—but those layers need thought and balance.

• Combine oversized statement art with smaller, detailed pieces.

• Add fringe, embroidery, metallics, glass, woven elements—but not all at once.

• Think of every piece as part of a story, not just decor for decor’s sake.

Let the space build, not explode. Maximalist rooms that feel elevated are usually grown over time—collected with love, not rushed.

Go Bold… with Balance

Yes, go bold. Yes, show off your personality. Yes, layer, mix, collect, and display.

Just do it with intention. Create connections between your elements. Give your treasures space to shine. And most of all—let it feel like you.

Maximalism, when done right, is warm, vibrant, lived-in, and full of soul—and we’d love to help you bring that energy into your home.

Need help pulling it all together? Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding boldness to a more minimal base, our design team can help you create a layered, cohesive, personality-filled space that feels nothing short of magical.

Let’s make “more is more” feel like designer-level magic. Schedule a complimentary design consultation today!