We’ve heard for years now that minimalism is a mark of noble character. Those of us who are maximalists have been called materialistic, hoarders, or shopaholics. Minimalists believe they have the moral high ground. Is it a crime to enjoy the “stuff” of home? I, for one, am tired of being shamed for my appreciation of things (many, many things). Is it wrong that I have a dresser full of oddities from other eras that I pull out on occasion to adorn my table for a dinner party? Should I be embarrassed that my fireplace mantel is packed so tightly with pretty little things that I can nary fit a thimble on its edge? I boldly declare that maximalism is a wondrous thing!
But wait. That’s not exactly what we’re going to talk about today. We need to discuss the NEW Maximalism, and it’s not what you think.
Who else is going to preserve history if not maximalists? We are collectors and appreciators. Every bauble has a story, which in turn makes it a conversation piece. We treasure old books. Not only do we read our beloved books, but we stack them like teetering side tables and employ them as a pedestal for our favorite great aunt’s chinoisserie lamp. While the New Maximalism certainly honors history and elevates the humble brick-a-brack, it’s actually concerned more with CURATION than collection.
The New Maximalism isn’t about hoarding useless or unattractive junk, but living life within the walls of our homes to the fullest. It’s about embracing color and pattern and beauty from across many eras and styles.
The New Maximalism is creative and courageous. I’m so much more inspired and invigorated by images like these than I am a monochromatic interior that looks like every other monochromatic interior . . . Sure, beige is “restful” and “peaceful,” but when’s the last time it turned you on?
The New Maximalism encourages us to be daring, to make the unusual choice, to embrace the enchanting. To not be afraid of being “too much.”
Colorful and scenic wallpaper plays big in the New Maximalism, as are painted doors and ceilings in colors other than white.
Asian motifs and animal prints live along side mid-century furniture and Grandmother’s crystal chandelier. And if The New Maximalism is defined by a metal, it is DEFINITELY gold!
The New Maximalism encourages reusing and recycling. Rather than throwing out things when we tire of them, maximalists find new ways to restore them to good use. We rescue the unappreciated treasures cast off by minimalists who no longer see any value in them. Slightly-off color matches just adds to the quirky beauty. All styles and periods are perfectly at home with each other, like things collected over a lifetime of adventure.
Alex Papchristidis in House Beautiful
Maximalism delights in the small pleasures. It is nostalgic and big-hearted, hungrily feasting on the tiniest of details in a vintage fabric, patinaed brass, and colored glassware. Setting the dining table is an adventure – each time never the same as the last.
The New Maximalism isn’t without restraint. There is method to the madness, and (dare I say?) a controlled chaos about it.
The New Maximalism is infinitely more fun than minimalism. It’s unapologetic in its love of nostalgia and the stuff of life. And it’s a great place to cuddle up and read a good book.
How many of you have been watching the new Netflix series with Marie Kondo called Tidying Up? It may shock you to know that I actually watched the first episode while I was editing this blogpost. A little ironic, don’t you think?
Now it’s your turn. What do you think about the New Maximalism? All in, mixed feelings, or no way?
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Lovely post! Amazing images!
Thank you so much!
I love this. This look is rich and satisfying. I agree with you when you said that there is a difference between maximalism and clutter/hoarding. A maximalist room is curated and has an overarching concept and strives to make a particular impression, but clutter/hoarding is random collecting with no vision or goal. I am tired of sterile rooms that tell you nothing about the people who live in them. I have some keepsakes displayed and am told this is clutter. I told some relatives I was putting up wallpaper in my bedroom and oh the shocked comments I got, about how it would decrease the resale value of my home. Well, in that case, I’ll shrug and give the hissy buyer a discount. Why should I live in a stark room to please a future buyer of my home?
Rachel,
So well said – you must be a writer! I’m with you on everything EXCEPT for selling, since I’ve been in the home staging industry for 15 years. The sad truth is, 90% of people can’t see past what is there or envision something different, which is why it is so important to stage a house properly before putting it on the market. And wallpaper scares the heck out of people. This look would definitely hinder a sale and result in fewer offerings and for less money. BUT, you could just make the decision I have to stay in my house forever and never worry about selling! hahaha!
I believe everyone should live in the home they love, not be a slave to trends. Trends are changing constantly and to keep up is futile.
I like classic pieces and those that tell a story of a life lived. But, I could not live in any of the above homes. Too much color, too much stuff, just too much! My mind would never rest. I would feel anxious and discombobulated.
Joanna,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here! It’s interesting how some people (probably most people) are overwhelmed and anxious by interiors like these, while others are inspired and enriched by them. I would die of boredom in a neutral, minimalist home. To each her own, right? 😉
Agreed!!! I could not be comfortable or feel at peace in any of those spaces!!!! Homes should reflect the people who live in them. One isn’t better than the other. This post felt a tad judgemental using words like boring etc. but I do agree to each their own!
Hi Nicole,
Just playing the devil’s advocate here in era of minimalism and tiny homes! Didn’t intend to be judgmental – it’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, please don’t take it too seriously! Stirring the pot a bit makes for a more interesting post about a design trend. 😉
I am totally “All in” the Maximalism movement. I have tried editing so that I can keep up with the latest minimalist craze, and it makes me sad to remove my beloved treasures. Now, I’m off to go find some bold curtains for my naked windows.
Yay! Good to hear I’m not the only one, Karri 😉
Kristie, I agree with you in the theory and believe that as the last commentator mentioned, we all need to surround our selves with the things that we love and feel comfortable with, whether that is a little or a lot of “stuff”. I have lived with what I call a “retail mindset” for over 40 years and that is that things need to appear “fresh and new”. It doesn’t mean they have to be, “appear” being the operative word here. I frequently move things from room to room to give a different look to a space. My husband laughs at me because he never knows where that bauble, obelisk, or vase will turn up. it may be in the Great room today but next month it will live in the dining room for awhile. Rarely do I ever display items in the same way. A “fixed” mantle display would make me crazy after about two months. I love to emphasize seasonal changes in my decor and thus the next time around could be a year later so heaven forbid, it be the exact same as I arranged it last year! Some things are brought forward to enjoy while others take a back seat for awhile. It makes the house look fresh and keeps me from looking at the “same old, same old.
Jacquie,
We are soul sisters! I move around furnishings, art, and tabletop decor pretty frequently. My husband once accused me of moving a light switch when he was away on a business trip because he couldn’t find anything when he returned! I like to keep it “fresh” and it sparks my creativity to rearrange a room or mantel. I often think a room looks perfect – until I figure out another way to arrange it!
I like a lot of color, history, and meaning to the objects in my home but I am also a minimalist in the sense that I don’t like a crowded home. I prefer a few fun items on my mantle rather than an overflow. Like you, I have a place for items that I rotate out: I don’t throw away, I just let them rest for a while. That’s why I like Marie Kondo; in her book she writes that we shouldn’t only focus on the things we don’t want, but the things that bring us joy. She is not a minimalist in the sense of having a sterile, colorless home. If it brings you joy, keep it!
Emily, thanks for sharing. I haven’t read Kondo’s book, but I have many friends that love her. I think I’ll try to watch some more episodes of her show, although it made me really overwhelmed to see all the mounds of things the homeowners had to get organized. Decoration is my gift, but organization is definitely not!
Although I don’t begrudge anyone for their style preferences, I wish I could live as a minimalist. After cleaning out my dad’s home after his death, I became a “less is more” gal. I strive to keep from having too many accessories, using only items that are meaningful to me. I do love art, but even that can be too much. Although I love most of the colors in these rooms, the amount of stuff would overwhelm me emotionally. I definitely don’t love buying tchotchke for the sake of decor. I am currently forcing myself to have some beautiful throw pillows, even though they aren’t necessary, they do add beauty and a bit of comfort.
Thank you for sharing that, Susie. I know that having to go through a loved one’s lifetime of things is extremely difficult. I had to do that a few years ago, and it was so hard. I’ve told my kids that when I’m gone and they take what they want to hire an estate sale company and throw the greatest sale ever!
I think it is perfect for some personalities, but those pictures above cause me to feel anxious. There should be freedom for people to decorate with what they love, whether minimal or max. The era of Pinterest and the internet has dictated a lot of what a person feels brave enough to do in their own home. It has squelched creativity as much as helped.
Very interesting, Lesli! Can you tell me more about how you think Pinterest has actually squelched creativity? Maybe overload?
Before Pinterest, I had a few favorite design magazines where I’d get a small inspiration from, then springboard off of to create my own look. Now, I can get on Pinterest and search, say “mantles” in my style. I’ll instantly have multiple decorated mantles to pin and copy. I usually add my own spin, but I find myself copying more than creating. It might be my busy stage if life, and it certainly makes decorating easier sometimes, but I’m not nearly as creative as I used to be.
I hear what you are saying. Do we have too many options? Or maybe too many how-tos, so that we don’t have to figure things out for ourselves? I’m not sure, but I do know that even when I’m not able to be as creative in many of my clients’ homes as I might like, I have no excuse not to be so in my own home. So I will continue to try out new ideas (or perhaps old ones) there. 😉
I like the Nick Olsen bedroom!
I know, I love it so much!!!
It sounds like Maximalism is just the new way to sum up “British Country Manor House”. (Which I love and live in myself!)
YASSSS! It is very much British Country Manor House, which I’ve always loved. I want a house in the Cotswolds. Actually, I want a MANOR in the Cotswolds!
Kristie, I am not a minimalist, but I do get overwhelmed by multiple patterns and/or strong colors in a single space. I say no to sterility, but yes to serenity; no to clutter, but yes to complexity. Anything does not go. I’ve seen rooms in House Beautiful that are filled with totally unrelated patterns and colors. To me, that is the reverse of beauty. Symmetry and related elements have been marks of beauty for thousands of years, for good reasons. Miles Redd is very talented, and gets away with a lot, but his rooms above skate close to the edge. Some of the others you posted go over it. IMHO, of course!
Kay,
It’s not for everyone, haha! It’s actually quite difficult to layer patterns and colors in such a way that it doesn’t look like Crazy Town. As you said, it’s a fine line!
Love the content and pictures! So happy to add my name to the list of maximalism lovers… Living confortable and surranded by things you Love is always on Trend!!
I couldn’t agree more, Shirley! 😉
I love this blog post! I think i fall somewhere in between. It’s these nostalgic/historic/sentimental items that truly make a house a home and give it soul which so many interiors seem to be lacking these days!
Most of these pictures are a bit too much for me, but I am not a minimalist either. One thing I have to have around me is some color. So many bloggers homes look like a white out in a blizzard, and oh so boring. I like certain old things , but I also mix it with new things, preferably something unique and hand made, not Chinese mass produced things. I’m not going back to wallpaper again though. Been there and done that. Too hard to remove!
Well, you know how much I love color! I really want to do wallpaper in my dining room, but I know I have to get the *PERFECT* one or I will regret it when I have to remove it . . .
Those images make me think of English Country House crossbred with Dorthy Draper or one of her designer colleagues with some 60s haute chic thrown in. Some are not quite my thing, but I like color and the unexpected and mixing styles.
I have always been a more is more type of person, but and a home needs specific places for specific things to function. There is a limit on how much one can handle. and that varies from person to person. Didn’t realize this until I went over the managable limit for me in my current home and will downsize soon. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning is another approach–not in a morbid sense, but thinking about what do you want to leave behind. At my age, that is becoming an issue.
Kathy,
You are so right in how you describe this style. I am a huge Dorothy fan – I really want to visit The Greenbrier Hotel someday. I haven’t heard about the Swedish Death cleaning thing – thanks for sharing that!
I LOVE the part about keeping books! I had to downsize a lot of mine when moving from my 4-bedroom house to a shared apartment. What was left had to live in storage for a year, but I just brought them out and it’s so good to have them back.
I have sooo many books. I’m ready to add a bookcase on one wall of my dining room, making it also a library! I have plans, but not sure when I’ll get to that project . . .
I must be a “medium-ist” :). More than minimalist, but way less than almost all of the photos. My stress level went right through the roof just looking at them. I feel like my eyes don’t have anywhere to rest and that they are ping ponging around trying to figure out what to land on lol. I also think very few people (particularly non-professionals) have any idea how to curate so many diverse items, colors and patterns. So while I agree this can be a very successful look (even if I’m not a fan), I think many people who attempt it will create something notably less photo worthy. But if they love it, that’s what matters :).
You mentioned that the exception to all this should be when we are selling our homes. I would suggest that the other exception is when we are of an age where our expected life span, or ability to live independently, is getting short. I think we have an obligation to either pare down our stuff or make sure there’s money for a professional to do it after we’re gone. Anything less puts a HUGE burden on those who have to deal with it all. The people we love shouldn’t have to spend weeks and months sorting and disposing of our possessions, all the while feeling guilty and resentful. Can you tell I’ve done this a time or two :)?
Loved this blog entry – very thought provoking!
A mediumist, haha! The vast majority of my clients are exactly that! Interesting that you mentioned the end of life issue – I have also dealt with that in recent years, and it certainly is difficult. Another reader mentioned “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death” cleaning method, which sounds like it would address that issue. As you probably know, I love going to estate sales almost more than anything. It’s a treasure hunt, and I like to think that I am “rescuing” a few things that were left behind from another life. I’ve told my family that when I am gone and they take what they want, I want them to hire a company to have one huge Mother of all estate sales and invite everyone to go through my crazy things and have a big party. No guilt – because I would love to know I will be the honorary host of it! Of course, I’d like to give away a lot before I get to that point, but there’s just no way for your family or friends to take all of it, and as you say, it can become a burden I don’t want them to have. 🙂
You are speaking my language! My motto is more is more.
🙂
Wow! Some of these rooms are gorgeous! They’re a bit too much to live in day to day for me personally. But there are definitely elements to the rooms I really love.
I find it kinda funny that minimalists claim nobility. The rooms often look so emaciated that I often thought they were merely a reflection of their owners inner deadness. You know because beige is so restful and peaceful and all….
Interior design has been so homogenized by HGTV cookie cutter design! People think there is only one bland, gray/beige way to decorate their homes, and unfortunately it has also carried over into prospective home buyers’ expectations.
There has always been a portion of the population who has continued to live with pattern, color, and beautiful , classic (and expensive) wall coverings regardless of what is being sold to the general public on television.
Yes! Thank you for sharing your perspective. Cookie cutter is easier, safe. But it doesn’t often bring joy.
Love this post. It makes me feel okay with classic looks that may not be popular right now. I have grown to love a serene feeling ( and off white walls) in my home, but that doesn’t have to mean no color in my rooms.
Amen!
Opulent comes to mind when I look at the photos in the new maximalism post. Some people prefer that others prefer minimalism (I happen to). There is no right or wrong. Your home has to reflect your own style whatever that is. Trends come and go sTyle never goes out of fashion !!!!!
A MINIMAL amount of MAXIMALISM works for me – if that makes any sense !! Lol
Anna,
I love it! Whatever floats your boat! 🙂
I think all of those images are inspiring! You know I love colors and patterns, but I think I’m more of “Edited New Maximalist”. I like bigger, bolder, more singular pieces rather than a lot of smaller things on tables and display areas. Does that make sense?
Absolutely. This look isn’t for everyone, but it’s interesting to see that many of us are pushing back against the trend of minimalism. The pendulum always swings! Thanks for commenting!
I can see why this is a favorite post of yours. First of all, the photos are so beautiful and stunning. They really showcase the art of curating a maximalism space.
For me, I personally fall somewhere in between. While a full, cluttered space (disoragnaized) makes my shoulders move right past my ears, all of your images did not do that. You can clearly see how well the spaces were curated.
We recently purchased an investment property that would fall in the maximalism category. I was drawn to the home for a number of reasons however when we did the walkthrough (twice), I kept saying to the real estate agent, “I would love to sit down with the owner and hear alll about their life.” If was clear every piece had a story – and there were a lot of pieces! I know this is one of the reasons we closed on this property – the home had such a good feeling.
Thanks for sharing this and your thoughts.
Thank you, Sheri. I’ve always been obsessed with seeing how different people live in their homes. It’s probably the reason I love going on home tours, open houses, and estate sales. Not only are styles so different, but we all live in such different ways – and it shows in the interiors of our homes. I like getting a peek inside a person’s home, because it’s getting to see how they think and thrive. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!
Love this post! While minimalism might be right for some, if we were all alike it would be a boring world! Love the point about curation not collecting and the reuse of things!
Kristie –
Great post and very timely for me! I enjoy reading g psychological responses from others, which is what design is all about, isn’t it? I guess I fall into a split personality camp. I love and embrace both minimal and maximal. After seasonal change-outs that take me from the holiday hubbub (displaying my old Charles Dickens books, hats, old silver sets, greens, lots of layers, etc.), I peel it back to what my kids laughingly call my Starship Enterprise look (white on white with a few select pieces, roll up the rugs). I have lit glass cabinets above my kitchen wall cabinets for vignettes that change out every 4 months. The 1/4” back panels simply change from white to haint blue to red. Point is, I love these psychological changeable “escape hatches“ for myself and clients. I love a good Transfirmer trick.
In this week’s newsletter from Austin Kleon (author “Steal Like An Artist”), he touched on the frequent maximalism environment of artists’ ever changing, wonderfully cluttered, creative minds and spaces. I call it curated chaos.
Lastly (sorry for going on), tomorrow I’m helping a designer friend hang art and stage her newly remodeled main floor. She’s done the same with me giving each other playful fresh eyes. She’s very much a maximalist and it should be fun!
Thanks again so much for your timely, inspirational piece, Kristie.
Wow such a plethora of excellent images!!! I’m fully on board for embracing color, pattern and new maximalism in the home.
I love it! Nicely done post, Kristie! I’ve found everyone has their own levels of tolerance for either maximalist or minimalist interiors. I have no problem with any style as long as it is well done! What is appalling and lazy is when sheeple don’t think through what will bring THEM joy, and just do whatever the crowd/media/HGTV deems is currently IN. That’s always a losing game (not to mention wasteful!) since what’s in is constantly shifting. Unless you are staging a house for sale, there is no excuse not to make it a reflection of your taste and likes.
Janet,
I couldn’t agree with you more! Well said!
This is why I love your blog. I just spent the weekend with a couple whose London apartment was full of gorgeous objects each with a history and memory. We also visited the V&A which was chockabloc full of ceramics from every era across the globe and I head home, now, with a head full of ideas because these “things” are a visual feast and soothe a busy mind. A good Kondo clear out makes room for better stuff! Love your ideas Kirsty x
Thank you for sharing that, Angela! I need to read Condo’s book, for sure. Like you, I get so many inspiring ideas visiting homes that give me a peek into how others live. I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum the summer before last and found it fascinating!
Very nice post! As someone else commented, I think I’m somewhere in between minimalist and New maximalist! I love my new white kitchen, but my Roman shade and breakfast nook has a very strong modern floral that is mainly aqua, black, and white! My daughter and son in law like no color other than a warm gray. Their apartment is extremely pleasant though!
Such an inspiring post with gorgeous images!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this hot topic!
I appreciate this! While I am probably firmly in the middle between max & min, I’m preparing to move across country, so I want to get rid of it all, lol. I like this positive spin on collecting and curating stuff!
I find myself craving different things at different times of the year. That is probably because I live in Alaska where we go to extremes of dark/cold and light/warmth. I also live in a tiny space. The solution has always been separate storage and curation for the time of year. I find warm colors and rich patterns wonderful in winter… and cool colors and more space needed for summer.
I love maximalism, I live my life by it, but I could never live in any of the spaces in the pictures. Nothing feels natural. It’s like two people worked on each room, one attempting to match everything and the other trying to make everything clash. I don’t know if it’s the designer or the pieces in the room, but something feels so wrong. I know everyone has different tastes but I couldn’t help but make a face at many of these rooms.
Okay, going back through the pictures after posting my comment I think I realized why I personally don’t like this particular style of maximalism. The color schemes are drastically different than the ones I have in my own life and the ones I admire. The design is actually pretty good it’s just the pieces themselves I’m not vibing with. I mainly use pastels, so the vibrant colors weren’t doing it for me.
I was so happy to hear about maximalism a year ago as it summed up how I am. I was feeling the shame like I was “supposed” to downsize my stuff. Only thing I did Marie Condo on was my clothing and items such as cosmetics, toiletries. We truly are mini museums of history and curators of amazing items. I really like to think of that way and needed to hear that. 🙂 I have lots of fabulous items and I love them all, and many things inherited from family members no longer with us.
Shar,
I’m glad that was encouraging to you. I do believe we are curators of history, and there is great creativity and connection in that!
Maximalism, in almost every form is hideous. It is a cluttered, clashing car crash of junk, usually in garish mismatched and childish colours designed to appeal to those too busy or lazy to take the time and effort it takes to develop taste. It is a cancer in the world of design and it is high time those with taste took a stand against this abomination.
Dear Rufus,
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the evils of maximalism. Your carefully crafted comments totally made my day, haha! 😉