Beginners Guide to a Maximalist Interior
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So you’ve decided to go for a Maximalist style in your home. It can be daunting at first to go bold, but it really does make a house a home if you are surrounded by things you love.
Maximalism is about creating magic and intrigue. Your house should captivate and enchant you, not blur into conventional and predictable.
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Gallinule Art Print as seen in Layered Home
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Here are my top tips for getting started.
(Bear in mind there are no real ‘rules’ to design. If you like it, it’s working. You’re the one that has to live there!)
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1. Declutter
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First of all Maximalism is NOT about clutter. If you are planning on being audacious with your interior style choices you need to have a handle on this, or it will just look and feel like a screaming mess.
I am constantly trying to get rid of ‘stuff’ and with 2 kids around, it’s not easy! (Unfortunately the cot and pushchair look like they’re not going anywhere for a while, never mind all the plastic superheroes dotted around the place)
A good rule to follow is to buy less, but buy better.
I am on a mission to buy things that last, and less fast fashion items, in clothing and in homewares.
So, once you have Marie Kondo’d the crap out of your home it’s time to see what’s left.
You should only have things you love, or need.
The items that you have chosen to hold onto can be a good starting point for your room style.
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2. Get it up!
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A great way to have a bold and beautiful home (but not be tripping over stuff) is to get things up on the wall.
A striking wallpaper is an incomparable way of making a room look phenomenal. Of course as a wallpaper designer I have always been obsessed with pretty walls and am completely and unashamedly biased on this point.
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This is my Gallinule wallpaper in my lounge. We have since added an inherited mirror which does a great job of reflecting light from the window and making sure the room doesn't feel too gloomy.
My husband currently has 4 guitars on another lounge wall which look incredible, and they are not taking up floor space anymore, yipee!
You can also be dauntless with art prints, photographs, clocks and mirrors.
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I have my eye on some ethical taxidermy too…
It’s tricky to get a gallery wall right. I found some great tips on this charming blog.
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3. Storage
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There is no point in storing things you don’t really want or need. If you can store anything for longer than a year without needing it, are you ever going to need it?
(Treasured memories and seasonal decorations are obviously excluded from the mass cull)
There are however always going to be things we do need, but don’t necessarily want on display.
Anything with cupboards or drawers is useful. I prefer tall pieces that take up less floor space but still give you maximum storage.
This is a cabinet that the talented Kata from Studio 27 made with my Tangled Hawkmoth wallpaper.
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Hidden storage under sofas or inside ottomans is always a bonus too.
Some pretty shelves will help keep your floor area clear for those bits you can’t do without.
I like these round brass shelves from the always on point Rockett St George.
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4. Accessorise
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A few well placed cushions can do wonders to update a room or a tired old sofa.
Velvet is having a well deserved moment. It can bring rich colours and textures to a lounge or bedroom.
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Plants are a unmatched way of improving the air quality in your home, and they look appealing too.
I like these brass planters from I Heart Norwegian Wood as you can hang them from the ceiling so they don’t take up space on the side.
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You can get a decorative version of almost all practical items now, from tea towels and oven gloves to side tables and lamps. There is always a beautiful alternative.
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Final Tip
Have fun and listen to your gut. Create a space that says home to you and makes you feel happy.
Never mind what the neighbours think, your home is now intriguingly peculiar, and that's fabulous.
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