What’s the Maximalist Interior Design Style and Is It Right for You?

Interior design maximalism was called a top trend by some experts in 2018 and it’s definitely here to stay.

You’re probably familiar with minimalist design – an interior decoration trend that’s quite popular in Singapore. Maximalism is at the other end of the spectrum. It is opulent, colourful, incredibly ornate and capable of creating a truly cosy environment.

Doing maximalism right, however, is not an easy task. When you have numerous items and decorative elements, they could easily begin fighting for attention. Pulling off a maximalist project requires a lot of experience and an eye for detail. The right Singapore home interior design company can create harmony and a beautiful flow of visuals rather than clutter.

So, what exactly is maximalism and can you consider it the right trend for your home? Let’s find out the answers together.

What Is Interior Design Maximalism?

There isn’t a universal formula for creating a maximalist décor inside your home.

Maximalist interior design is characterised by several essentials. It is very colourful, focused on art, personalised, somewhat bohemian and comfortable. Very often, maximalism is luxurious and glamorous.

In its very heart, maximalism is eclectic. It effortlessly mixes colours, patterns, textures and an array of materials. Some of these combinations may seem conflicting if you stick to interior design rules but when matched skilfully, they result in visual harmony.

Minimalism dominated the interior design landscape until the late 1990s. As the 2000s approached, however, homeowners began looking for an alternative to the clean lines and almost sterile ambiance.

A growing desire for individuality, the incorporation of art and comfort has caused the comeback of maximalist home interiors.

Here’s a very simple way to distinguish between minimalism and maximalism. Minimalism embraces only what’s required and functional. Maximalism, on the other hand, is opulent and filled with unexpected elements that don’t always have a specific function. Maximalism celebrates embellishments and ornate interiors without descending into clutter territory.

Achieving Maximalism in the Home

There are so many ways to execute a maximalist interior design project!

For a start, you need richness of colour, pattern and texture. These are probably the three most important elements for achieving that highly ornate and detail-filled look maximalist interiors are recognised for.

Maximalist interior designs embrace colours in all possible combinations. You don’t really need to stick to the rules and if a specific choice pleases your eye, you should definitely go for it.

While eclectic things, decorations and pieces of art are all essential, you also need to incorporate a running theme or a cohesive element in the project. This is the one thing that will tie all of the visual diversity together. It could be a pattern, it could be a motif or the use of one material throughout the interior (leather, for example). When a cohesive element is introduced, the interior design starts making sense and all of the distinctive items begin working together.

Successful maximalism also recognises boundaries and restraints.

It’s tricky to produce a maximalist interior because you can go overboard easily. Just because you can buy a certain item and place it in your living room doesn’t mean you should. Rooms can be colourful and mismatched but you still need to start with a theme or an overall concept and follow through with it.

Who Is Maximalism Right for?

In late 2018, even Ikea made a nod to maximalism instead of its typical minimalist style. A new campaign launched to promote a brand new collection stated “forget Scandinavian minimalism (at least for now).”

The iconic company is recognised for its clean, minimalist and functional Scandinavian interior design solutions. The fact that even Ikea is recognising the power of maximalism suggests just how popular the interior design trend has become.

Maximalism is ideal for those who want to experience a bit of exquisite luxury and comfort in their home.

Maximalism will also appeal to the art lovers, to those who enjoy colourful things and elaborate patterns. Unless you like your home to be perfectly ordered and free from non-essential items, you’ll be happy with what maximalism has to bring to the table.

A maximalist interior design can work well with other concepts. Since it’s so eclectic, you can pick and choose the elements you like and execute a hybrid project that’s entirely personalised and capable of offering exactly what you need.

Understand the fact that maximalism isn’t mess or clutter. It’s colour and fun. The number of artworks and decorative elements depends entirely on your vision and your preferences.

Maximalism can work in both small and large Singapore flats. If you’re attempting to decorate and remodel a smaller living space, however, you’ll need to exercise a bit more restraint. Editing the concept before moving forward with it will give you a beautiful and diverse outcome that doesn’t appear crammed.

You can make maximalism work in just about every home. The trick is to know the space well and to prioritise the most important elements of the interior design remodelling.

Home Guide has extensive experience with both minimalist and ornate, maximalist interior designs. Our residential portfolio brags multiple projects that are bold, colourful and focused on highlighting art.

Do you already have a maximalist home remodelling idea? Contact us today and we can help you bring the vision to reality. If you don’t know how to approach the renovation project, we’ll start from scratch and put together a conceptual vision that’s in line with your