14 Unexpected Maximalist Items That Will Dress Up Your Interiors
Blame it on a season (or two) spent stuck inside the house, but a "more is more" approach is starting to sound really good to us right about now. While we've spent many years touting the tenets of minimalism, one can only stare at sparse interiors for so long before beginning to crave something a little more outside-the-box.
Enter, maximalism: a design style defined by its never-ending appetite for all things loud and larger-than-life. While it's not for everyone, maximalism offers a unique opportunity to pack every square inch of your living space with character and personality — and one-of-a-kind statement pieces that are sure to be conversation starters. Scroll on for our favorite maximalist finds to kick off your home makeover.
1. Forsyth x St. Frank Washed Indigo Saarinen Armchair, $3,025
St. Frank
St. Frank's worldly textiles are one of our favorite ways to add a bolt of energy to any decor scheme — and with their ongoing collab with Forsyth, the goods are only getting better. These vintage, limited-edition Eero Saarinen midcentury armchairs are upholstered in a rich indigo fabric that will enliven your space.
2. ELOI Matchstick Runner, $280
Eloi
Make sure that maximalism thrives in even your smallest spaces with this whimsical New Zealand wool runner rug from print-master ELOI. The matchstick-inspired motif is grown-up, yet super cheery — perfect for an entryway or under-appreciated corridor.
3. Feito A Mao ONDAS Tiles, $83 for 10 tiles
FAM
If you're looking for an alternative for the all-white subway tile trend that has taken over in years past, look no further. These vibrant orange tiles are hand-painted with distinctive cobalt waves, giving them a unique (and highly compliment-worthy) style that will transform your kitchen or bath.
4. Hygge & West Dinara Mirtalipova Mermaids Shower Curtain, $88
Hygge & West
If you're looking to just get your feet wet with the maximalist look (no pun intended), a bathroom can be a smart place to start. This over-the-top shower curtain is made from an appealingly weighty cotton canvas, which lends a slightly more elevated feel to its surprising mermaid motif. We think it'd be equally at home in a guest bath or a kids' bathroom.
5. UPSTATE Canyon Pitcher in Kokomo, $290
UPSTATE
This sculptural-yet-functional pitcher is a low-commitment way to channel some loud, maximalist vibes at home.
6. Superstitchous Pomegranate Knit Blanket, $160
Superstitchous
We're calling it now: these bright and bold knit blankets from brilliantly named brand Superstitchous are the coolest way to get ready for colder weather ahead.
7. Katie Kime The World Is Your Oyster Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $48
Katie Kime
Wallpaper is one of our favorite ways to fast-track your journey to maximalism. And if you haven't wallpapered at least one room of your house with oysters and lemons, are you even really living?
8. Missoni Home Wismar Cilindro Pouf, $517
YOOX
This retro tartan feels undeniably on-point for fall (a design two-fer).
9. Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi Luxembourg Black Rug, from $50
Rifle Paper Co.
Rifle Paper Co.'s cult-favorite florals have made their way onto rugs — and yeah, we're pretty obsessed with the results. This version features subtle (well, "subtle") pink cranes.
10. Laylo Pets Pink Terrazzo Dog Bed Cover & Bed, $150
Laylo
Your dog called and told us he wanted to get in on the terrazzo trend. We swear.
11. The Inside x Old World Weavers Drum Ottoman in Sky Cinque Terra, $219
The Inside
We think a strong tropical print should be (almost) mandatory for a maximalist space. This one gets wilder the more you look at it — blooming with undersea specimens, palms, and cacti among the more pedestrian fauna.
12. Seletti Industry Garden Chair, $319
YOOX
Take your maximalism outside with Seletti's canny take on the classic wrought iron garden chair, which has been updated with a sort of Metropolis-esque motif (and bright, Crayola-style colors).
13. Crate & Kids Sly Fox Table Lamp, $99
Crate & Kids
A sense of humor is a must for mastering this decor style — and lighting is a great place to add an element of play. Don't overlook children's stores when sourcing new decor pieces — many items originally intended for kids can be a shoe-in for creating a lighthearted space.
14. Jonathan Adler Harlequin Capsule Cocktail Table, $1,995
Jonathan Adler
Conversely, adding some more "mature" elements (like this pill capsule-inspired cocktail table) keeps your maximalist look from resembling an exploded toy store. We love how the graphic element and the metallic finish check off multiple boxes with one piece.