How To Swindle Your Clutter For Maximalist Interior Design?

Let’s check out your place! I spot tons of stuff, a mix of colours, and enough pillows to literally build a fort. Is this a cool maximalist interior design vibe or simply chaotic? 

Don’t worry, this blog spills the beans on nailing the “more is more” style, even if your place looks like a kid’s art project!

Think vibrant colours, comfy textures, and a space that screams “you.” Say goodbye to beige, hello to boldness, and let’s transform your mess into a cosy haven you’ll adore! Let’s go! 🚀

PSST!!! This post may contain affiliate links. Basically, a win-win for you (awesome product) & us (a lil’ coffee fund). ☕️

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What is Maximalist Interior Design?

Maximalist interior design is a trendy vintage-themed decor style that deals with bold colours, textiles, patterns, layers and jewel textures. It’s basically the ‘More is More’ approach with statement pieces, exposed lights and carved furniture. 

However, many clients (and also some designers) find maximalism a bit outdated. Some say it looks cluttered and chaotic, while some are literally done with its maintenance and cleaning. Some others consider it quite unsustainable and distressed. 

But hey, did you know that a modern or eclectic maximalist interior design isn’t just about constantly buying new things? You can repurpose antiques, sew leftover fabric into patchwork, or make your own wall art to add a personal touch to your space on a budget.

Also, cleaning a fully accessorized maximal room does take a lot of time, but it’s not something you have to do all the time! Like, maximalist designs actually stay good for 30–45 days without deep cleaning, unlike minimalist decor which needs daily mopping.

So yes, maximalism is really flexible and affordable! 

Why You’ll Fall in Love With Maximalist Interior Design? 

Most folks dig into maximalist interior design because you can reuse your heirlooms, accessories, and it’s great for storage. But, even if you’re into modern or contemporary vibes, you’ll still love this personalized style for these ten reasons:

• Helps you showcase your personality through bold colours, patterns & textures
• Relaxes and stimulates the eye through different layers
• Serves as a great conversation starter through its unique and eye-catching furniture elements
• Maximalist rooms don’t need a lot of cleaning and mopping everyday
• Hides dust, imperfections and paint cracks like a pro
• Allows you to modify your space by rearranging objects, matching styles, colours, etc.
• No rigid rules to follow; you can experiment, rearrange and modify stuff as you like!
• Helps engage a variety of tangible and intangible senses for optimal relaxation
• Boosts your storage space; both built-in & shelved storage
• Realistic for busy lifestyles; accepts your mess, clutter & untidiness while maintaining the decor language.

Top 5 Maximalist Interior Challenges You Might Face & Their Solutions

Maximalist rooms are totally cool and free-spirited, but not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people find them too gaudy, others just can’t stand the mess. So let’s list such maximalist interior design problems and solve them together!

#1. “Feels Too Cluttered & Overwhelming for Me,” says Priya

Well, I get that an eclectic maximalist interior design might look too colourful and stimulating at times, but the trick here is to group similar objects and avoid negative space altogether. Also, try to use colour & material repetition and similar textures to anchor the look rightly.

#2. “I Feel Tired When Cleaning All the Maximalist Design Elements in My Room” quotes Lakshmi

Hey Lakshmi, we feel you! While we get where you are coming from, there are a lot of ways in which you can clean a maximalist design easily. Like, start by adding baskets, storage bins and shelves to store your items and keep all the surfaces free of clutter.

You can also use washable sofa fabrics, say olefin, acrylic and acetate for example, so that you can dump them into your machines. Also try to vacuum the house regularly, say once in a week, so that you’ll need lesser deep cleaning altogether.

#3. “My Maximalist Interior Design Feels Scattered Like Anything” argues Aarvi

Well Aarvi, I previously had this same problem in my maximalist room. But then, I remained strict with my visual hierarchy. Like, I placed big planters close to the skirting and then arranged smaller stools, pots and tables in front of them.

I also planned the materials rightly. Like, most of my decor is wood, with printed, cream-coloured linen upholsteries, while the walls are textured. So, coordinating everything really helped bring it all together. 

#4. “But I Also Feel That It Looks a Bit Outdated” adds Ayush

Hey Ayush, to deal with this issue, just focus on your persona! You could go with coloured sofas and rugs if you’re into a funky style, or opt for metal accents if you prefer a modern vibe. You can also switch your art or accents for some freshness.

#5. “But What About the Resale Value? ” questions Ritika

Yes, Ritika, I know that maximalist rooms usually have lesser resale value than minimal rooms. But hey, that totally depends on if you want to sell it with your furniture or not!

You might need to remove some furniture and accents for flexibility. Like, the user’s obviously not gonna pay more if he has to dump all your clutter himself. So, you can either sell it on Quickr, OLX or something and quote a standard resale price.

One more option is to incorporate some neutral accents – say plain wood tables, beige couches or white shag rugs to make the space look bigger and appealing. 

What Are the Elements Found in a Maximalist Interior Design? 

Maximalist interior design is all about “More is More, Less is a bore” by Iris Apfel. So, it’s no surprise this style is packed with tons of elements, accessories, and design features. Let’s have a look at them below!

• Bold, Vibrant & Concentrated Colours: A modern maximalist interior is all  colours – jewel tones, textures and shiny metal accents, of course!
• Varied Patterns: Try to go for different, layered patterns in a maximalist interior design, say botanical, animal, Ikkat, Striped, Textured or Metallic prints.
• Play with Textures: Maximalist interior designs need different material textures like wood, metal, velvet, cotton, linen, stone and veneers in a single design.
• Material Layering: Overlap some textiles, rugs, furniture and throw pillows on each other for more visual depth and dimension to your maximalist design.
• Statement Pieces: Try to go for unique accent pieces – either abstract furniture, hand-painted tables, cane lights or frames for more focus and personality.
• Go Personal: Each and every accessory in a maximalist bedroom must feel personal; either use your inherited antiques or paint all your accents yourself.
• Storage Solutions: Employ different open and closed storage options – cabinets, shelves, racks, baskets and dressers to avoid your clutter messing around the decor.
• Maintain the Breathing Space: Allow adequate breathing room between your accessories and furniture to avoid visual chaos, clutter and disturbance.
• Add Plants: A maximalist interior design is all about plants – oversized plants, potted plants and trellises for a cosy, biophilia feel.

How Do You Reframe Your Clutter as a Maximalist Interior Design in a Room? 

You can curate a maximalist interior design look by reframing all your clutter into groups or layers, using personalized furniture, rugs and adding in a lot of chandeliers and plants. I suggest you also use striped or any patterned wall painting idea for focus.

Feeling lost? Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything below!

1. Can You Mix Different Shades & Textures in a Maximalist Interior Design Style? 

Yes, you can obviously mix and match different styles and textures in a maximalist room, but just group them up for balance. For example, if you want to use your grandma’s old wood sofa, pair it with floral patterns, wooden tables, ceramic decorations, and matte curtains.

2. Which Floors Work the Best in a Maximalist Interior Design? 

Maximalist room designs usually go well with wood & patterned tiles or fully carpeted floors. But you can also go with coloured and anti-skid ceramic or porcelain tiles if you have elderly people back home. Even designer Athangudi tiles are a perfect pick! 

3. What Textiles Can I Use With My Maximalist Interior Design? 

You can explore some really shiny and luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, brocade and satin to add a touch of glamour to your maximalist design. But if you prefer a matte look, then simple linen, wool or tasselled fabric would be great!

One more option is to use textured, animal prints or striped cotton upholsteries with wooden furniture. Trust me, it looks quite layered, bold & dramatic. 

4. Which Lights Can I Use in My Maximalist Living Room? 

A maximalist room usually goes well with bold or statement warm white lights. So, you can go with ornate chandeliers, pendant lights, scones, wall lights or regular bulbs. You can also go with track or LED lights if you want to highlight some feature or painting.

5. What Type of Furniture Can I Use in My Maximalist Interior Design?

A modern maximalist room goes well with textured but detailed chesterfield sofas, camelback couches or tuxedo seats. However, we, at Archwhispers also recommend using ornate Victorian dressers, bookshelves and tables to tie the look together.

I mean, go for oversized pieces; they add more visual weight and serve as a great focal point in your hall. You can complement those with painted frames, canvases, bookends, aquariums, literally anything! 

6. Which Are the Most Trendy Colours for a Maximalist Interior Design? 

Bold and enticing colours like Peacock Green, Cobalt Blue, Navy Blue and Charcoal Gray work the best in luxurious maximalist rooms. But, if you are a bit on the softer, boho-side, then try using Mustard Yellow, Terracotta, Orange or Saffron hues instead. 

7. How Do I Create an Eclectic Maximalist Interior Design?

Creating an eclectic maximalist interior design is relatively easy; All you need to do is layer some floral, geometric or striped rugs together and paint the walls in bright yellow, gray and orange hues.

Then, simply pick the best of your paintings and photographs to curate a gallery wall! You can also draw some inspiration from local and regional cultures, folklore and tourist places for your wall art. Also use different ambient and task lights to curate focus. 

So, now that we have seen all the key aspects of a modern maximalist design, it’s time to put our learnings to practice! Let’s see how!

How to Create a Maximalist Interior Design Living Room?

Creating a maximalist living room is really easy-peasy! Start with a bold colour combo like say peacock green & purple for your conversational area and then work out the accents in gold or silver. You can also curate a focal point by adding wall arts or murals.

Then comes the flooring. We suggest using neutral, hand-painted tiles in the living room, with ethnic fur rugs on top.  Also, try to add some spillover spaces along the corners to balance the composition rightly. 

You can also invest in some extra accessories like candle stands, bookends, table decor, souvenirs, figurines or pottery to make your room stand out! Large, clerestory windows are also a good choice. 

 How to Decorate a Maximalist Interior Design Bedroom? 

Maximalist bedrooms are all about the carved canopy and four-poster beds, Victorian dressers, cabinets and bold yellow, teal or greyish colour palettes on the wall. These usually have a lot of tapestries; say on the curtains, fabric headboards and rugs.

Plus, most maximalist bedrooms have a feature wall with a metallic wallpaper or trendy wall painting ideas over the bed. Also remember to use printed bedding with velvet, linen or faux fur covers on top. And for the lights, go with bedside lamps and pendants. 

How to Style a Maximalist Kitchen? 

Most maximalist kitchens go very well with intricate beadboard or arched cabinets, tiles backsplashes, textured granite countertops, open shelves and an exposed wood work. 

But, if you already have minimal shaker cabinets, then you can simply decoupage them for a maximal feel. Also, consider using carved or rod-style cabinet handles instead of hardware pulls.

You can also decorate your walls with vintage kitchenware, photographs or any recipe boards to steal the focus. As for the flooring, restrict it to natural wood or terrazzo for more balance, or simply go with those matte porcelain tiles for a nice, ethnic vibe!

Conclusion

So, as you saw, a maximalist interior design isn’t about hoarding – it’s about creating a space that bursts with personality and rearranges your clutter as an aesthetic. It’s all about making a space full of personality and turning your mess into art!

Also, maximalism vibes with ‘wabi-sabi‘; the more imperfect and natural, the better it looks. And hey, no strict rules here! So, just recreate this look in your favourite room and drop us the pictures in the comments! We’d certainly love to feature them! 

However, if you are still unsure on the maximalist interior design style, maybe you can check out our detailed guide on ‘minimalist interior design,’ or ‘30+ two colour combos for bedroom walls,’ for some more decor ideas! 

External Resources

• Learn All the Features of Maximalism in Interior Design From the Jd Institute of Fashion Technology