4 Tips to a Maximalist Design Style, Without Looking Cluttered

I get asked what my decor style is, and I find it hard to label completely, but there is one design style that comes to mind when I think of my decor, MAXIMALIST! Chances are if you read my blog, you might be drawn to something about a maximalist design style. I found a good definition of a maximalist design style, “abundance, boldness, mixing of colors, patterns, textures, busy wallpaper prints, full gallery walls, and displayed collections.” A maximalism draws on many different design styles. A maximalist doesn’t have to mean “cluttered”. Sharing my cozy decor styling tips, that will help you avoid a cluttered look while leaning towards maximalist design style. Also read to the end for the article on 17 different design styles that will help you identify your design style.

1- Go BIG or Go Home-

Have you heard the saying… *“go big or go home”*? I like to apply that saying to home decor, and to me, it means to try larger objects in your decor, rather than a lot of little things. Higher risk for a bigger reward. This will also keep your home from looking cluttered.

On our fireplace I decorated with bigger items like the vintage candelabra, and oversized vintage green jugs. Larger decor items verses a lot of little things. Makes a large statement!
Mirror // Swan Art // Candelabra and Jug Vintage Finds (linked similar below)

2- Add Your Greens-

Nutritionist tell us to eat our greens, I am here to say to decorate with greens! We add garlands and trees at Christmas, continue that tradition all year! Cut branches from outside and put in a vase or pottery with a cup of water hidden inside. Plants have a lot of texture and dimension without having to add multiple decor items. They truly breath life to a room!

Grab a plant from your local plant shop or you can even find online. I have a huge blog post with all my favorite plants (HERE).

3- Layer Up!-

Want something to look larger? Want a relaxed lived-in look? Try layering decor! Lean a piece of art over a mirror. Put a riser, books or box underneath something to create height and or add the right colors. I started with Peggys Sweater black and white art then layered this Fruit Art for a pop of color! Looks casual too.

Another reason to layer is to make a lot of little items feel like one larger unit. I used this wood riser for our oils and seasonings on our stove. The riser makes it easy to move too!
Wood riser // Brass Oil Cruet // Salt and Pepper Shaker // Glass Oil Jar

Layering decor is a great way to hide cords! I leaned a wood cutting board to hide the cords in a busy area in our kitchen. Then I layered a marble cutting board over the large wood cutting board to break up the gold tones next to our copper mixer. Lots of layers on these shelves, and all the items we use often from plates, cook books, butter nest, marble rolling pin and art.

Favorite Decor Pieces-

Lipstick Plant // Pottery with Bubbles // Peggys Sweater Art // Swan Download // Disco Ball

Curtain Panels // Vintage Green Jug // Swan Art // Book of Colors // Large Cream Lamp

Wood Riser // Mushroom Jar // Brass Candelabra // Battery Candles

4- Accent Lighting-

#1- Floor Lamp- Pleated Shade // #2- Dark Urn Base Lamp // #3- Gingham Shade Lamp

#4- Faux Wood Table Lamp // #5- Rattan Lamp // #6- Plaid Task Lamp

#7- Ceramic Lamp with Rattan Shade // #8- Floor Lamp- Arch wood Base

#9- Nordic Ceramic Lamp with Pleated Shade // #10-Ceramic Fluted Base Lamp

#11- Lamp Wood Base with Cream Shade // #12- Ceramic Lamp Pleated Shade

#13- Mini Lamp Scallop

LOVE a mini lamp in a bookcase, perfect way to light up your bookcase if you don’t have built-in lights! This mini wood base lamp, is great for a small space (this is my in-laws mini sitting room).

For most of us, the winter months mean, less daylight. Think of creative places to add extra light for a touch of magic all year. Accent lighting can also add to a maximalist style, again without creating clutter. I just added a lamp to our tv console in our family room, don’t know why I didn’t do that before! It really completed this corner and adds the nicest glow.

Not only do lamps offer a nice cozy feeling, they are statement decor pieces! The right lamp can add height and texture, love what these rattan lamps added to the console in our office.

Want to know your design style? 17 Design Styles from My Domain

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Comments

Michelle N says

January 31, 2023 at 8:50 pm

Yes! This is what I am drawn to in your design – the layering, the textures, the color (LOVE all of the color), the coziness, all of it! It really helps make a space feel complete and well thought out. Thanks for sharing this, it definitely helps me pinpoint what I’m drawn to and how to “maximize” my spaces 🙂
Paula says

January 31, 2023 at 11:05 pm

After reading your blogpost and the 17 different design styles I’m a mix of maximilist with coastal vibes! Thank you for sharing this!
Kim says

February 8, 2023 at 5:40 am

Love your blog, Instagram account and your design style! Trying to incorporate some of those things in my own home. Quick question. When adding all the things to a living space, how do you handle the dusting, cleaning? Do you have a system to have it not take forever with moving and dusting all the things? Thanks!