Design Lesson

10 ways to achieve maximalist style

10 ways to achieve maximalist style

10 ways to achieve maximalist style Author: Style At Home

Design Lesson

10 ways to achieve maximalist style

One of the secrets of maximalist style, otherwise known as the more-is-more approach, is that you can’t tread fearfully. Like wearing a bright lipstick or a brash tie, confidence is obligatory. You have to go with your gut. That means picking the dashingly dramatic paint chip that first catches your eye instead of its less-intense sister shade. It can also mean having the chutzpah to pick the gorgeous velvet settee when everyone else is opting for practical black leather sofas.

Maximalism doesn’t really mean seeking only the rococo and ornate; a square mirror surrounded by a neon-bright lacquer frame is more maximalist, one could successfully argue, than an intricately carved antique wood frame mirror. Layers are vital, too. A mantel displaying three pretty white vases is not maximalist, but an entire mantel packed with beautiful alabaster vases certainly is. And on and on it can go. Two throw cushions? Not maximalist. Layers of throw cushions with a common hue pulling them together, and yes, we’ve arrived. So with that in mind, here are some products that express the beauty and ethos of maximalism.

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10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Wall mural

Get all the maximalist punch of an oversized-print wallpaper design with none of the commitment by hanging a digitally printed three-panel wall mural like this one by Kristjana S. Williams. Lear Gaukur wall mural, Anthropologie, $298 USD.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Anthropologie

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Dining table and pendants

A dramatic stone-look cantilever table and a pair of oak-veneer pendant lights that are meant to evoke slices of citrus fruit conspire to make for a maximalist dining room, helped along with unexpected layers like a fluffy carpet and lambskin throw. Fuze table, CB2, $1,199; Peel pendant, $229.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: CB2

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Decorating with scuptural objets

One way to add maximalist style is to deeply layer a tablescape with a selection of frames, statuettes and mirrors, like this one. The simple black vase on the left holds oversized fresh-cut leaves and anchors the bold look of the unique objects on display. Pom vase, Williams-Sonoma Home, $372.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Williams-Sonoma Home

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Textured bedding

Adding loads of texture through fabric is another signature way to heighten drama and lusciousness in a room. A variety of colour isn’t even necessary if you have lots of tactile contrasts. Light + Lofty Quilt + Shams, West Elm, from $27.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: West Elm

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Wing chair

A classic wing chair gets the bold treatment with a botanical patterned fabric. A framed print leaning against the wall, a casual stack of magazines, ginger jars on display and a navy blue wall contribute to a more-is-more vibe. Atherton wing chair, Williams-Sonoma Home, from $1,927.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Williams-Sonoma Home

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Settee

Tufting, a gracious but unexpected shape, and a dark velvety twill make this settee a maximalist style choice in our books. Roosevelt Upholstered settee, Pottery Barn, $1,784.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Pottery Barn

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Nightstand

This small but impactful two-drawer nightstand gives off a Moroccan feel. The gold finish adds glamour and the hand-embossed pattern adds richness. Hand-embossed nightstand, Anthropologie, $278 USD.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Anthropologie

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Painted ceiling

A truly bold and confident move is to paint the ceiling in a hue that’s darker than the walls, like this aqua matched with robin’s egg blue. Chesapeake Bay CW-595 (ceiling), Ewing Blue-CW (upper walls), Benjamin Moore.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Benjamin Moore

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Victorian-style tub

Maximalist style can bloom even in a bathroom. A classic Victorian clawfoot tub, complete with a retro telephone-style shower faucet, is the ultimate indulgent and luxe addition to a traditional washroom. Pair it with jewel tone walls or even a daring shimmery black for an over-the-top opulent feel. Clawfoot tub, Restoration Hardware, $4,480.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Restoration Hardware

10 ways to achieve maximalist style in your home

Noguchi table

Organic lines, a stunning glossy finish, and a designer pedigree: this coffee table has it all. Even though Isamu Noguchi’s iconic eponymous table is considered a modern classic, the twist in sexy black base (it’s often seen in wood tones) imbues it with a maximalist appeal. Noguchi table in black, Design Within Reach, $1,599.

Image by: Style at Home By: Helen Racanelli Source: Design Within Reach

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Design Lesson

10 ways to achieve maximalist style