Looking for design inspiration for your home? Pump up the volume with clashing patterns, bold designs and colour contrasts – the recipe you need for maximalism's dramatic look. Our inspiration and key buys help you tap into the most out-there decorating trend of the moment.
1. Create a display with bold accessories
Renting or don't want to spend a fortune? Take bright, bold accessories to the next level by sandwiching them between a dramatic colour-pop backdrop and a vibrant design, such as chevrons and tropical prints. This layering technique means your home accents will take centre stage.
2. Max out contrasting wall colours
Feeling brave? Embrace your inner maximalist and go all out by adorning walls and floors with bold patterns in contrasting tones. Add furniture with personality, metallic accessories for that Midas touch, and tongue-in-cheek objets d’art. Keep it looking fresh and polished ‘by creating a foundation of timelessly chic furniture and accessorising with abandon,’ says designer Jonathan Adler. Love this look? Try the colour blocking paint effect for a similar finish.
3. Hang a super-sized wallpaper print
Feel like a Hollywood star as soon as you arrive home with a lavishly decorated hallway that commands attention. Go for wallpaper in wow-factor colours and patterns, choose striking lighting that looks like a piece of statement art, and layer on the luxe with gold furniture and accessories. Find more beautiful botanical wallpaper designs in our feature.
4. Choose animal prints for the bedroom
Animal prints are back on the catwalk, so don't be afraid to get adventurous in the bedroom and dress up your sleep sanctuary with them, adding leather fringes and pom-pom tassels for good measure. Go for a smouldering dark backdrop and offset with pops of colour and metal finishes. Complete the look with come-to-bed eye cushions of course!
5. Create a clash with furniture
Gone are the days of matchy-matchy furniture. Pairing cool greys with splashes of vibrant ochre can pack a real visual punch. Have a mash-up of block colour and pattern on your walls, combining wide monochrome stripes with your favourite shade to ramp up the scheme.
6. Hang a super-sized mural
Taken from an original painting in plaster and ink, this striking Chinese tree will give maximum impact in a large space. A living room or bedroom would suit this painterly style and colours, and it can be hung in repeat, used with dado and picture rails and cropped to suit all ceiling heights. Pick out cushions and accessories in the two main colours – blush pink and mustard yellow – to tie the look together. Find more gorgeous murals in our feature.
7. Introduce a rug with a maxed out pattern
Create a feeling of comfort with velvet upholstery but give it a maximalist slant with contrasting patterns – geometrics (in the rug) are a hot trend for the year ahead and clash beautifully with the more trad print on the wall panel.
8 - 11. Style it to the max with these statement buys
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