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Maximalist Interior Design Ideas

how to add bold design to your home

Glass vase holding leafy green plants.

Bright blue sofa with brown legs and a yellow cushion.

Red, ribbed lamp shade with black lamp base and patterned wallpaper in the background.

Decorative light shade with six glass balls hanging from a blue painted ceiling.

Punchy, playful and easier to achieve than you might think, maxiamlist interior design ideas draw inspiration from everywhere and anywhere. Loved for its bright colours, plush textiles, flamboyant florals, and mismatched but meaningful objects, maximalist home décor is a real conversation starter. 

Whether you’re revamping the living room or experimenting with a maximalist kitchen design, you’ll find the signature pieces you need in our beautiful Curiosity collection 

From playful lighting ideas to finding the perfect furniture, we’ve put together a few tips to help you create a truly eclectic interior. 

Bold colours are best 

An interior trend for the fashion savvy, subtle beiges and calming creams won’t cut it if you’re after bold, maximalist décor. Instead, spruce up your walls with deep teals, ruby reds, burnt oranges or sugary pink paint. Bright colours will really bring your walls to life and help you to achieve that editorial-ready interior look. 

To add an extra design element, why not experiment with a feature wall? Contrasting colours or a botanic wallpaper work particularly well in a maximalist living room. 

Top tip: These dark bedroom ideas are packed with maximalist interior inspiration for your walls. 

Start with statement pieces 

The key to bold design is to make sure that you have a focal point. What may look like a wild and whimsical cabinet of curiosities is really underpinned by a sense of order. To avoid sensory overload, it’s a good idea to begin by choosing a few striking, statement furniture pieces. You can then build the rest of your décor around these pieces. 

A good seating area is essential for any living room or kitchen. Look for period-style shapes that have been brought up to date with jewel-toned velvet upholstery. Our Curiosity collection has plenty of beautiful designs to choose from. 

Top tip: Upcycling old furniture with a lick of paint also works very well with eclectic, maximalist décor. Take a look at our upcycling guide and find a new project to get stuck into. 

Play with perspective and scale 

Having an eclectic interior style is all about variety and the unexpected. Look for vintage-inspired lamps in extravagant, architectural styles. A bulbous, glass table lamp will work well in a hallway or on a sideboard, while burnished metal floor lamps with vintage filament bulbs always add a playful touch to a dark living room. 

Similarly, opt for lavish, oversized lamp shades in pleated silks and sculptural shapes. 

Top tip: Find the perfect lighting for your space with this handy guide. 

Furnishings fit for a king 

Think glitzy golds, plush velours and embellished applique. Maximalist interior design ideas draw much inspiration from Regency-era interiors so don’t hold back on luxurious velvet furniture, a gold gilt mirror or faux fur furnishings. 

Layering soft furnishings is a great way to achieve a maximalist look on a budget. Focus on contrasting colours, textures and sizes – all finished off with a statement rug! 

Focus on florals 

When in doubt, think floral! Whether you’re looking for maximalist wallpaper or a bold design for your bedding, using colourful patterns that take inspiration from the great outdoors is an easy way to add a sense of adventure to your home. 

Continue this botanical theme throughout your space, from dried flowers and terrariums to wildlife-inspired wall art. 

Top tip: Positioning ornaments, prints or decorations in groups of three will help to create a feel of maximalist abundance without overcrowding your space. 

Think big, start small 

Taking design risks is easier in small spaces. If you want to experiment with maximalist décor but aren’t sure where to start, transforming a smaller room like a downstairs bathroom or guest bedroom is a great way to incorporate this wacky and wonderful trend into your home without committing your main living space straight away. 

Why not create an eclectic bar area in your kitchen to get you started? This could be as simple as investing in a few statement chairs, some glitzy barware and upcycling an old sideboard into an art-deco drinks trolley. 

And there we have it – that’s how to bring your home up to date with the latest maximalist interior design trend! Be sure to show us your room transformations @Homebase_UK and visit our Ideas & Advice hub for more interior design inspiration. 



Homebase

Homebase

Writer and expert