Step aside minimalism, it seems there’s a new design trend in town, and it’s not afraid to show off a little (ok a LOT of) personality. This trend stands in stark contrast to the sleek, modern aesthetics of minimalism. Maximalism embraces complexity, indulges in ornamentation, and encompasses the eclectic and nostalgic world of both the ‘Grandmillennial’ and ‘New Antiquarian’ trends.

Maximalism isn’t about clutter, but instead, it’s about thoughtful design and layered richness. It borrows from the Grandmillennial and New Antiquarian trends. Grandmillennial, a term coined by House Beautiful in 2019, refers to a group of style-conscious millennials with a love for design elements from their grandparent’s generation. Similarly, New Antiquarians, are style aficionados who appreciate the intricacies of design history and the stories told through objects, furniture, and fabrics.

The Charm of Maximalism 

For maximalists, more is more. Every piece has a story and purpose, and the design is rich with color, pattern, and texture. The heart of the trend is the infusion of personal heritage, story, and character into spaces. Mixing antique and modern, casual and formal, results in an aesthetic that is comfortable, inviting, and intriguing. It’s the perfect trend for those who want to show off their individuality and create spaces that feel richly layered, personal, and welcoming.

Elements of Maximalism

Pattern Play: Maximalism loves a good pattern. The Grandmillennial trend is particularly fond of florals, chintz, and toile. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, layering patterns creates a rich, dynamic, and visually interesting space.

Antiques and Vintage Pieces: The incorporation of antique and vintage pieces, from furniture to smaller decorative items, is fundamental to the maximalist aesthetic. It’s not about creating a museum-like space, but integrating these pieces seamlessly into modern life.

Textile Galore: Think fringed lampshades, needlepoint cushions, monogrammed linens. Grandmillennials have a love for textiles and traditional crafts, adding warmth, texture, and personality to their homes.

Curated Clutter: Maximalism doesn’t shy away from displaying collections. Whether it’s porcelain, books, or travel memorabilia, each item has its place and contributes to the overall narrative of the space.

Quality Over Quantity: Despite its love for more, maximalism values quality. Invest in pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability. The idea is to create a timeless space that doesn’t need a complete overhaul every few years.

Colors: Forget the white and gray trend. Maximalism is about color! From muted pastels to vibrant hues, color is another layer to play with in maximalist design.

Wallpapers and Murals: Maximalist style isn’t afraid of a bold statement. Wallpapers, particularly those with large, ornate patterns or scenes, play a huge role in this aesthetic.

Ultimately, the maximalism trend is all about creating spaces that feel authentically yours. It encourages the use of personal artifacts, family heirlooms, and vintage finds to create a unique, layered, and deeply personal environment. While this trend is certainly fun, only time will tell whether it is here to stay! In the real estate world we are always thinking about longevity and about resalability. Just because you love your toile wallpaper doesn’t mean the next buyer will, they will likely want to put their own imprint on the home. This is why we always suggest offering the buyer a blank slate, i.e. sticking with the minimalist trend while listing your home. Read more of our best tips for Getting Your Home Listing Ready here and How to Live in Your Home While It’s on the Market here! And check out some of our articles about how Compass Concierge can help if you do need to make some adjustments to your home before listing here, here, and here!

As always, if you are looking to buy or sell we’d love to help! Let’s chat.