Maximalist house

The famous motto “Less is more” coined by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was based on the minimalist philosophy, according to which the ornament is useless and the essential constitutes true beauty. This current soon became known all over the world and still today finds wide acceptance in many fields such as fashion and interior design. But what if the exact opposite were true? What if you change course by supporting a style that gives ample space to decoration, color and imagination? 2023 is the year of maximalist style and with it, the return to glitz and creativity.

But let’s now see what this trend consists of and what are the characteristics that distinguish it.

Peculiarities

If we had to sum up the maximalist trend in one word, we could say “admixture“. In fact, for those who are preparing to choose maximalist furnishings, there will be no rules to follow but simple precautions aimed at obtaining the most harmonious result possible.
The most difficult aspect will be to calibrate the contrasts of colour, shape and material but once you have learned this, the environments will turn out to be one of a kind and personalized to the max.
A bit like the eclectic style, the maximalist one takes its cue from many currents and mixes even contrasting elements, sometimes tending towards the excess and pomposity typical of the Baroque period. Perfect for collectors and art experts, it is typical of houses full of objects and with rich and varied furnishings. One of the main purposes is to amaze and attract the attention of the patrons who visit the house and observe it almost like when you are inside a museum.

The goal we set ourselves is to convey positivity and implement choices that reflect the personality of those who live in the spaces. The design of a maximalist house is a continuous work in progress, where the owner also becomes a designer as it is always evolving, ready to change and be enriched with new components. For this reason, it is unthinkable to design environments in a definitive way and it is necessary to enter into the perspective that over time the spaces will become increasingly suggestive and valuable, thanks to the addition of objects, memories of past trips and antiques. However, it is also good to keep in mind that the conflicting choices must in any case ensure a good balance, in order to avoid unpleasant chaotic effects.
It is therefore important to provide a common thread that links each environment and that represents the logic according to which the choices of the entire living space have been implemented.

Although it is a trend that makes uniqueness its very reason for being, there are some recurring characteristics that will make it recognizable:

• combination of even contrasting colors;
• material combinations;
• mix of textures, textures and graphics in the furnishing accessories;
• richness in decorations;
• recovery of different styles and eras: from the golden details typical of the 30’s, to the floral patterns and optical effects of the 70s, up to the geometries of the 80’s.

Color

The first protagonist of the trend is color: intense, lively, variegated; it must transmit energy and give character to the environment, starting from its shells. There are those who prefer to mix very different colors, those who choose two main tones and then play on the nuances. The secret lies in daring by skilfully combining the colors of the furnishings and accessories with those of the floors and walls. Not only paints, but also jungle or geometric wallpapers and coverings with countless textures, will give a personal and very colorful touch to the house.

Matter 

It is the substance, what makes everything tangible and characteristic. The typical materials of maximalist furnishings must be varied and highly worked. Wood, in its numerous essences, will guarantee timeless quality to the rooms and will adapt perfectly to accessories with even very different styles.
Metals can help give a more modern and luminous touch, while natural and non-natural fabrics will give a strong personality to the spaces thanks to the motifs and particular processes. Leathers, lace, fringes and velvets will then be the perfect allies for the “wow effect”.

Decorum 

Directly from the Baroque current, the decorations will make the difference in the maximalist home: the shelves become displays for vases and candle holders with an antique flavor, the shelves illuminated with accent lights highlight vintage knick-knacks and precious collectibles. The walls are dressed in mirrors with gilded and inlaid frames and paintings purchased at the antiques market. Even the plants may be present and in abundance, the important thing will be to range with numerous types and arrange them at different heights so as not to leave unnecessary voids in the environment. The added value will be given by the hanging species, able to furnish even the walls with an all-green or floral touch.

To view a mirror with classic lines click here

Light 

To ensure comfort in an environment, it is advisable never to neglect the lighting aspect: whether it is natural or artificial, light allows you to experience the space in a practical and easy way. You can indulge yourself in choosing the luminaires, choosing floor, table, suspension and wall lamps. The most important thing is to choose them in different styles, shapes, colors and materials.

Once you have learned how to maintain the right balance, the choice of the components of the maximalist house will be a journey to be undertaken, always aiming for the fact that it must represent the personality of those who live there and of those who will contribute to building it day after day.