The 5 rules of maximalist home interior design

Don’t go big or go home, go big IN your home. If you want to achieve true maximalist interior design in your new-build home, here are five ‘rules’ to follow – but, really, there are no rules when it comes to this eclectic and exciting décor style. From colour and texture, to furnishings and finishing touches, our easy-to-follow guide will ensure you achieve maximum maximalism with minimum effort.

What is maximalism in interior design?

If minimalism can be defined as ‘less is more’, then maximalism is most certainly ‘more is more’ – and then some more, on top of that!

The characteristics of maximalist interior design certainly include bold (but not necessarily bright) colours, clashing patterns, a multitude of textures and a joyful approach to accessorising, but the essence of maximalism is to follow your heart, and decorate and furnish your home with things that make you happy and authentically reflect your individual personality.

Rule 1: Pick your palette

The first and most important ‘rule’ when embracing maximalism is to establish a colour palette. A key misconception with the style is assuming it encourages a demolition derby of clashing colours; in reality, the chaos needs to be controlled.

When decorating your new build home, first settle on a number of key colours and use them consistently throughout your decor – if you’re struggling to settle on your palette, use a colour wheel and the principles of colour theory to experiment with complementary or triadic selections. Whether your flavour of maximalism is bright and vibrant, or dark and moody, sticking to a core colour palette will help you to establish cohesiveness in your décor and a sense of flow from room to room.

While your chosen shades will shine when used individually, adding pieces of art, a rug, or cushions that contain all of your colours will cement your selection and tie your space together.

Rule 2: Pattern matters

Once the colours have been chosen, it’s time to talk about pattern(s) - and the plural is not to be omitted here. While colour clashing is one technique to achieve maximalism in your décor, pattern mashing (not to be confused with the sewing technique of the same name) can bring a unique vibe to your space, helping to hone originality as your home enters its iconic era.

Popular patterns worth considering when approaching maximalism include checkerboard, florals, stripes, animal prints, geometric shapes and abstract motifs. Wallpaper with a busy pattern creates a striking backdrop to a room, but you can also use contemporary paint techniques such as colour blocking to introduce shapes on a larger scale, and frame a wall hanging or a piece of furniture you want to highlight.

Rule 3: Talking texture

The importance of texture shouldn’t be understated in maximalist interior design – utilise contrasting fabrics and materials, pair opposing objects with varied finishes, and place plants to add layers of life to your space. Tufted cushions, fluffy rugs, glossy ceramics, and ribbed glass vases are just a few examples of how you can add dimension and tactile elements to your new build home décor, even when sticking to a strict colour palette.

Lighting can also add textural intrigue and a sense of atmosphere, when you combine floor, wall, and table lamps with a variety of bulbs and decorative shades.

Texture offers a level of interest that pattern and colour cannot, so be brave with your layering and create contrasts that add depth and playfulness to your home interior.

Rule 4: Cabinet of curiosities

A Barbie-pink kitchen with an extra-large cow print lamp shade and a faux tiger rug – why not? Filling your home with items of intrigue is key to conceiving the maximalism aesthetic. Rather than the crowded chaos of cluttercore, maximalism celebrates the individually selected, unique pieces of pure joy you choose to co-habit with.

Where a collection of trinkets is the perfect accoutrement to certain styles, maximalism favours fewer objects of a larger size. Think statement: an oversized standing mirror draws the eye not only to the piece itself, but to the pattern of chaos painted across it in the reflection of your space. A striking light fixture commands attention with purpose, highlighting intended aspects.

Rule 5: Match your home

The final ‘rule’ for achieving maximalist utopia is to match the energy of your home. Visit antique boutiques, car boot sales, and charity shops to source mismatched furniture, and add unique items to keep the curiosities in your home growing ever more-curious.

Don’t forget to implement interesting lighting to best show off your space, and most importantly, focus on your comfort – after all, the ultimate victory of successfully styling a maximalist interior lies in using the space as any other home is intended: for socialising, relaxing, and living.

For more tips on creating your dream interior in your new build home, read our expert advice on overcoming ‘white box syndrome’ after you move in, and take a look inside Abbi and Jack’s maximalist Bellway home for inspiration and ideas. We’d love to see the progress of your maximalist home décor in your Bellway home, so tag us on Instagram @bellwayhomes and use the hashtag #mybeautifulbellway to share your interior journey, and for a chance to be featured.