More is More: A Deep Dive in today’s Maximalism in Interior Design
Written by Tiffany Escobar
Contributing Editor, Design + Culture
What is Maximalism in interior design?
If minimalism is all about restraint, then maximalism is its vibrant, expressive counterpart—a bold celebration of abundance, personality, and curated chaos. Welcome to the world of maximalism, where every object tells a story, and no corner is left unconsidered.
Maximalism is an interior design approach that embraces excess in the most artful way possible. It’s not about clutter; it’s about intentional layering—colors, textures, patterns, and collections all coming together to create a space that feels deeply personal and unapologetically rich.
At its core, maximalism is about:
Bold color palettes (think emerald greens, deep blues, ruby reds)
Pattern play—mixing florals with geometrics or animal prints
Eclectic décor—artwork, vintage finds, books, sculptures, textiles
Sentimentality—spaces filled with meaningful objects, not just things
Where minimalism whispers, maximalism sings.
The History of Maximalism
Maximalism is rooted in centuries of design history, where richness of detail and storytelling through decor have always been at the center. Its earliest inspirations come from the Baroque and Rococo periods in Europe (17th–18th centuries), known for their grandeur, ornamentation, and theatrical interiors.
But a pivotal figure in the evolution of maximalism—especially in the domestic and decorative arts space—is William Morris.
William Morris, photograph, Frederick Hollyer, 1884, England. Museum no. 7715-1938. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
For more on William Morris and his iconic designs, check out this link. Dive into his timeless wallpapers, textiles, and the philosophy behind the Arts and Crafts Movement.
William Morris: The Maximalist Craftsman
A central figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris pushed back against the soullessness of industrial mass production by championing handcrafted beauty and meaningful design. His wallpapers and textiles—lush with hand-drawn florals and medieval motifs—filled spaces with nature, storytelling, and intention.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris
Though not a maximalist in the Victorian sense of clutter, Morris believed in surrounding oneself with thoughtful, beautiful things. His richly detailed patterns and passion for craftsmanship laid a foundational philosophy for maximalism as a celebration of intentional abundance.
Check Out These Wallpaper Designs from William Morris
Timeless, intricate, and nature-inspired—William Morris’s wallpaper patterns are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. His hand-drawn designs, filled with florals, vines, and medieval motifs, bring a rich, storybook charm to any space.
Whether you're a maximalist at heart or just looking to add soul to a room, Morris proves that pattern is power.
See how these historic designs still set the tone for modern maximalist interiors.
Photo Credits: The Original William Morris Wallpaper By Morris & Co
Later in the 20th century, designers like Tony Duquette embraced maximalism with flair—layering textures, patterns, and color to create interiors that felt theatrical, romantic, and alive. His work, along with the postmodern rebellion against minimalism, helped set the stage for today’s expressive interiors.
Tony Duquette at Casa La Condesa, Beverly Hills CA
Design legend and original maximalist, Tony Duquette, photographed in the lush, theatrical interiors of Casa La Condesa. A master of layered luxury and otherworldly opulence, Duquette turned every room into a stage—and every object into art.
Design by: Tony Duquette Studio
Maximalists in the modern world to follow now
Ready to dive into the world of bold interiors and expressive design? Here are some of our favorite maximalists lighting up social platforms with their fearless use of color, texture, and storytelling. From curated chaos to intentional layering, these designers, artists, and collectors are masters at creating spaces that are anything but ordinary.
Whether you're dreaming up your own maximalist moment or just love scrolling for inspiration, these creatives are sure to spark something.
Nikki Shore is a UK-based interior designer and content creator celebrated for her vibrant, maximalist interiors. With a passion for vintage and Art Deco styles, she transformed her Victorian home into a colorful haven on a DIY budget of £30,000, utilizing upcycled and second-hand pieces.
Her Instagram showcases bold wallpapers, eclectic furnishings, and creative styling tips, inspiring followers to embrace individuality and creativity in their spaces.
Lola Danielle, the creative force behind @lola.decor, is a maximalist designer known for her fun, eclectic, moody, and artsy home decor. Embracing a "more is more" philosophy, her spaces are vibrant and full of personality, reflecting a love for unconventional expression.
Amy Centner is a multi-disciplinary creative weaving maximalist magic from Los Angeles to North Carolina. With roots in set design and a background in visual communications, her spaces are immersive, rebellious, and rich with vintage soul.
Influenced by Berlin’s underground, California’s sunshine, and a global palette of inspiration, @doevelvet blends sustainability, DIY spirit, and timeless aesthetics to create interiors that feel like lived-in dreamscapes.
Mariana, the creative force behind @the_decor_studio, is an artist and interior stylist known for her vibrant, maximalist interiors. Her work has been featured by People, Discovery+, and Design Sponge*, reflecting a commitment to social justice and equality. Through her virtual design and art consultancy, she crafts spaces rich in color, texture, and personal narrative.
Love the Maximalist Look?
If this bold, expressive style speaks to you, we’ve got more inspiration waiting.
Head over to our Pinterest board for curated maximalist interiors, color palettes, and styling ideas to help spark your next design move.
Looking to bring the look home?
Explore our handpicked collection of home decor favorites—from patterned rugs and statement lighting to vintage-inspired accents—all selected to help you create a layered, story-filled space of your own.
Because when it comes to maximalism, there’s always room for more beauty, more personality, and more you.
