Maximalism: For art lovers, luxury enthusiasts, and those who love bold contrast
I never thought I’d embrace Maximalism as a design style. My personal aesthetic tends to lean toward neutral palettes and refined, balanced spaces—styles that blend comfort with sophistication. And yet, I find myself endlessly drawn to the work of Kelly Wearstler, one of the most fearless and influential designers of our time. For those of you who have been to the Proper Hotels in Austin, LA, and San Francisco - that’s Kelly’s work.
Her signature spaces are more than just rooms—they are immersive experiences filled with rich materials, sculptural furniture, and artful layering that exude luxury, drama, and depth. And that’s exactly why Maximalism appeals to me — like my other design style favorites, Maximalism elevates everyday living through intentionality and artistry.
So what is Maximalism exactly? Let’s break it down.
A Brief History: Maximalism from the 1980s to Today
While maximalist interiors have existed for centuries (think: Baroque palaces, Victorian salons, Art Deco glamour), the version we recognize today emerged in the 1980s and ‘90s as a rebellion against Minimalism.
The 1980s brought excess in all forms—bold patterns, jewel-toned colors, over-the-top luxury. Designers like Mario Buatta (“The Prince of Chintz”) created richly layered, eclectic interiors that felt lush and expressive.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw a shift as Minimalism took over, with clean lines, neutral palettes, and “less is more” dominating high-end interiors.
In the 2010s, Maximalism made a comeback, redefined by designers like Kelly Wearstler. Her approach blended sculptural furniture, unexpected color pairings, and ultra-luxe materials into spaces that felt curated and bold—but never chaotic.
Who is Maximalism For?
Maximalism isn’t just about filling a space with “more.” It’s about creating a layered, highly personal environment where every object has a purpose and tells a story. This style appeals to:
Art Lovers & Collectors – Every piece, from furniture to lighting, feels like a work of art.
Luxury Enthusiasts – If you’re drawn to marble, brass, exotic woods, and rich textiles, this is your style.
Those Who Love Bold Contrast – Maximalist spaces make a statement. They are meant to be lived in boldly.
Key Elements of Maximalist Design
1. High-End Materials
Maximalist interiors are defined by materiality—it’s not just about pattern and color; it’s about the tactile experience. Some signature materials include:
Exotic stones: Marble, onyx, and travertine
Lacquered and high-gloss surfaces
Plush textiles: Velvet, mohair, silk, and bouclé
Brass, gold leaf, and mixed metals
The Matchpointe approach prefers designing spaces grounded in raw, architectural materials like stone and wood but layered with luxurious finishes that add depth.
2. Sculptural & Statement Furniture
In a Maximalist home, furniture isn’t just functional—it’s art. Think:
Curved, biomorphic sofas
Chunky travertine coffee tables
Bold, geometric chairs that double as sculpture
3. Layering, But Make It Chic
A key misconception about Maximalism is that it’s about clutter. It’s not. It’s a curated layering of textures, materials, and forms that create movement and rhythm in a space. An approach that juxtaposes:
Rough with refined (raw stone against polished brass)
Modern with vintage (mid-century lighting with contemporary art)
Pattern-on-pattern (but in a controlled, strategic way)
4. A Fearless Approach to Color & Pattern
While Maximalism doesn’t have to be colorful, bold hues and patterns are often used as a tool to define space and create energy.
Rich emerald greens, deep blues, ochres, and aubergines
Geometric, abstract, and organic patterns (often mixed together)
Art-inspired wallpaper and custom murals
Where to Shop for Maximalist Interiors
If you’re looking to incorporate Maximalist elements into your space, sourcing the right pieces is essential. Here are some of the best places to shop, both online and in major cities:
Austin, TX
Nannie Inez – A beautifully curated collection of high-design furniture and accessories.
Urbanspace Interiors – A go-to for modern and eclectic furniture pieces.
New York City
The Future Perfect – High-end collectible design with an avant-garde edge.
ABC Carpet & Home – A mix of vintage, contemporary, and one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
Los Angeles
Galerie Half – European and mid-century modern pieces with an artful, sculptural quality.
JF Chen – A must-visit for bold and luxurious statement furniture.
San Francisco
Coup d’État – A haven for unique, high-design furnishings and lighting.
March SF – Elevated home goods with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Hunt & Gather – A treasure trove of vintage and antique finds that can bring richness to a Maximalist space.
Online Must-Know Retailers
1stDibs – For high-end vintage and contemporary collectible furniture.
Chairish – A mix of high and low, perfect for finding standout pieces.
Anthropologie Home – Playful yet elevated furniture and décor.
Why Maximalism Works with the Matchpointe Styles
Maximalism isn’t about excess—it’s about intention. It shares common ground with other Matchpointe styles because:
Like Modern Western and Nantucket Island Vibes, it values craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
Like Industrial and Mid-Century Modern, it prioritizes bold statement pieces.
Like Traditional, it honors history, bringing in vintage and antique elements for depth and character.
Maximalism may not seem like an obvious fit for my design philosophy, but when done with a level of thoughtfulness, it’s undeniably luxurious, artistic, and sophisticated.
And that is exactly what Matchpointe is all about. I would love to get creative with you on going bold with your home!
