The Best Color Palette For A Maximalist Home Decor Style
There has been a shift in home décor trends in recent years. At one point, all-white interiors with simple furnishings and few accessories represented the aesthetic that everyone wanted. People loved the clean and modern look of these homes, and thus, a modern minimalist aesthetic was born. But recently, professional designers and home decorators alike have swapped the plain white and gray interiors for much more color. In a response to the minimalist trend, maximalism has been rising in popularity.
Maximalism isn't a specific style but rather a design philosophy. It's meant to show off an eclectic and curated aesthetic that evokes someone's personality. For example, the style can flaunt the travels and random items they've collected, says Vox. Because of this philosophy, there isn't one right way to decorate in a maximalist style. One maximalist interior might feature more vintage items, while another could lean modern. What they all have in common, though, is a more-is-more aesthetic that uses plenty of colors, textures, and art.
Bold colors are a must
Because maximalism is a design philosophy more than a specific decorating style, there are no set colors needed to match a defined palette. However, one thing that most designers agree about when it comes to a maximalist interior is the bolder, the better, as seen in the range of colors above offered by Benjamin Moore. Maximalist style is all about self-expression, according to Lick, and that means choosing bright and vivid colors that speak to you. For a true maximalist look, don't stop at paint for the walls or ceiling; incorporate bright colors with fun wallpaper prints, exotic textiles, and small decorative knickknacks.
Jewel tones, vivid earth tones, and pops of pastels are only a few of the colors you'll see featured in a maximalist home. Which direction the color palette will go heavily depends on the personal style of the decorator. Saturated oranges, yellows, and blues evoke the 1970s, which is popular for maximalists who love vintage items. Another maximalist could have deep greens and blues for a home inspired by nature. Still another might go for light pinks and purples, filling their space with delicate pastels. The right way to do maximalism is to choose a color palette that speaks to your individual style.
Neutral maximalism can work
Maybe you're not a minimalist, but bright colors feel overwhelming. Would you be stuck in design nowhere land, or is there a way to make this style come to life for you? If you're not on either side of the extremes of the minimalism-maximalism scale, neutral maximalism might be the answer. According to A Street Prints, there are two ways to interpret this interior design style. The first is to embrace the basic principles of maximalism's bold patterns, layered textiles, and plentiful décor but to use neutral and muted colors for them. The second is to opt for statement pieces with simple silhouettes in brighter colors.
In the first method, a room might look typically maximalist with wallpaper, piles of pillows, a gallery wall, and decorated surfaces. However, unlike in typical maximalism, you'll find these elements using shades of brown, tan, and white, along with lighter or muted greens, reds, blues, or yellows for a calming addition.
The second method might have the brighter colors typical of maximalism yet not as many styling details. This could look like a bold sofa, a brightly painted console table, or eclectic artwork on the walls. There just won't be as many layered patterns or decorative knickknacks. One example of this is Danish Pastel, which uses lilac, sea foam green, and blush pink alongside sleek and minimalist Scandinavian design, notes Camp Copeland. Just like traditional maximalism, neutral maximalism is all about personal style.