Maximalist Celebrity Homes That Will Inspire You To Embrace The Style

Have you ever found yourself saying something like "maximalism isn't for everyone?" Well, then, you're not alone. Plenty of people who favor minimalist, rustic, or classic looks find themselves overstimulated with this exaggerated design choice that is characterized by bright colors, busy patterns, and varied objects in every nook and cranny. However, this style has actually been gaining popularity in recent years, and the following celebrities may just have you thinking twice about adopting this approach in your own home.

Before diving into these famous examples of maximalist decor, it is helpful to remember that many celebrities have both teams of designers and budgets large enough to grab the high-end pieces that are perfect for their mantelpiece, side table, or ridiculously large poolside. However, this interior design style isn't only for the rich and famous. It can absolutely be emulated with great success using affordable or thrifted items, targeted swaps, and the patience to wait for the right item to come along. As such, this collection of celebrity houses can act as the ultimate guide to maximalist decor which you can adapt to your own budget and tastes, as well as your home's specific features. So, which of these star's homes will convince you of the compelling benefits of maximalism? It may just be all of them!

Maximalism is pretty much the interior design equivalent of 'go big or go home', so that's how our list begins. If you've never seen Amy Sedaris' Greenwich apartment, prepare to have your idea of what maximalism can be blown sky high. From a lamp covered in hair extensions to a bookshelf full of fake food, the comedian manages to fill every surface with items that come with a story and which clearly give her bursts of sentimental joy. She also shows that maximalism can be adaptable, using reversible bed spreads and bulletin boards which can be frequently refreshed.

If you're worried that maximalism often feels too cluttered or overwhelming, then the house of Benny Blanco, a songwriter and record producer, may just inspire you to finally embrace the style. By using loud patterns, rich jewel tones, and bright colors, he makes his space feel over-the-top and luxurious without being full of too much miscellaneous clutter. He shows how you can make maximalism work for you, selecting artworks and handmade pieces from artists and friends that don't necessarily have a common color scheme or style, but that give him personal joy and an overall sense of opulence.

The ultra-famous singer-songwriter Elton John has been a supporter of maximalism for years, as reflected in his iconic on-stage style. As he told Architectural Digest in 2000, "More is good. A lot more is very good." Though he owns properties around the world, John has infused them all with this approach. For example, his house in Nice, France is filled with overstuffed seating and bold, eye-catching prints. His condo in Atlanta is similarly decked out with lavish glass pieces and floral displays, but by grouping together similarly-colored sculptures and black-and-white photographs, he makes the maximalism feel intentional and even organized.

Actor Zooey Deschanel and her husband, TV presenter Jonathan Scott, recently invited viewers to peek inside their impressive New York apartment — and fans weren't disappointed. The maximalism displayed in their home centers mostly around a variety of patterns. With the use of floral wallpaper, textured fabrics, hallway murals, and striped curtains, the more muted pastel color scheme is made to feel complex and interesting. They really leave no stone unturned, too, showing that maximalism isn't just about decor but can actually be played out in everything from wall plastering to bathroom tiles.

Some people believe that maximalism can't be elegant due to its reputation for being mismatched and incohesive. However, television star Johnny Galecki's home in Nashville shows that this isn't always the case. Though it is filled with items he has collected over the years, his use of earth tones and gold accents make each piece feel like it has been specially chosen for that spot. This is achieved by giving each room a different color scheme, allowing red objects to fit well into the living space while green ones blend seamlessly into the guest rooms and dining room.

Have you ever felt that one of the cons of buying a historic house is that you can't have a maximalist look inside it? Well, actor Richard E. Grant's English home — which dates from the Georgian period — may just convince you otherwise. Packed from floor to ceiling with vintage art, well-loved memorabilia, mature plants, and classic furniture, the historic parts of the home are emphasized rather than hidden. For example, the reading room features a music hall-style piano and tartan fabrics which foster a sense of coziness and allow space for the knickknacks peppering the aged surfaces.

Mid-century interior design has often been characterized by straight lines and a sleek aesthetic. While this may seem contradictory to the maximalist style, the house of Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo effortlessly blends the two. With bold color choices, packed bookshelves, and quirky centerpieces, the home adds a sense of life and movement to the natural wood and geometric shapes of the place's original design. To get this look for yourself, try blending mid-century furniture pieces like this walnut nightstand with your own wacky decor to infuse color, sentimentality, and a maximalist feeling into your home.

The Birmingham, Alabama residence of Chatham Hellmers, a well-known jewelry seller, is an example of how maximalism can set you free to be yourself. Her home is filled with items that have a distinct draw for her, meaning that the space has evolved around colorful seashells, gothic prints, and botanical specimens. Using design features like gallery walls, she is able to display these items — and her own personality — in a way that feels cohesive. So, if you're looking to add more of yourself into your design, maximalism might actually be the solution for you.

Maximalism can sometimes be intimidating, particularly if it feels like you have to revamp your entire home in order to pull it off. However, the home that Lily Allen and David Harbour shared in New York suggests that there is another way. Like they did, you can actually choose to incorporate maximalism in your home only in certain areas, giving you fun, busy spaces as alongside calm, subdued ones. For example, their living room was a burst of exciting wallpaper and deep green velvet, while their kitchen incorporated neutral tones and an understated two-toned tile.

Performer Dita von Teese has a love of retro style, and she has shown how maximalism can transport visitors to a specific period within your home. By opting for colors — such as light pink and green — which were popular in past eras, she is able to fill her home with a variety of vintage finds tied together by the old-school hues. This also allows her to have fun with retro patterns such as florals and geometric tiles. Try looking for colors and objects that fit a time period you like to embrace your own vintage maximalist style.