Johnny Galecki's Secret To A Maximalist Home That Doesn't Feel Crowded

If you've ever wondered what it means to be a maximalist, think of it as being someone who appreciates designs that are bold, vibrant, and complex. The idea is to decorate with abundance and embrace a "more is better" approach to your aesthetic. While some might think that maximalism and cluttercore are the same thing, there are key differences between the two trends. There are plenty of ways to embrace maximalism that don't end up looking overcrowded or messy. One person who seems to have mastered this approach to maximalism is Johnny Galecki.

Galecki's living room was featured in Architectural Digest, showcasing a maximalist design full of color and art, while still looking inviting. The space doesn't feel crowded, but shows off the actor's love of the dark and whimsical, with large photos on the wall, patterns on the ceiling, and plenty of texture throughout the room. Galecki explained that when he was asked about his aesthetic he wasn't sure what to say, however one of his designers did, "she said, 'Tell him it's the inside of Johnny's brain'."

Interestingly, the couch and chairs are not perfect matches. The couch is a rich teal velvet, while one chair is yellow and the other is brown leather, but somehow they still work perfectly, looking warm and inviting. Pillows in varying patterns of the same hue help to bring the look together. Layering is something anyone who loves the idea of maximalism can try, whether it's through various textures, patterns, or even different eras. 

If you want to incorporate maximalism into your home like Johnny Galecki, add your own personality to your space and pick items that you already like and enjoy. If you are going to have a stack of books on your coffee table, make them books you actually enjoy and read. Put artwork on your walls that you like and that showcase your own interests. Add a mixture of big and small framed prints and canvases that are staggered on the wall. If you like bold colors, consider adding those colors through the paint on the walls, on your choice of furniture, or even via the small accessories like the pillows or throw blankets. A bold wallpaper print could also be a fun way to bring a touch of maximalism to any room in your home.

To build a more maximalist space that doesn't feel crowded, consider layering textures. If you have leather couches or chairs, add a throw blanket or pillow that comes in a soft and cozy material. Mix up your material choices by adding in things like linen, velvet, or wool. Consider using a chunky, plush rug under your coffee table to bring texture to that space as well. In Galecki's living room is a rather ornate rug that has a bold pattern in colors that coordinate with the rest of the space and the furniture around it. Maximalism doesn't necessarily mean adding more stuff, but rather bringing in more color, prints, and textures to build a living room that feels trendy, bold, and inviting.