More Than Just Maximalism: The Bold Decor Trend That Gives Your Space More Personality

While streamlined, minimalist decor still certainly has its share of fans, sometimes more really is more. And with various habits getting the maxxing treatment these days — as in maximizing a particular trend or habit —  it allows us to highlight another term in the Internet lexicon. Printmaxxing means more than simply doing the most with patterns. Rather, it's a technique that shows multiple bold prints can blend together to create a space that feels delightfully eye-catching and chock-full of personality. "I think pattern is having a real moment," interior designer Laura Stephens explained to Homes & Gardens of the practice, "but layered rather than matchy."

In other words, instead of committing to a room blooming with florals or stripes on stripes, you're blending patterns that seem as if they might compete, but somehow complement one another. The result is interiors that feel intentional, but not as if they could have been lifted directly from a store showroom. By combining, say, a striped sofa with a checked chair, Stephens detailed, "it feels collected rather than coordinated, like the room has evolved over time rather than been bought in one go."

If you're ready to lay it on thick, the experts are here to max you out on tips. You shouldn't be afraid to mix patterns that seem pretty different from one another. For example, stripes and florals feel fresh and can give life to any room. You can also play around with the scale of your prints. In fact, having that mix of sizes can add a great deal of visual interest to your space.

But to ensure it feels more cohesive than chaotic, it's best to look for some similarities in the patterns you choose. "The key is finding a common thread, usually color," interior designer and Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney told Homes & Gardens. "If the prints share a similar palette, they'll naturally feel like they're part of the same conversation."

Another rule interior designers follow to avoid clashing is to stick to no more than three patterns per area. Working with one anchor print can also ground the entire space. Whether it's a statement-making wall covering, a geometric rug, or a patterned sofa, you can work around that initial piece and add in other elements. Not ready to fully commit? You can definitely start small. Consider adding a printed blanket or throw pillow to a patterned chair, testing out a bold peel-and-stick wallpaper, or laying down a geometric rug.