Style guide

Trending: Maximalism

As 2024 moves away from the minimalist, clean lines and pale palettes that have been warmly welcomed over the past few years, maximalism returns with a vibrant bang, bringing character, personality, and over-the-top-charm back into homes. I love how @colourpopathome have added a pop of blue with their Ferndale sofa in their living room.

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How to incorporate maximalism into your home


With its all or nothing attitude and more is more prerogative, maximalism brings a sense of freedom and celebrates eccentricity.


Loud, daring and busy, the trend allows the integration of visually interesting but clashing pieces, bringing them together to create an eclectic masterpiece. 

Here are my predictions and top tips for achieving the maximalist look in your home:

1. Walls and art


Walls covered by cool greys and pretty pastels will now be swapped for succulent saturated colours, bringing a bolder aesthetic than the subdued tones to which we have recently become accustomed.


Rich shades such as burgundy, and moody blue hues will adorn walls, accompanied by busy prints, layered patterns and diverse textures.


A look that should be offensive to the senses but somehow isn’t. 


Decorative designs such as borders and stencilling are predicted to make a comeback, offering an easy, budget-friendly way to revive rooms and add personality to a space.


New, modern designs have banished the cringe-worthy patterns of previous fashions, and replaced them with refined art-deco motifs. 


I love how Instagram user, @number.76_ used bordering on the ceiling to add further impact to a beautifully bold blue living room. 

Image credit: @number.76_

2. Statement sofas


The art of maximalism is supported by statement pieces of frivolous furniture, injecting fun and colour into rooms - a contrast to the neutral and ‘safe’ shades we would have sensibly chosen.


Add a brilliant burst of blue with the Hoxton in Malia Marine, which oozes opulence and carries a mid-century inspired charm through fabulous velvet fabric, pin-tuck details and slim tapered legs.


Also available in another four inspiring colours, including a gorgeous teal green. 


Bring the outside in and add some beautiful botanical vibes to your living space with the Ferndale Chaise in Paradise Collection Navy.


Making the most of your space with a chaise, the Ferndale offers an old-style yet opulent design with luxurious velvet fabric and tapered legs, finished with leafy design scatter cushions. 

 

Hoxton sofa range

Ferndale sofa range

3. Cluttercore


After years of being taught to hide things away, the revival of maximalism and ‘cluttercore’ encourages us to show off our sentimental objects, with accessories, trinkets and nostalgic items appearing on sideboards and being used to embellish over-decorated rooms.


A style which has taken on many forms and existed through different times – from the famously eclectic Victorians who displayed every oddity and ornament they could afford – to a now modern and modest take on the trend, this time around, maximalism has less emphasis on ‘stuff’ and more on meaningful pieces, carefully placed around the home.


The idea of cluttercore is to feel at home surrounded by your own sentimental treasurers.


This trend is certainly one which forgives an offbeat style, which, as Paloma echoes, look better with pieces curated together to create a collection of visual interest.


“If you have them all together, no one will notice if you have some weird bits in there!”


I love the mis-match pieces and clever plant placement in this home office space by Instagram user @ourlayeredhome.

Image credit: @ourlayeredhome

Tip: If you don’t have the space or budget to invest in a cabinet to house your accessories, try adding a few shelves instead.


Create the essence of height in a room by fixing shelves higher on a wall.

4. Fun flooring


Amidst the fun and organised chaos of maximalism, it can be easy to forget your flooring!


Flooring is a great tool to use for your maximalism transformation.


From wild print carpet, to patterned tiles and vinyl, or jazzy rugs – the floor is yours. 


If new flooring is pushing the budget a bit, a lively rug can make a big impact without the commitment.


Try the distressed metallic look of the Aurora Rug for an alternative edge or brave the bright, opulent tones of the Milo Rug.

Faux Zebra Print Rug

5. Luxury lighting


The last step to achieving the maximalist look is luxury lighting.


The over-arching atmosphere which maximalism aims to create is that of grandeur, and lighting is an all-important element for creating an indulgent ambience.


In true maximalist style, the rule around lighting is to go big and bold.


Throw caution to the wind with something striking and bright, such as a stunning chandelier, or some eye-catching lamps. 

 

Maximalism embraces fun and frivolity, celebrating homes bursting with personality.


Whether you’re ready to throw yourself in at the over-decorated deep end or dip your toes in with some expressive art and accessories – have funmaking your space your own. 


Get some inspiration for your maximalist makeover by taking a look at our favourite colourful sofas.

Victoria Foster

Written by:

Stylist & Visual Merchandiser

at ScS

11th June 2024

Victoria is a stylist and merchandiser based at our in-house photo studio. Having been part of the ScS family since 2012, Victoria styles stunning home sets with the latest trends to showcase newly launched ScS products. With over 25 years of experience in styling and merchandising, she loves to keep an eye on the latest trends in the interior landscape. Victoria's favourite interior scheme is the Boho trend and loves to layer a mixture of different textures in her home. Her styling top tip is to always create a focal point in a room. Whether it’s a feature wall, a piece of artwork, or a bright patterned rug, having a focal point can help to drive the decisions on the rest of the rooms layout.