Maximalism is often defined as the aesthetic of excess. This aesthetic typically combines a variety of colors, styles, textiles, patterns, and emotions [1]. For many, maximalism can be controversial or overwhelming. Despite being “too much” for some, it is just right for others. I am still forming my opinion on maximalism and if I want to implement it into my life, however I can certainly appreciate it. 

work of interior designer Summer Thornton
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-maximalist-interior-designers-on-the-ad-pro-directory

 

The maximalist aesthetic can take on many forms depending on its context. Maximalism can be considered an architectural style, an interior design style, an art movement, or a design movement [2,3]. The origins of maximalism are somewhat debated, but most sources agree that maximalism originated sometime during the 17th and 18th centuries [4]. Maximalism’s roots have been attributed to the Baroque and Rococo art periods, “characterized by opulence and intricate details” such as those seen in Victorian homes or even the Palace of Versailles [5]. There is no specific person that history considers to be maximalism’s founder, but instead the work of many artists popularized this aesthetic. During this era, the maximalist aesthetic was mainly reserved for the wealthy. Only the upper class could afford an excess of art pieces and the craftsmanship for intricate details in the home. The maximalist aesthetic decreased in popularity after these periods until the 20th century. However, there is much debate over if the architectural style of Gaudi may be considered maximalism as well, potentially contributing to the aesthetic’s revival in the last century [6]. 

maximalism seen in the Palace of Versailles
https://mysterydesigner.substack.com/p/max-out

 

In the early 20th century we saw the rise of modernism and minimalism. Characterized by clean lines, simplicity, neutral color palettes, and restraint, this aesthetic could not be more different from maximalism 4. Maximalism rapidly grew in popularity throughout the US and Europe around the 1960s. We can’t help but analyze its uptick in popularity as a reaction to minimalism. I would even go as far as to say that maximalism is closely tied to the end of WWII. People were no longer living in fear and needing to ration goods, so along with the Baby Boom came maximalism. 

Jackson Pollock’s “Autumn Rhythm”
https://www.jackson-pollock.org/autumn-rhythm.jsp#google_vignette

Despite maximalism’s reputation as the aesthetic of excess, achieving maximalism does not always mean you have to own a ton of stuff. I believe it is more so about how pieces interact and play off of each other, even if they are few. 

The work of interior designer Michelle Nussbausmer.
https://www.chairish.com/blog/best-maximalist-interior-designers/

 

I mainly think of maximalism in terms of the interior design aesthetic. To truly channel a maximalist aesthetic, I believe you have to throw away your fears about pieces in your home clashing with each other. Despite the different styles of furniture and art pieces in a room, they all contribute to the overall maximalist vibe of the space. However, this doesn’t mean throwing a bunch of random stuff together in a room achieves maximalism. I think it takes a very skillful eye to attain true maximalism, an eye I am still developing myself. I like to think maximalism will come to me over time as I live and gain experiences… as well as material items (art, furniture, decorations). However as of now in my tiny grad school bedroom, I am rather enjoying owning very few things. I have always been intrigued by maximalism, and I am looking forward to seeing how my view of maximalism changes moving forward, and if I will be further drawn to it or pushed away.

work of maximalist artist Jocelyn Hobbie
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-9-contemporary-artists-mastering-maximalist-patterns

 

 

Takashi Murakami’s “This Merciless World”
https://hypebeast.com/2019/7/takashi-murakami-from-superflat-to-bubblewrap-singapore-exhibition

 

Sources

  1. https://www.designspace.ae/post/maximalist-interior-design-victorian-era-origins-to-modern-day-interiors 
  2. https://www.archdaily.com/1007027/maximalism-what-it-is-and-why-you-need-to-know-it
  3. https://adorno.design/editorial/discover-maximalism-exploring-the-bold-and-diverse-art-movement/ 
  4. https://cosimo.art/blog/exploring-artistic-extremes/
  5. https://www.lovethatdesign.com/article/maximalism-in-interior-design-history-key-features-and-cues/ 
  6. https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/maximalism-in-architecture?id=174

2 Comments. Leave new

  • Hi Chrisanna,
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, as a major fan of maximalism, I really enjoy reading through this post. Especially how you mentioned that you don’t need to own a lot, but just need to decide how to make decorations compliment each other to bring out the best of each. As someone that used to enjoy the minimal aesthetic way more, it’s good to hear how they contrast. Overall your post looks great, but maybe adding the pictures in between the text might make it a little more relevant, but either way, it was a good read.

  • DawnMonique Cantu
    January 25, 2025 4:28 pm

    Hi Chrisanna! I appreciated your honesty within the post regarding maximalism being an aesthetic you are still exploring and trying out. It’s interesting to read someone’s perspective when there is not a strong bias for or against the aesthetic. I tend to lean more towards minimalism myself in regards to interior decorating, but found the images you included to show maximalism used within artwork pretty interesting! You mentioned that maximalism can even be seen in architecture, are there any examples you would recommend that I check out? Are there any significant figures that contributed to this aesthetics’ rise in popularity?

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