A guide to maximalism interior design and how to incorporate it into your own home

Your home is the ultimate expression of your own personal style. It's a place to enjoy your downtime, relax with friends, and unwind after a long day – but more than that, it's a space that can truly encapsulate the story of 'you'.

Here at Zip Water, we are lovers of all interior design styles. We wrote recently about both Japandi style and transforming your home with biophilic design, but while these trends are perfect for those who prefer a stripped back, minimal approach, there's a special place in our heart for maximalism, and we're excited that it continues to be a key trend in 2025.

Join us as we share our tips and tricks for the best ways to incorporate maximalism into your own interior design.

What is maximalist interior design?

Maximalism is, in essence, the antithesis of minimalism. It's the rejection of the clean and pared back, and the embrace of different textures, patterns, and layers to create a truly unique and personal look.

With roots in the Baroque style, and characterised by ornate decorations, bright colours, and 'an often dizzying array of rich surface treatments, twisting elements, and gilded statuary', maximalist design has since gone through various iterations, and elements can now be found in various guises within modern homes, from 'Dark Academia', to 'Victoriana' styles.

Although it's an interior design style known for grandeur, self-expression, and a sometimes chaotic combination of statement pieces, there is a fine line between this curated style, and the less curated, 'cluttercore' aesthetic which has graced the runways – and our TikTok feeds – in recent years. In fact, according to Architectural Digest, 'it’s as intentional and curated as any other interior design trend.'

How to incorporate maximalist design into your home

Understanding the essence of maximalist interiors is one thing – it's quite another to incorporate it into your home. As with any interior design choice, creating a functional and practical space that works for you and your lifestyle is ultimately the most important aim.

And considering your lifestyle is important in maximalism, too. Getting maximalist interiors right is less about overfilling your living room mantlepiece and every shelf in your bathroom, and more about the careful curation of furniture, patterns, and objects for a calming space that oozes 'you'.

Of course, as with any style choice, your whole home doesn't have to feel maximalist. Focus on where you want to really show off your personality and where you want to feel at your most cosy.

Read on to learn our best suggestions for how to create your own haven of maximalism.

Don't be shy – incorporate bold colours

There are so many ways to incorporate colour into your home. Think statement walls, a brightly painted vanity, or even a pop of brightness in your linen choices (or even all three!). One of the joys of maximalist interiors is that you don't just have to stick with just one statement colour. In fact, combining colours that may not traditionally 'go together' is a classic choice a maximalist interior designer might make.

Blend deep red walls with pink toned furnishings – cushions and throws in your bedroom or living room, or towels in your bathroom – for a rich, vibrant feel. Or, combine primary colours for boldness and fun – remember, there are no hard and fast colour rules in maximalism!

Another option if you are experimenting in this area is colour drenching – painting your entire room the same colour. This growing trend can be found in a huge range of homes and is very simple to achieve. And if you've found your favourite shade, why stop at the walls? Colour drench your dining room, floor to ceiling, and combine with furniture to match to create something truly showstopping – remember, with maximalist design, it's never too over the top!

Mix patterns and textures for a timeless cacophony

The key to the maximalist aesthetic is layering. And really, this is where the art of maximalism can be found. It can be a difficult balance between a stunningly curated space, and a room where you just don't know where to look.

Choose patterns that create focal points where you'd like to draw the eye. Think boldly – decorate with designer animal prints, floral patterns, and stripes – or a combination of the three! Once you've chosen your patterns, include softer furnishings like cushions, curtains, and rugs to soften the lines and build up the layers of your design.

Add wallpaper in your favourite pattern

Why stop at a block colour for your walls? Using wallpaper in your maximalist space is a fun way to work with your favourite patterns, colours, and textures all in one. A textured wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for your maximalist house – you could even add artwork on top!

Another option is to include it within your furniture. Brighten up an old glass-doored cabinet with a brightly patterned wallpaper for a nod to maximalism in a guest room, or divide up your dining space and create a home bar area with a fun wallpaper backdrop to help differentiate the spaces.

In your kitchen, opt for a bold backsplash, or patterned tiles near your sink or oven, and combine the bold backdrop with a bold tap finish, like our HydroTap in brushed gold. And with a choice of seven designer finishes, including brushed rose gold, and gunmetal grey, your HydroTap tap can stand out, even in your maximalist space and add to the 'wow' factor. Even more than this, our taps deliver filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water instantly, so they don't just look the part.

Display antiques and showstopping centrepieces

Once you've chosen your wall colours, it's time to get creative and decorate. In maximalist interiors, if you think it's over the top, you probably haven't gone far enough! The idea is to add as much of your own personality as you possibly can, and really enjoy creating a unique design. Unlike other design trends where you might choose one statement piece in a room, maximalism means you can choose as many pieces as you like.

Another option for creating interest in a maximalist room is to take risks and choose something that stands out even if it wouldn't normally be a statement in its own right. The kitchen sink, for example. Why limit yourself to a simple tap, when you can choose something that really makes a splash? Our range of HydroTap models are perfectly designed to make a statement in any room (you can install over a sink or a font for the hydration station to suit you) – and they are also meticulously designed for maximum visual impact in your interior.

Add bookshelves, rugs and other accessories

When you're creating a maximalist design, the mantra is very much 'more is more'. Maximalist interiors should show the story of you – find beautiful mementos, trinkets, and other objects that mean something special. Consider a hand-painted bowl from a trip to Morocco, or artwork from a weekend in Paris – maximalist decorating is about creating a space that feels fun, bold, and inspiring.

Enjoy the experimentation!

With maximalist interiors, it's important that you enjoy the process just as much as you enjoy the end result. Spend time experimenting with colour, pattern, and texture, and remember you can't rush perfection.

Of course, if this is a style you are interested in incorporating into your home, another option is to work with a good interior designer. From suggesting a colour palette, to recommending appliances, decor, and lighting, working with an interior designer can help take the stress out of the process.

That said, if you enjoy expressing your own creativity, and you are excited to give maximalism a try, there's a lot of room to have fun with this style, and really enjoy the process.

For more information on how you can incorporate a bold centrepiece in your kitchen, get in touch for a bespoke consultation today.