Why Maximalism Is Having a Moment (And Why It Might Be Exactly What Your Home Needs)

Now this is a term I've only quite recently come across. As you can guess, it is the opposite of minimalism and goes with the 'more is more' ethos. So you can imagine my lightbulb moment when I came across it, as it literally embodies the style of most of my artworks. Like this beauty...

Always a maximalist at heart?

When I think back to my art student days, and even my late teens/early twenties (when I actually had time to consider my personal style and wardrobe!) I was always drawn to the 'something a bit different'. Opting for velvet and sequin fabrics, bright and bold colour choices and enjoying what I now know as the dopamine hit that can come with leaving the house in these things. But as I 'became a grown up', it's like I forgot this part of me, I shied away from what excited me and got drawn into the game of trying to keep on top of trends, both with fashion and home styling. There would still come the odd occasion when instinct kicked in and I just HAD to have something, like when I saw and fell in love with this gorgeous zebra print sofa. I would've divorced my husband had he said no to me bringing that home.

She is an absolute feature of my living room and whilst she regrettably has spent most of her life to-date covered up, she will be on full display in all her glory once the kiddos move out!

But it's as I've got even older that I've become more mindful and braver in my home interior choices, I've reverted back to what I actually like and I am fully reaping the benefits in terms of the happiness it brings to my world.

So what is maximalism and why is it so great?

If you have found yourself on Pinterest lingering a little longer over richly layered interiors, bold wallpapers, and rooms bursting with personality, you’re not alone - You can find my Pinterest homage to maximalism here. After years of pared-back, neutral spaces dominating our feeds, it seems maximalism is back—and this time, it’s not about clutter or chaos. It’s about joy and liberation.

After decades of “playing it safe” with magnolia walls or beige sofas (well mine was brown!), maximalism invites us to reconnect with what we actually love—colour, texture, fun, and self-expression.

So, what’s behind this colourful comeback?

From Minimal to Meaningful

Minimalism had its moment, and for good reason. Clean lines and calm spaces offered a sense of control in a busy world and lets face it, less stuff means less to clean. But somewhere along the way, homes started to feel a little… samey.

Enter maximalism: the antidote to bland.

This isn’t about filling every inch for the sake of it. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that make you smile—whether that’s a vibrant gallery wall, a patterned armchair, or a collection of ceramics picked up over the years from weekend trips with the husband (Pic below of Barry the Budha from Whitby of all places!).

It’s a more personal way of decorating. Less showroom, more story.

The Rise of “Dopamine Decor”

You may have heard the term dopamine dressing, but dopamine decor has also popped up recently—and it perfectly captures why maximalism is resonating right now.

At its heart, dopamine decor is about designing your space to boost your mood. Think:

• Colours that energise you

• Patterns that make you happy

• Objects that spark memories or creativity

It’s deeply individual. What feels joyful to one person might feel overwhelming to another—and that’s exactly the point.

For many of us in midlife, there’s a growing confidence in trusting our own taste rather than following trends. Dopamine decor taps into that beautifully.

Getting Braver with Colour (Without Overwhelm)

If you’ve lived with neutrals for years, the idea of going bold can feel daunting. But maximalism doesn’t require a full house makeover overnight.

Start small:

• Add a brightly coloured cushion or throw

• Try a statement lampshade

• Paint the inside of a bookshelf in a bold shade

• Introduce patterned wallpaper in a downstairs loo or hallway

Often, that first step is the hardest. But once you see how colour changes the feel of a space, it becomes addictive—in the best possible way.

The Joy Factor

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about trends at all.

It’s about how your home makes you feel.

A boldly painted wall might lift your mood on a grey morning. A quirky collection on a shelf might remind you of holidays, family, or moments that matter. A riot of colour in your living room might simply make you grin every time you walk in.

And honestly—why wouldn’t we want more of that?

Final Thoughts

Maximalism isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about making it yours.

So if you’ve been hovering on the edge, wondering whether to take the plunge into colour, consider this your gentle encouragement: go a little bolder than feels comfortable. Add the wallpaper. Buy the bright chair. Hang the art you love (hopefully mine!).

Because the most beautiful homes aren’t the ones that follow the rules—they’re the ones that tell our story, they're our favourite place to be...

I would love to see all those wonderful maximalist homes out there, drop me pictures, Pinterest or Insta links below, let's share the colour love!

Gemma xx