With a new season upon us, there’s no better time for an interior reset. Perhaps you’re moving house, planning a renovation or simply giving your bedroom a fresh new spin — either way, it’s time to look past the prevailing sea of beige, black and white we’ve seen over the past year and focus on a style and aesthetic that’s all about character.
Indeed, if you’re a self-declared maximalist then 2024’s “quiet luxury” has probably been your own personal at-home nightmare. But fear not, because for every minimalist white wall or bouclé pouffe there are designers channelling a bold blue ceiling, Versace-print wallpaper and shagpile rugs, proving the joy behind a more-is-more mindset for spring and beyond. Yet while maximalist interiors may embrace bold use of colour, print and layering to celebrate excess, it isn’t just about piling everything in one room and calling it done. It’s as intentional as any other interior design trend, and these are the four best ways to channel the look with control.
A Retro Revival
What’s old is now new again thanks to retro-inspired décor that takes reference from the past and incorporates playful accents into the home to create a vibrant and dynamic theme. With unexpected shapes, funky colour palettes and materials like velvet and brass, this nostalgic trend harks back to an era that represents creativity and carefree fun.
“The revival of seventies and eighties design is bringing warmth and personality to modern homes,” Venetia Rudebeck, co-founder of boutique residential interior design practice Studio Vero, tells MOJEH. “We are seeing curved, organic shapes through velvet sofas and sculptural furniture, while the colour palette embraces both 1970s earthy tones (terracotta, mustard, brown) and 1980s pastels and metallics.” Key pieces include rattan and wicker furniture, modular and glass and chrome furniture, shagpile rugs and an array of faux finishes, all reimagined with a contemporary twist that makes these retro influences feel fresh and relevant for today’s living spaces.
Colour Drenching
Say goodbye to one statement wall and hello to an influx of personality with colour drenching — a trend that involves painting an entire room (ceilings and fittings included), in one bold hue. “Colour drenching is a way of using all surfaces available to create an impact through colour,” says Karen Howes of Taylor Howes Design. “It creates a fun statement out of something so simple while helping to boost mood, and whether you want to create a moodier look to snuggle down or a fresh, sunny vibrant space, there are so many options.”
An extension to colour drenching — if you’re feeling brave — is of-the-moment double drenching, which is all about dramatically transforming a space by painting two or more related colours on all available spaces, such as a strong green on the walls, mustard on the woodwork and seafoam on the ceiling. “Olive green and burgundy are trending colours for both modern and traditional interiors, bringing warmth and sophistication to any room,” adds Karen. With its natural and calming hue, the former pairs beautifully with organic materials like wood and stone, creating a serene feeling, while burgundy, on the other hand, adds a touch of drama. “For those looking to experiment, consider combining these colours with metallics like gold or copper to add a modern twist," she advises.
Flamboyant Prints
Nothing quite says maximalism like a leopard print rug here or some dancing flamingo wallpaper there, so it’s hardly surprising that statement-making patterns are at the heart of this year’s maximalist monarchy. Encouraging self-expression in the home by celebrating the unconventional, this eclectic design style incorporates colour, pattern and texture for a statement interior filled with personality and character.
“I’ve always been one to embrace pattern whether on a jacket, sofa or window treatment,” says Toronto-based interior designer Gillian Gillies. “They are very easy to live with and a print with multiple colours allows you lots of options for accessorising. What’s more, prints feel comforting and welcoming, and I think that is why people are looking for more of this in their home.”
The easiest way to channel the trend is by using accessories, but why not go one step further and add patterned wallpaper to a room for an extra level of layering and dimensioning? For those who are apprehensive, opt for simply papering a ceiling in a smaller space such as a powder room, pantry or walk-in closet. “This can look really lovely, especially when paired with beautiful lighting,” adds Gillian. “Clients are also really loving the look of archival murals on their walls — many depict scenes in nature and these can look incredible in an entrance foyer or dining room.”
Bookshelf Wealth
American filmmaker John Waters was once famously quoted saying “we need to make books cool again”, and it seems people are finally paying attention, with ‘bookshelf wealth’ now having its moment. TikTok devotees may already recognise the term, which describes an interior decor aesthetic evocative of the warmth of a Nancy Meyers movie with cosy yet classic furniture and most notably a floor-to- ceiling bookshelf that shows off the owner’s vast collection. “Home libraries are a somewhat sacred space in a home,” says celebrity interior designer Katharine Pooley. “A person’s bookshelf can reveal multitudes about their innermost being and so there is a certain respect that comes with crafting this area. It needs to be inspiring, comfortable and personal as well as functional.”
Maximalists rejoice, because bookshelf wealth is all about mixing colours, textures and patterns in addition to showcasing books and collectables so that there is variation and diversity for the eye. Don’t be afraid to add picture frames, candles and ornaments too — just pay attention to the overall design to ensure it doesn’t look too chaotic. “There is nothing worse than clutter and disorganisation in a creative space, so I recommend custom built joinery to add an element of luxury,” adds Katharine. “It gives clients the ability to house their collection in style and highlight select books or decor personal to them.”
Originally Published in the February 2025 Issue of MOJEH. Subscribe here
