Maximalism is for rebels
In this day and age of minimalist everything, We have all heard the phrase "less is more" (adopted in 1947 by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a precept for Minimalist design and architecture). I would like to talk about its opposite. It's called Maximalism. It's a thing.
Let's delve into "more is more" or in the famous words of architect Robert Venturi "Less is a Bore". Mr Venturi asserted the idea that "less is more" is suitable only for architects, not for people. I think the man must have had a sense of humor.
I have spent many a decade flipping through shelter magazines and gazing longingly at the spare, quiet. clean-lined, pale. tasteful and near empty minimalist spaces featured. Oh, so serene. So beautiful. So, so......tasteful. I want to be a minimalist! I think to myself. Yet try as I might, my house does NOT look like this. Why? Because I have 4 kids? A dog? Because I like stuff? Color? Art? Yes. All yes.
Now, don't get me wrong, a beautifully curated and tastefully designed minimalist space fills my soul with an expansive, clear-headed and free feeling. I want to vacation there. I want to refresh and decompress there. I want to dream and plan for my future there. I am inspired and liberated by the absence of stuff in these spaces.
And yet...there is an equal and opposite value in being surrounded and enveloped by interesting. personally meaningful, gorgeous and unique things. Ironically, this principle of being surrounded by belongings that add happiness to your life is discussed extensively in a radically life-changing and delightful little book called "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Japanese organization guru Marie Kondo. Your stuff should "spark joy" in your soul people. Also, read the book....it's great.
Enter Maximalism. "Maximalism is defined by the opportunities it presents. It welcomes diverse aesthetics, excess, decadence and extravagance by breaking traditional design rules" (from The rise of maximalism in design).
Not to be confused with hoarding disorder, Maximalism is thoughtful. curated, personal and tasteful but it is anything but boring. You are probably familiar with this design style without even knowing it.
Maximalism is a party, full to the gills with visual punch. There are no rules. So, if you're the rebellious type, it may be perfect for you. This style does not adhere to any certain aesthetic. Pattern, color, texture, yes, yes and yes. Dark walls or pale walls, wallpapered or wood...everything goes. Art, fabric, textures, natural, shiny, industrial, Gothic, vintage, modern, tchotchkes, books, plants....all welcome here.
Maximalism is very personal. This is what is so great about it. You will not see your space replicated anywhere else. Say goodbye to that embarrassing "oh-my-gosh-we're-both-wearing-the-same-dress-to-prom" feeling. Your space will be like no other. Your space will be entirely and uniquely you. Or if you would like to bring me in to create this look, it will be our collaborative interpretation of you. Which I am thrilled to help you discover
Okay, I lied. There may be some rules....or for the you-can't-tell-me-what-to-to types, let's just go ahead and call them "guidelines". Here are a few guidelines to tame the potential chaos.
1) Group items; they will read as one big visual thing. Think: salon wall.
2) Employ symmetry to add visual peace. Subdue aesthetic chaos with repetition.
3) Keep surfaces clear; countertops, floors, table tops. Hang your things on walls and corral stuff on trays, in baskets, under glass cloches or in a glass-fronted display cases to keep work and floor spaces minimalistic (read: functional).
4) When shopping, cultivate awareness of your own internal sparks of joy. Do you see something that gives you a jolt of happiness or delight? Let that be your guide. Buy original art, one-of-a-kind and hand made pieces.
5) Seek professional help. No, not therapy (well, not unless we need to talk about that hoarding problem or your childhood lol), design help. Call in a pro (ME, pick me!) to curate and arrange and add to your glorious, joyful riot of furnishings. decor and art.
Let me be clear that there is a limit to the madness. Your space needs to work for real life. You need to live and function there and it needs to resonate with your soul. That means this is highly personal and will require careful thought about what stays and what goes.
Like minimalism, Maximalism is not for everyone.
Maximalism is for rebels.
And now for some gratuitous eye candy of our favorite iconic rebel, James Dean.
Ok, so now I have just spent a million minutes trolling for pictures of James Dean. Lord help me.
And, please take note of the similar taste that James and I have in tchotchkes. Proof that I am a rebel: exhibit A:
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