Sarah Jansen Mount, the agency's Corporate Content & Culture Manager, reveals the beauty and meaning behind “maximalist” interior décor and the joys of living bold and bright.
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As a collective design consciousness, we've long been aesthetically committed to all-white interiors (maybe with subtle accents of rattan or beige). But all signs point to the next evolution of interior design being more diverse: an orgy of rococo mirrors, lush brocade textures, attention-grabbing graphic wallpapers, and bold flooring. Maybe it's time to give up on modern art museum living and make a statement. Today's most eye-catching designs are less “clean-woman” minimalism and more “gangster's wife” ostentatious opulence.
Social media is telling the story. Oren John (@orenmeetsworld), known as the Internet's Creative Director, spoke about the demise of minimalism on Instagram: “Interior minimalism needs to end. Give us the materials. Crown molding and paneling will rise like a phoenix from the ashes of time to bless our living spaces. Enhance simple pieces with standout pieces. Vibrancy. Accent ceilings. Pink stone maybe. Custom nails and art hangers.”
Not long ago, we were all envious of Kim Kardashian's Axel Vervoort-designed Bel Air home. But can we no longer find bliss in beige? Even the high priestess of minimalism, Marie Kondo, has abandoned the mantra of organization and embraced the chaos of life and parenting. Achieving a perfectly curated space is no longer the end goal, and to that extent, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
“The allure of monochromatic black and white is fading,” says Pasadena-based agency Carmine Sabatella, a real estate agent and design expert. “In fact, it's quickly looking outdated. We're now witnessing a deliberate move toward quirky elements that evoke the bold expressions of the 1950s and '60s. The key is thoughtful curation and true eclecticism. Old and new need to be intentionally combined; modern and vintage. Try mixing patterns, saturating colors, and blending old and new. This will give you the opportunity to create incredible dimension and homey comfort.”
After all, there's creativity and freedom in maximalism. Search estate sales for gorgeous chandeliers and plush velvet sofas. Seek out gold-framed old world art pieces that transport you to another time and place. Luxury design rejects the idea that it has to follow strict rules, and instead we embrace the opportunity to express all our wonderful complexity through space. It's about creating rooms that tell a story. It's about play and expression. We all want to feel something, especially in an AI world where it feels like the human side of art and design is at risk.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, maximalism travels with us. After all, life is too short to play it safe. So dare to indulge your senses, be eccentric, and bring treasures into your home. Isn't life more fun with a little noise? Well, say the designers.