Modern maximalism: Experts help us decode the new home decor trend

"Maximalism is the art of far more--rich patterns, extremely vibrant hues, abundant art, and a genuine sense of amusement and strong movements," explains Tushar Mistry, principal architect and designer at Tushar Mistry Design Studio. He further adds, "Maximalism is becoming more popular because it enables the home to own the aura of attraction that exudes warmth."

According to Mistry, one should experiment with more is less as a design concept to create such schemes with bold use of colours, patterns, and finishes in unpredictable ways. He shares, "Modern maximalism is adding more and more elements without making it look overwhelming or overbearing, the design should create a harmonious balance between its elements and patterns used wisely that should not look cluttered."

Rise of modern maximalism
This design trend also allows people to channel themselves through their homes. "For contemporary and affluent clientele, products and collections with a hint of personal branding emanate great value. Maximalism emphasises using too many audio-visual clues or cues overall. Better is more. It honours opulence, vigour, ampleness, and excess. A maximalist artwork is jam-packed with vividly descriptive lines, eye-catching colour schemes, a variety of intricately designed patterns, and lavishly thought-out metaphors."

It can be posed that modern maximalism emerged as a reaction to the declining popularity of minimalism in the art and design world. Mistry insists, "While the charm of maximalism lies in its almost unbridled freedom, it has been a part of the design world for centuries - how it has manifested in our homes has changed over time, of course, but the idea of showing off all of one's favourite things is by no means a new concept. Those who decorate in that style are like curators of their own space to style the way required."

Key characteristics of maximalist home decor for your home
- Play with patterns of curtains, couches, walls, furniture, and the small assets you keep close to your place in more shades to highlight.
- Use vibrant colours either dark or vibrant which organise the room to look bright. Especially, the palette of different shades with décor items brings the trend on.
- Bold wallpapers may suit an auspicious set of decorations in the room or dining room. The low-rate pieces are artificially available in the market.
- Glossy or lacquered furniture pieces are unique at any time. It is a good add-up to home vibes.
- Important to add layers in spaces with the use of soft furnishings, arranging bookshelves
- Use of crystal chandeliers that adds grandeur.

How to choose your home decor style?
"Your choice among different styles in home decor reflects individual tastes and preferences. Delving deep into your personality and lifestyle is a crucial step in determining which style, be it maximalism or minimalism is most suitable for you. If you are the sort of person who prefers a more serene, uncluttered environment that emanates calm, minimalism may be more to your liking. However, if you're the sort of person who relishes bold colours and eye-catching patterns, maximalism could be the perfect choice to express your unique individuality," says Ekant Singh, founder and CEO of Page 2813.

Below, the design expert lists three factors that will help you evaluate the type of decor you aspire to have.

Size of your space: Area of the space can influence your home décor decision. A small space looks more open and spacious if a minimalist décor is incorporated. Conversely, if you have ample space to play with, adding more vibrant colours and decorative elements can make it more comfortable and inviting.

Budget: Your budget is another factor to keep in mind. Minimalism tends to utilise simpler, more straightforward furniture and decor that can be less expensive than the more ornate, decorative pieces that maximalism involves.

Examine your current decor: A vital aspect in choosing the right style of home décor is to start by examining your current décor. If your home is currently bursting with objects and furniture, paring down to a minimalist look could provide an invigorating change. Conversely, if your space feels too barren, adding more items and decorative elements could create a cosy, welcoming ambiance.

Design tips on incorporating both maximalism and minimalism
Revamping the decor of your home can be a profound experience as the tiny changes that you make every now and then can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your living space. Singh explains, "By carefully choosing a few statement pieces, a larger-than-life ambience can be created that will draw the attention of anyone who steps into your home. In the end, the most critical aspect of home decor is that it should reflect your unique individuality. So don't be afraid to experiment and mix and match different elements until you achieve the perfect balance that evokes your personal style and complements your lifestyle."

To help you combine the best of both styles, Singh shares simple yet effective steps to add a touch of grandeur and opulence to your living space without breaking the bank:

Cushion it up
One easy and affordable way to add a touch of elegance and opulence to your living space is by investing in alternative cushions. You can easily transform old sarees, cotton dress materials, or other fabrics that are lying around in your mom's wardrobe into stunning accent cushions. The mix and match of patterns and colours that you create will not only look beautiful but also give the impression of a substantial investment in the cushion line. These cushions will add a pop of colour and texture to your living room or bedroom, creating a luxurious and cosy atmosphere.

Statement pieces
Another essential element that can elevate the look of your home decor is a transparent glass lamp with ivory shades. This statement piece will not only provide ample illumination but also add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your living space. The transparent glass base of the lamp will catch the light and create a subtle and mesmerising glow, adding to the overall ambience of your home.

Vibrant lamps
Additionally, vases in clear or coloured glass, arranged in clusters, can be a perfect way to add depth and dimension to any room in your house. You can keep them together in a group without looking cluttered as the glass will cut the light and create an enchanting effect. These vases can be filled with fresh flowers or just left empty, creating a simple yet eye-catching decoration.

Lighter shades of furniture
When it comes to furniture, choosing light and minimal shades can make your space appear more expansive and open. The use of the same family of shades for all the furniture will create a uniform look that will give the impression of greater expanse and continuity.

Rest the wood, opt for marble
Also, instead of investing in different types of wood, choosing a single slab of marble and slicing it to shape for your dining centre table or side table can be a fantastic way to cut costs while creating a stunning and unique piece of furniture.

Also Read: Make your home office work for you with these tips from interior designers