Let’s get straight to the point. Maximalism is for the brave, for the fearless, for those who refuse to have their sparkle dampened. It’s unapologetic and defiant. It’s the style that lets your big personality run wild, where pattern on top of pattern and colour on every wall is actively encouraged. But I see people often getting their knickers in a right twist about getting it ‘wrong’. So let’s tackle some of the most common pieces of advice that are liberally touted ( I might have even given some of these myself!)  …and challenge them in order to do things a little differently.

Inspiration is everywhere

The myth: A fabulously common piece of advice which encourages you to look anywhere and everywhere for fresh ideas to spark your next creative project. Great in theory, but also a problem. Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, screenshots galore… suddenly you’ve got 19 mood boards and still no clue what to do with your living room. I hear this all the time from my students – it’s so easy to get overwhelmed by choice, you start double-doubting yourself, and you can’t even get started.

Fix it: Pick one thing you love. A wallpaper, a painting, a fabric swatch, just whatever you feel drawn to, in an honest and authentic way. Let that be your anchor. Stop procrastinating and start doing. Real creativity comes from action, not overthinking.

Always take one thing away

The myth: There is a famous Coco Chanel quote, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Well, yes, I have done this myself, but there is so much more to it when styling a room. With the maximalist aesthetic, it may just be the case that the room doesn’t feel quite ‘there’ because you haven’t added enough. More is more after all.

Do this instead: Maximalism is about layering, and the aim is not a stripped back minimalist look, so consider adding more art to the walls, more cushions to that sofa, layer the rugs, dot lamps in every corner, and then sit back and the tell will be if it feels right to you. If it starts to feel suffocating, sure, take some things out. If you want more gorgeous abundance…well, keep going!

 

 

You should have no more than 3 colours in a scheme

The myth: The common theory is that to create a balanced and harmonious colour scheme, you should stick to three colours or less. Whenever I hear it, my eyes roll every time.

Fix it: Five, six, even eleven colours can work, as long as they are all harmonious. I often use a fabric, wallpaper or piece of art as a jumping off point and an anchor to ensure my colours will hang together. Artists and textile designers are masters of colour, so I have no shame borrowing from them.  You need to have some clarity around your colour combination because colour discord is a thing, but some of the most interesting interiors are made up of complex colour palettes.

 

Mixing patterns is really complicated

The myth: Florals with stripes, abstract with wiggles, checks with dots. Ikats and chevrons. So much to choose from! Sadly, I see too many reversing to the matchy matchy, or allowing one pattern to totally dominate because there is a fear around doing things differently. But when aiming for a home that’s bursting with personality, this can be a real vibe killer. Instead, you just need a bit of rhythm and a playful attitude.

Do this instead: My recipe is a large-scale floral, small-scale floral, geometric, stripe, then a plain always breaks up a fight. As long as the colour palette is coherent, they will all sing together. You’re not matching… you’re creating something that feels as original as you. If you want more guidance on this, check out my how-to guide

 

Maximalism is a trend that will go out of date

The myth: This is something I feel quite passionate about. This isn’t about trends, great design is about building a home you’ll love for a long time. One that feels like you, not what’s in this month’s interiors magazine.

Fix it: Follow your gut, and to do that, do the work. Invest time and energy to explore, deepen and establish your own sense of original style.  If you love bold pattern, use it. If you collect quirky objects, display them. Your home should make you feel something every time you walk in. When it’s honest, it’s timeless. So ignore the trends and create a home that’s unapologetically you, filled with all the things you love! If you are struggling to discover your authentic style, do check out my online course ‘Colour Psychology for Interiors’ and prepare to have your mind blown!

 

So there you go – five common design myths that you should ignore in order to have your space singing with joy. Maximalism doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs to be bright, bold and beautiful. Personal. Full of heart.

 

Want to go all out with maximalism but not sure where to start? Read my blog post on how to mix patterns, and colour drench. If you’re ready to jump in with both feet, check out my fabulous online course, How to Create a Maximalist Interior. 

I’m here to help you every step of the way, because when you create a home you love, there is no better feeling!