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26 Sep 24

The joy of maximalism

Sophie Robinson Maximalist Master Bedroom Interior

Be you, be free, and embrace the maximalist way of life.

Maximalism! Just saying the word brings a rush of excitement, doesn’t it?! It’s not just a trend; it’s a love affair with everything vibrant, daring, and unapologetically YOU. If you’ve ever dreamt of filling your home with bold colours, rich patterns, and treasured objects that tell your unique story, then maximalism might be your style. But first, let’s see if it’s really your cup of tea!

Maximalism isn’t a fleeting crush; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about embracing what you love and joyfully mixing it together without worrying about everything matching perfectly. Imagine a beautiful tapestry woven with your memories, passions, and quirks! Sure, it can feel intimidating—what if it looks like a hot mess?! But if you’re willing to take the plunge, maximalism will reward you with a home as unique and fabulous as you are.

 

Maximalist Snug - clashing patterns and colour

Sofa fabric and Cushions: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson

There are no rules – Maximalism is deeply personal

It’s about celebrating the best in interior design—lush patterns, exquisite art, sumptuous textiles, and a glorious palette of colours. There’s no one way to do maximalism because it’s deeply personal. Whether you dream of gallery walls bursting with art or a sofa swamped with cushions, maximalism is about embracing your own joyful chaos.

Remember, maximalism isn’t something you can just buy off the shelf. It’s a journey of collecting, curating, and evolving as you discover new things to love. And the best part? Your maximalist home will never be ‘finished’—it will grow with you.

 

maximalist master bedroom with two chairs placed by the window. Clashing patterns and fabrics - Sophie Robinson

Wallpaper and feature chairs: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson Collection

Maximalism doesn’t have to break the bank

Worried about cost? Don’t be! You can be a thrifty maximalist. Antique fairs, car boot sales, and charity shops are perfect for finding unique treasures that add character to your space. Maximalism doesn’t have to break the bank—it’s all about creativity and clever finds. So, embrace abundance, self-expression, and a touch of fearlessness. Whether it is adding personality to your Kitchen, or reupholstering your favourite chair; trust your intuition, have fun, and create a space that reflects the things you live and the way you like to live.

 

Sophie Robinson's Maximalist and bold pink and burgandy Kitchen with floral wallpaper

Kitchen by Magnet. Wallpaper and fabric blinds: Harlequin X Sophie Robinson

Here are a few tips to get you started on your maximalist journey:

 

  • Be Bold with Colour: Maximalism loves rich, vibrant hues! Go big with contrasting colours for maximum drama—jewel tones, inky darks, or even chalky pastels. But steer clear of plain white!

 

  • Pattern Play: Don’t shy away from mixing florals, stripes, geometrics, and animal prints. The secret to making it work? Keep a tight colour palette that ties them all together.

 

  • Mix Old and New: Combine heirlooms with modern pieces. That old sideboard from Grandma? Pair it with a sleek, contemporary lamp. Avoid matching sets—embrace unique pieces that tell your story.

 

Bold and Beautiful Guest Bedroom Sophie Robinson with mustard yellow curved headboard

Beech bed base with Splendid Mattress by Naturalmat. Headboard covered in plush velvet Saffron: Harlequin. Bedspread: Basket weave by Harlequin X Sophie Robinson. Side tables; sourced from Etsy. Ines lamp: Oliver Bonas.

 

  • Create Focal Points: Amid all the visual excitement, it’s key to have focal points that guide the eye. An oversized headboard, a statement chandelier, or a bold artwork above the mantelpiece will do the trick.

 

  • Balance with Symmetry: Symmetrical arrangements can create a sense of calm in a busy room. Try placing matching lamps on either side of the sofa or arranging prints in a grid to bring order to the chaos.

 

  • The Art of Repetition: Create cohesion by repeating a favourite colour, pattern, or material throughout the space. This common thread will tie everything together beautifully.

 

  • Edit and Curate: Maximalism isn’t about clutter—it’s about being well-organised. Regularly edit your space and make sure everything has its place. When you add something new, consider letting something else go.

 

Interior Designer Sophie Robinson in her Maximalist Conservatory

Sideboard: @vinestreetvintage on Instagram. Conservatory fabric sails: Wildflower Meadow Harlequin X Sophie Robinson. Rug: That Rebel House.

 

Feeling inspired?  If so, check out my fabulous new course: How to Create Maximalist Interiors where I walk you through my tried and tested process for creating magical interiors. And it absolutely not about copying my look as I’m devoted to helping you discover your own unique style.

Better still there’s  20% off to celebrate the launch if you purchase before 7th October using code MAXIMAGIC20. Don’t worry, there’s no rush—you can start whenever you’re ready.

Let’s make your home a riot of colour and joy!

 

 

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Not going to lie, this might be one of my proudest Not going to lie, this might be one of my proudest makeovers ever…
My Dad and Mary’s modern French villa was all beige tiles, white walls and zero personality. So I did what I do best: turned it into a technicolour dreamscape inspired by the countryside views outside those gorgeous bifold doors.

Inspired by early  autumn leaves, emerald green fields, and piercing blue skies we set about making the inside of their home feel as joyful as the outside … now imagine all that bottled up into wallpaper, fabrics, cushions and colour-drenched furniture.

If you’ve ever thought bold colour overwhelming or that pattern was too much for open-plan spaces… this one’s for you. Because colour and pattern sings in nature, and it can work just as well in your home decor.

All wallpapers, rug and cushion fabrics are from my collection with @harlequinfw. Painting by @sophieabbottartist 

Full sourcing list, extra styling tips and a deeper dive into the design story are up now on A Life In Colour: head to my Substack via the link in bio to read more!
End of January check-in… and yes, the struggle to End of January check-in… and yes, the struggle to stay joyful is very real right now. Dark mornings, grey skies, energy running low.

That’s exactly why our homes matter so much at this time of year. They are our sanctuary. The place that should lift your mood, calm your nervous system and make you feel held when the outside world feels a bit, how can I put this...relentless. And this isn’t just a feeling or a design philosophy. It’s backed up by science. Research shows that colour, light, beauty and nature in our homes have a direct impact on mood, wellbeing and happiness. Small, intentional changes really can shift how you feel day to day.

I’d love to know… what brings you the most joy in your home right now? A colour, a room, a plant, a view, a ritual? Share it in the comments 💛

And if you’re ready to go deeper, my big January Sale ends this week.

If you want to truly understand colour psychology and learn how to curate a home that feels joyful, confident and completely you, comment ULTIMATE and I’ll send you the link to my online design school and your opportunity to make the biggest saving of the year.
These are the ingredients to making your home feel These are the ingredients to making your home feel as good as it looks. 

• Confident colour that creates the mood
• Beautiful pattern that delights the eye
• Layered texture that brings it all alive
• Personality in every corner, so it feels like home

Magic happens when you stop playing it safe and start designing a home that truly reflects you. A home that feels joyful, expressive and alive. But designing a home can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you combine colours without it feeling chaotic? How do you clash patterns so it looks considered? How to express your unique personality without merely copying other people’s style?

That is exactly why I created my online design school. After more than 25 years as an interior designer, I have distilled my design process into clear, easy-to-follow courses that take you step by step through combining colours, balancing patterns and adding texture, so you can decorate with confidence and creativity.

And right now, my January Sale is on. You can save a huge 60% on my transformational courses, designed to completely change how you approach your home and how it makes you feel. If you are ready to embrace your creativity and deepen your passion for interior design  comment ULTIMATE and I will send you all the details.
Think Maximalism is ‘too much’, too messy, or only Think Maximalism is ‘too much’, too messy, or only for other people? 

I’m here to tell you: maximalism isn’t chaotic. It’s just misunderstood.

Once you understand how colour and pattern work together, decorating like a maximalist stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling instinctive. Your home starts feeling like you.

If you want to design your home with confidence, my Ultimate Interiors Bundle is exactly what you need. It includes three self-paced online courses that take you inside my design process, teaching you how to use colour and pattern so you can make bold choices that actually work, again and again. 

Right now, the Ultimate Interiors Bundle is a massive 60% off. Buy now, enjoy the saving, and start whenever you are ready to create a home that is completely yours.

Comment ULTIMATE and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.
Welcome to my witchy era! Who else wants to harnes Welcome to my witchy era! Who else wants to harness the Year of the Horse and use this dynamic energy to manifest your best year yet! 

A vision board is like a compass that will lead your goal settings and intentions with total clarity. To prepare i like to take lots of long walks and meditate on what it is so want more of in my life while gratefully letting go of what no longer serves me. 

Join me Wednesday for a live webinar on how to I create a Vision board that will ignite your passion and motivation to live a bold, creative and colourful life! Comment VB26 for the link.
Dark and moody colours can feel intimidating, but Dark and moody colours can feel intimidating, but my TV snug shows just how well they can work. The deep tones soften the space and create a calm, cocooning atmosphere, perfect for evenings spent watching TV, or retreating from the day.

Contrary to what you might think, this room really comes into its own in winter. Low light and long evenings make the colour feel enveloping and cosy. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, sink in, and make yourself comfortable.

I sampled so many different paints but Cordoba by Little Greene was the perfect choice for this room. It’s full of depth and warmth, and just the right amount of drama. 

And if you’re thinking about taking the leap yourself, my tip is: don’t fight the natural light you have, lean into it. Don’t be shy about colour drenching walls, woodwork and ceiling so the room feels seamless and intentional. In my snug, that richness is what makes it feel cosy and complete.

There’s no place I’d rather be on chilly evenings.
How do I explain this feeling to a minimalist? To How do I explain this feeling to a minimalist?

To some people this might look like too much, but for me, maximalism isn’t excessive, it’s pure self expression. I decorate my home to reflect the way I live and that’s full of bold uplifting, joy-giving colour. Every patterned textile, every artwork, every joyful little object earns its place because it makes me feel happy. 

And if I’m being honest a neutral room doesn’t make me feel calm, it makes me feel slightly depressed. My home lifts my mood, fires my creativity and gives me a little thrill every single day.

Now tell me… are you Team Minimal or Team Maximal? And what makes your heart sing at home?
There’s something about walking that has quietly h There’s something about walking that has quietly held me together this past year.

When life threw its challenges my way, my anxiety went into overdrive. I lost clarity, my head was foggy, and the overwhelm shut me down. But walking, one step in front of the other, slowly moved me in the right direction.

We all know walking is good for the body, but it’s also one of the most powerful tools for the mind. Moving helps process stuck emotions, those steady steps soothe racing thoughts, and the changing scenery opens up fresh ways of thinking. Being in nature grounds you. And the best part is, it’s free.

Whenever I’m preparing a new vision for my year or any creative project, I always start with a long solo walk. I take my journal, let the thoughts tumble out, and begin to find a clarity and direction again. Next step is to use my creativity to create a powerful vision board full of images that resonate with how I want to feel and who I want to be. Less of a to do list, more of an emotional reset. This works for me as it brings in the light, and more importantly keeps me inspired and motivated.

If you’re ready to gently clear the fog and get clear on what you want more of, my ‘Life in Colour Vision Board Masterclass’ is now on sale. I’m hosting on the 21st January, 7pm GMT (with a recorded replay available). Comment VB26 below and I’ll send you all the details. 

Can’t wait to see what we can create together this year!
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