It’s a growing trend that’s full of bold colours, rich textures and eclectic décor.
It’s called maximalism – the opposite of minimalism, which focuses on simplicity and functionality.
MORE IS MORE
“Maximalism is an aesthetic of excess,” says interior designer Christina Frank, owner of Noel Atelier & Boutique at The Grove. “It embraces extravagance. Maximalism highlights the décor while minimalism highlights the architecture.”
She defines maximalism as “more is more”, while minimalism’s mantra is “less is more”.
“Maximalist interiors are full of layered patterns, saturated colours, rich textures, and lots of accessories and art,” says Christina. “It is about surrounding yourself with mementos and curios that you love.” A maximalist home truly reflects the owner’s personality and individualism. It’s a décor-style that is thoughtfully put together, with objects that have meaning and purpose – often with a story behind each one.
“It may at first seem cluttered, but it is well-edited and carefully curated,” says Christina. “A well-designed maximalist home is well thought-out. It is not easy to do it right.”
EMERGING TREND
The resurgence of this trend is linked to pandemic times, when lockdown had people sequestered in their homes, often unable to do the things they loved.
It changed people’s relationship with their homes, inspiring them to see it as a space to be filled with items that give them pleasure.
“Many people started to appreciate their homes more,” she says. “It became a person’s safe haven in the truest sense. People are now wanting to surround themselves with things that make them comfortable and happy.”
Christina notes it’s also natural, over time, for trends to swing in the opposite direction.
“After so many years of minimalism being highlighted, it’s exciting to see more colour and prints,” she says.
While it’s an emerging trend in Cayman, Christina says it is a growing one.
“I am definitely receiving more requests for wallpaper and texture, crucial elements in a maximalist interior,” she says.
“It seems more people are making Cayman their main home as opposed to just a vacation home. With that, it could mean putting more thought into curating a home with art and accessories that are meaningful.”
This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes.
