5 Reasons to Love Eclectic, Maximalist Style

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Exuberant maximalist style
Exuberant maximalist style (Architectural Digest)

There are two interior styles that embrace a more bold, energetic aesthetic.  Eclectic design is a style that includes many different styles, mixing periods and colors in a haphazard but ultimately refreshing and cohesive manner.  Maximalist style is the complete opposite of minimalist style.  It is full and vibrant, with a mixture of patterns, colors and styles.  Here are five reasons to love eclectic, maximalist style.

Maximalist style
Maximalist style (House Beautiful)
Eclectic style
Eclectic style (phillylmag)
  1.  Color.  If you love color, go ahead and embrace it with eclectic or maximalist style.  The adage here is “more is more”.  Let color take your rooms to new heights of decorative charm and liveliness.  Use bright and bold colors, mix patterns and use contrasts throughout the room to create a vibrant space.
Bright colors give life to this eclectic room
Bright colors give life to this eclectic room (hhs)
Bright color dominates this eclectic interior
Bright color dominates this eclectic interior (newwayhomedesign)
Color explodes in this eclectic space
Color explodes in this eclectic space (decorcology)
Color radiates in this eclectic room
Color radiates in this eclectic room (houseofmoseley)

2.  Pattern.  Mix patterns to achieve a look that says “collected” and “lived in”.  Vary the scale of patterns and pick up colors from elsewhere in the room to make the look cohesive.  Mix stripes with floral, large floral prints with small scale floral prints, geometric with animal prints.  This is where scale comes into major focus, so pay close attention when selecting fabrics.

A mix of patterns
A mix of patterns (newwayhomedesign)
Pattern and a mix of styles form an eclectic cohesion
Pattern and a mix of styles form an eclectic cohesion (newwayhomedesign)
Pattern and color play in this space
Pattern and color play in this space (growthfinancial.net)

3.  All styles welcome.  With both eclectic and maximalist style, mixing old with new is the norm.  Vintage pieces intermingled with industrial or modern pieces give a room maximum interest.  Take risks and use what you love, whether it’s grandma’s Duncan Phyfe sofa paired with an Arne Jacobsen egg chair or a classic wing chair paired with a modern glass-top table topped with an industrial lamp.

Related:
Use Paintings to Inspire Your Interiors
A touch of vintage with modern
A touch of vintage with modern (kenshook)
Old and new come together in this eclectic room
Old and new come together in this eclectic room (Houzz)
A mix of styles is eclectic
A mix of styles is eclectic (topdreamer)
A bold mix of styles for this eclectic space
A bold mix of styles for this eclectic space (fileno7)
A blend of styles converge
A blend of styles converge (interiordesignarticle)
Old and new form a cohesive whole in this space
Old and new form a cohesive whole in this space (memorabledecor)

4.  Creative.  Eclectic spaces are perfect for the artist or creative person who enjoys a place to display a diverse collection of artwork.  Eclectic style lets your own creativity shine through.  It is a room that feels effortless and put together over time.

Beautiful eclectic interior
Beautiful eclectic interior (becuo)
Artwork and color make a vibrant room
Artwork and color make a vibrant room (tedroark-tumblr)
Eclectic = creative space
Eclectic = creative space (decorcology)

5.  No constraints; no rules.  The only rule to eclectic or maximalist style is that there are no rules.  Of course, for this style to work effectively, some basic elements of design need to come into play.  Proportion and scale are still important and will go a long way to balance a room and keep it cohesive.

Eclectic interior
Eclectic interior (olpos)
Stylish eclectic room
Stylish eclectic room (Vogue)

There are no limits to what eclectic and maximalist style can portray in a room.  Let your creativity and personality shine.  Takes risks with color, pattern and style.  Add what you love and put it into the mix.  Eclectic and maximalist rooms are unique, interesting and all you.

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Good and legit reasons indeed. 😀 My favorite is that there’s no rules. I can be as crazy and cohesive as I want with my interior space. Great article!

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