Allie Lefevere describes her maximalist Chicago home as colorful and eclectic. When she and her husband moved into this home four years ago, she didn't have a specific design in mind.
“We just wanted the house to feel vibrant,” says Lefevere, founder of branding agency Obedient. She wanted “something that represented our lives, the places we explored, and the memories we made.”
Jean Whitehead, a senior lecturer in interior design at Falmouth University in Cornwall, England, says the philosophy behind maximalist decor is “the more the better.'' Bold colors, textures, and unique pieces define this style, and Vogue magazine says the elements are “in” his 2024 design trends.
Making your home maximalist may seem daunting and expensive, but it doesn't have to be, say those who appreciate bold aesthetics. Here's how to get the best look on a budget.
Shop at thrift and vintage stores
“One of the more economical ways to explore maximalism is with vintage and antique items available at thrift stores and estate sales,” says the Instagram account, which has more than 70,000 followers. says Daniel Mathis, who runs Not A Minimalist.
Daniel Mathis' Instagram account “Not A Minimalist'' showcases his maximalist style. (Photo provided by Ely Fair Studio)
Matisse's home in Oklahoma City displays his maximalist style, including many pieces he bought secondhand. To get a bargain, Mathis suggests waiting until the last day of an estate sale, when prices are typically reduced.
Alex Ammer, a certified financial planner and owner of Paradox Financial, based outside Orlando, Florida, recommends setting a budget and decorating in stages.
“Different tiers of interiors may have different budgets,” says Ammar. Thrift and discount stores are great for decor and accents, but you might want to spend more on unique furniture like sofas.
make it yourself
Maximalism means applying your own creativity to your space. Give old furniture and items around your home a bold makeover. When Matisse fell in love with a Southwestern-designed rug, she used the fabric to upholster an armchair in her living room.
For a simpler project, you can frame travel photos or children's artwork individually and hang them together to create a gallery wall above the sofa or along the hallway.
Finding ways to rethink things you already have at home can save you money while adding personality to your interiors. Search through your home for items that could be used to revitalize them, or browse art and home goods stores for ideas and tools you need to bring them back to life.
consider meaningful work
Incorporating notable items into your décor is a way to create a one-of-a-kind space, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Focus on items that stand out to you, and be flexible as you build your collection over time or make small changes to your pieces.
Mr. Mathis began collecting rare Ozark roadside tourist pottery about seven years ago. He currently owns 150 of his polychrome, marble-patterned pottery pieces.
“That's maximalism to me,” Mathis says. “It's about a lot of colors, a lot of patterns, but I tried to do it in a very intentional and selective way.”
He bought his first vase for $50. A similar Ozark Roadside Tourist vase currently sells for nearly $1,000.
LeFevere's kitchen incorporates her garden, next to a pastel-colored vintage pie cabinet. (Photo by Allie LeFevere)
LeFevere says her favorite part of her home is her antique pie cabinet with mesh screen, which she painted pastel green to match the kitchen.
“I've never made a pie in my life,” Lefevere says, but this creation is “just really cool.”
find your style
Both LeFevere and Mathis emphasize the importance of knowing what you like and remaining open to surprising designs. LeFevere visits sites like Pinterest to find styles and decor he likes, then saves the images to his Google Docs.
Similarly, Matisse developed his style by cutting out photographs from interior design magazines. A maximalist, he says the joy of his designs is the process of discovery.
Knowing what you like allows you to assemble pieces to fill your space, whether you find them at thrift stores, make them yourself, or invest in special pieces.
Ammar says it's also important to educate yourself about money and how to manage the expenses that come with redecorating, especially if: Financing the purchase.
“If you're the type of person who is okay with taking on debt, it can be a very beneficial way to accelerate your schedule,” he says.
Maximalism is about having a home that reflects you and your life, rather than a set blueprint. Fill your space with color and memorabilia to create an aesthetic that brings joy every time you enter.
Pictured above: CColorful and eclectic living spaces define maximalist design. (Photo by Allie LeFevere)
This article was written by NerdWallet and originally published by The Associated Press.
