Maximalism is a major design trend this year. We're seeing a shift from understated minimalism to this more expressive way of decorating, as homeowners seek to create spaces with a deep sense of individuality through bold colors and playful patterns.
But how can you bring this look into your kitchen? The kitchen serves as a very practical and social space in the house, so it's important that maximalist decor doesn't compromise its functionality.
According to interior designers, there are many ways to create a maximalist feel in your kitchen while still keeping the room timeless.
5 ways to create a maximalist kitchen
“The kitchen is a very personal space, and it's also a great place to experiment with maximalist design. Maximalist design really inspires creativity in the kitchen,” says Interior Designer, Dekay & Take. say Eleanor Trepte and Nina Grauer.
Below, we've put together five different decor ideas that incorporate maximalism ideas that you should consider in your kitchen. From decorating with bold colors to creating an eclectic look through shelving, you can incorporate this look as much as you like.
“Enjoy it by adding unexpected colors and patterns and items that bring nostalgia, like retro small appliances, vintage food, and branded paintings,” says Amber Guyton, interior designer at Blessed Little Bungalow.
1. Choose bold backsplash tiles
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Decorating your kitchen with tiles is a great way to add pattern and color to your room. Choosing a bold color for all of your kitchen cabinets can be intimidating, but kitchen backsplash tiles allow you to be bolder because they don't dominate the space as much.
“Choose a bold, patterned backsplash, such as Moroccan tiles, geometric patterns, or colorful mosaic tiles,” suggests interior designer Soledad Arzaga. As Soledad suggests, there are plenty of tiles that can help you create a maximalist look. Mix and match with a wide range of color schemes for a cohesive look.
San Francisco-based interior designer Soledad Arzaga has worked on design projects in San Francisco, Sonoma, Atherton, New York, Martha's Vineyard, Los Angeles, Mexico, and Argentina.
2. Choose open shelving
(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)
Maximalist decorating means being less obsessed with perfectly placed items and taking a more eclectic approach by showcasing meaningful and practical items. In the kitchen, a good way to take this approach is to choose open kitchen shelving. This allows you to showcase items that add a layer of interest to the entire space. “Arrange decorative dishes, glassware, and kitchen accessories on open shelves,” suggests Soledad.
3. Mix and match styles
(Image credit: 82MM Photography)
Another way to create a maximalist style kitchen is to take a mismatch approach when choosing furniture and decorative items. This way, the kitchen will not look too uniform and will be interesting, with modern elements contrasting with vintage furniture, for example. “Mix and match furniture styles, materials, and colors,” he suggests Soledad. “Incorporate vintage items, antique furniture, and unique finds.”
The best way to deal with this is to decorate vintage and consider adding items over time. The advantage of maximalism is that you don't have to strictly follow the rules and can consider layering different items to achieve this and more looks as a result.
4. Use bold colors
(Image credit: Nick Sargent Photography / MMB Studio)
Choosing the best color for your kitchen is probably one of the most important decisions you will make. While minimalism favors pared-down neutrals, maximalism is much bolder when it comes to paint ideas. From the deep, moody hues that dominated this year's kitchen trends to uplifting bright hues, no color is forbidden in a maximalist kitchen.
“Bold colors are one way to expand a space that has a small physical footprint,” says interior designer Matthew Boland of MMB Studio, who designed the kitchen pictured above. He says of this vibrant maximalist scheme: “Color is unexpected and applied lavishly. Even the smallest space can become the most memorable if you keep it focused. We put a lot of emphasis on paint color in this space. ”
5. Decorate with artwork
(Image credit: James Merrell)
Decorating with art is an easy way to add drama to your kitchen. Artwork is usually displayed in rooms like the living room, but there's no reason why you can't add some creative flair to your kitchen with colorful artwork. This is a great way to add some charm if you want to keep your cabinets or walls low-key and easy to replace over time.
There are many ways to create a maximalist style kitchen, including choosing bold colors and combining furniture styles. It's important to note that there are no specific rules to follow to create this eclectic look. Rather, it's important to think of décor as a space to mix and match items to create a unique and uplifting space.
