Let's start with minimalism...
I’m sure you’ve all heard of minimalism in interior design. The Collins English Dictionary defines minimalism as “a style in which a small number of very simple things are used to create a particular effect”. Minimalism is an art movement that began after World War II, and you can see it in art, photography, music, architecture and other media. In interior design, minimalism gives an open, airy and peaceful feel to a room because it’s uncluttered and unfussy. It’s the opposite of elaborate as simplicity rules.
So, what is maximalism?
Maximalism is a new and growing interior design trend. If you were to compare minimalism to a tinkling wind chime or gentle flute, maximalism would be a big brass band or a hundred-piece orchestra! It’s fun, exciting and an assault on the senses.
According to Hommes Studio, “Maximalism is loud, chaotic and very colourful. However, this chaos is, contrary to appearances, tamed and thoughtful. It is a contrasting combination of colours, materials, textures and modernity with traditional elements. All this is accompanied by a large number of accessories and decorations.”
When I think of maximalism, I think of collectors of antiques whose homes display a huge number of beautiful and unusual objects on every surface and in every corner. I imagine Dickensian drawing rooms with an array of china cups and plates in glass cabinets, golden candlesticks on mantelpieces, an elaborate flowery wallpaper and a vast collection of family portraits. But I also think of crystal chandeliers in a bright turquoise room, where a pink sofa displays leopard-print cushions and the paintings are so vibrant they almost jump off the wall. You get the idea; it’s loud, uplifting and quirky!
The thing about maximalism, though, is that it’s a very fine line between a stimulating and vibrant feel, and a haphazard and tacky feel. It really does take some thought to get it right. But if you’re into colour – and, as you know, we love colour at Baa Stool – maximalism is a style that will add a huge dollop of happiness to your life. Your home will buzz!
Here are a few maximalism ideas to include in your home:
1. Colour
Go crazy with your colour palette. In maximalism, there’s no such thing as clashing colours. So, enjoy bright greens, dark blues, purples and pinks. There are simply no rules so let your hair down.
2: Pattern
Include some repetitive patterns to create an obvious theme. This could be a large-print floral wallpaper to match a collection of plants; scatter cushions in bright fuchsia dotted throughout the room; a matching golden sofa and chairs; or a blue carpet that reinforces the colour of the blue cupboards.
3: Accessorise
Dig out all of your ornaments and holiday souvenirs and enjoy displaying them around the room. Yes, it’s going to be a dusting nightmare, but imagine what a conversation starter all of those objects will be. Your room will be packed full of interest.
Unusual ornaments like large mirrors, birdcages and wooden animals, lamps and lanterns will add a sense of the bohemian.
4: Walls
On the walls, hang as many paintings, drawings or family photos as you like. If the walls look cluttered, that’s fine. You may even want to display your china plates by hanging them on the walls. This will give the room a cosy, intimate feel, and you’ll have all your prized possessions and much-loved family around you.
5: Texture
Textures are hugely important. This might include velvet curtains, sheepskin rugs, basket chairs, tapestries, paper lanterns, leafy plants or a beautiful collection of multi-coloured glassware on the dining table.
6: Metallics
Finally, I would add some gold or silver accents for a touch of glamour – something shiny and splendid to catch the eye. This could be candlesticks, mirrors, gold-plated ornaments or lamps, or even gold-coloured furnishings. Let your imagination go wild!
We can help...
At Baa Stool, we love the maximalism aesthetic and we can help you to achieve this effect in many ways:
• When it comes to colour, we’re definitely not shy! Have a look at our huge range of sheepskin rugs and baa stools; these come in anything from dragon red to deep aubergine.
• If you want to create a recurring theme in a room, you may wish to add several cushions of the same colour. Again, take your pick from our website! Perhaps you’d like tiger orange or possibly cornflower blue. What colour is going to reinforce the colour of the walls or the carpet? This colour will help to ‘pin down’ the room and give it a little consistency.
• At Baa Stool, we also make ornaments. You may like to choose one of our fluffy sheepskin letters to hang on the wall, or you could place one of our gorgeous bird flock stops by the door. They always raise a smile! Or what about arranging our sumptuous angel wings over the fireplace?
• If you want to add a unique statement piece to the room, I’d recommend one of our bespoke rugs, a gorgeous pouffe or possibly our luxurious Nancy armchair.
