2022 trends – all about maximalism

If you love scouring Pinterest and Instagram looking at image after image of beautiful
interiors, you’ve probably noticed one of 2022’s key trends. Maximalism is everywhere.
Bold colours and layer upon layer of texture and pattern is a clear reaction to the sleek,
Scandi minimalism which has been on trend for years. So, what is maximalism and how
can you inject it into your home?

Interior experts will tell you that maximalism has occurred in homes (or palaces and
castles!) whenever the wealthy wanted to showcase their belongings. The Victorian era
is often credited as the last time we saw a real emergence of maximalist interiors, but
realistically today’s iteration of the trend can pay homage to any decade or period in
time. You could have a maximalist take on 60s patterns and colours – or regency, or 80s
or whatever you like! It’s a buffet of interiors – a way to show off all your favourite things
(and we include artwork, accessories, furniture and more in that!) without having to stick
religiously to a trend or colour scheme. The key is simply whatever theme you love, to
go big. Here are three ways to bring maximalism into your home:

Plenty of patterns

Patterns are key to a maximalist interior scheme, but not in the way you might think.
Whereas the ‘rules’ of using pattern in the past might be to only have bold wallpaper on
one wall or not using a patterned rug on anything other than a plain carpet, Maximalism
allows us to break all the rules. Which can be very fun indeed! It might see you pairing a
striped sofa with a richly-patterned Morris & Co rug and some jazzy curtains.

If you’re not sure how to use patterns in your home, especially if you’ve been adopting a
minimalist, Scandi and very grey and white-heavy style in recent years, you might need
some inspiration. We think choosing the patterns which match your personality is a
good place to start. Do you love geometric patterns or florals? Does a bold stripe cheer
you up or do you love scallops and squiggles? You can have so much fun researching
and exploring the different patterns out there.

Bold colours

As you would expect, maximalist interiors also include the use of rich and intense
colours. The key is to avoid the choice of colours being too ‘matchy-matchy’ and instead
going for colours which evoke luxury, happiness and comfort – whatever suits the room

best. You can clash or pick colours which complement each other, but what’s fun is that
you can choose the shades which make your heart sing. They can stand proud or
complement each other… whatever you like!

If you’re adding colour in for the first time, then look at the shades in your furniture and
accessories. What bold hints can you pick out or are there colours which are totally
different and will stand out? For example, if you have a deep Danish blue feature wall,
why not look at a beautiful burgundy or teal rug? Or a gold or mustard shade to add in?

Ample accessories

Maximalist themes call for lots of interior accessories – old and, if needed, new! That
means a move away from a Scandinavian-style approach with a handful of artfully
placed cushions and a single taper candle and ushering in an abundance of texture and
colour in your accessories. Think cushions in lots of different textures, patterns and
colours piled on a sofa to create a welcoming nest. Throws draped or folded over chairs
to add another dimension of texture and complement the upholstery. Think trays,
tablecloths and lampshades with scalloped edges and candles with very on-trend twisty
designs. Think rugs layered on more rugs layered on herringbone parquet flooring and
you’re getting close to the number of accessories this trend demands! What’s fun is that
because there’s no need to match colours, styles and patterns you don’t need to buy
new versions of everything.

We think that being able to display your much-loved and
favourite interior accessories is the best trend going – AND it’s a tick in the box for
sustainability too.