This month, we’re celebrating the joy of maximalism in all its vibrant glory. From fearless pattern clashes to layered textures and personality-packed spaces, Phoebe Harper consults the experts on how to curate a home that tells your story.
Image: papaimaging
Forget minimalism – 2026 is the year of expressive interiors. Rich colours, statement wallpapers and eclectic styling bring warmth and character, making every space feel loved.
“Maximalism in 2026 is all about a joyful abundance of pattern, colour and texture,” enthuses Shelley Cochrane, an accessories buyer at Furniture Village. “Mix bold wallpapers, clashing prints and statement furniture to build a space that tells the story of your personal style. Lean into patterned armchairs, colourful sideboards, gallery walls and layered textiles that spark conversation.”
Rather than overwhelming spaces with colour and clashing patterns, recent maximalist interior trends are geared towards a more refined approach – one that moves away from the sheer excess that can lead to a space feeling cluttered and messy. “Maximalism works when it feels curated rather than accumulated,” as interior designer and founder of House Designer Samantha-Jane Agbontaen notes.
“The updated maximalism trend encourages a curated selection of textures, patterns, colours and materials to express individual style and personality,” affirms Debbie Leigh, design manager at interior fabric brand Iliv, where bold pattern mixing is the order of the day.
“This interpretation celebrates the art of mixing and matching, encouraging experimentation with geometric shapes, diverse textures and striking elements. Whether it’s layering rich velvet textures with sleek metallic finishes or juxtaposing bold patterns and colours with minimalist furnishings, the key is to create interest while maintaining cohesion and harmony.”
With this in mind, there are a few points of guidance from design doyens to guarantee a successful maximalist interior…
Paint it bold
A bold, varied colour palette is a defining ingredient of maximalism. If you’re feeling inspired by the look, but don’t know how to begin achieving it, use colour as your starting point.
“Whether you choose a blue sofa or pink headboard, colour adds joy and drama to a space,” says Shelley. “Some are afraid to add colour, so I’d suggest a classic like blue, which will never go out of style. Another tip is to add colour on a small scale – cushions, vases and rugs introduce colour to a space without overpowering it. Remember maximalism doesn’t have to mean bright colours – pastels may feel more approachable.”
When adding touches of colour through detailing or the choice of your accessories, consider repeating the same shade to bring a room together. “Rooms that pull it off usually have one thing in common: repetition. A colour that appears in the rug may show up again in a cushion or a piece of art. That thread is what stops a bold scheme from feeling chaotic,” observes Samantha-Jane.
Becca Stern is the co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made, maker of eye-catching storage solutions. “Bold pops of colour have such a unique way of shifting how a space feels,” she says. “When used with intention, they bring energy and a sense of confidence to our interiors, transforming what most might see as purely functional pieces into real wow-factor design statements. Brightly coloured furniture taps into this beautifully; the clean lines of pieces like cabinets and lockers, for example, create structure, while a bright pop of colour introduces that sense of playfulness and personality.”
The end result is a space that feels uplifting and expressive without becoming overwhelming, allowing practical furniture to spark both joy and creative confidence.
Patterns galore
Another signature feature of maximalist interiors is the introduction of different patterns. “Prints and patterns are one of the many ways in which you can enhance your home, and they offer a great chance to experiment with colours,” adds Debbie. “There’s so much to play with and they can be used in any room, from curtains and upholstery in the living room to cushions and bedding in the bedroom.”
Iliv’s eye-catching Siyuri Collection offers an enchanting canvas that’s available for drapery and upholstery. You will find various examples of this in stock, alongside a full range of fabrics, at local independent home furnishings store Glasswells.
“To start with, stick to three fabrics when using prints. The key is to vary the scale of the patterns. For example, if you pick a large-scale pattern as your focal fabric, the second should be half the scale of the first, such as a large floral paired with a plaid or geometric pattern. The third can then be similar to either of the first two, but using matching colours. When mixing two or three patterns, it’s a good idea to also break them up with clever use of plains – either as cushions, trims or borders,” Debbie explains.
For many, clashing patterns or simply introducing more than one print may not come naturally, but this is a chance to have fun. “If you are unsure, try looking at companion fabric books, which have been chosen by fabric companies as pre-mixed harmonious patterns,” suggests Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring. “Alternatively, try collecting samples and creating a mood board to ensure everything works together before starting on the actual room.”
Be brave
Maximalist rooms will often display a collection of some kind – whether it be art, objects or accessories – unashamedly on full display. But once again, to avoid clutter, curation is key. “Collections are where maximalism most often goes wrong,” cautions Samantha-Jane. “Edit first, then display. Group objects by material or tone rather than just filling surfaces, since it’s the breathing space between pieces that makes each one readable.”
Open shelving can be a good solution when dealing with objects. “It doesn’t just create much-needed storage but also provides a canvas for your maximalist look as it’s an opportunity to put your favourite pieces on display, from colourful artwork to patterned vases,” shares Shelley, adding: “To maintain cohesion with the rest of the room, be sure to choose art and accessories in colours that complement the furniture you already have within the space.”
Finally, Peter Legg, lead designer at Där Lighting, provides some guidance on casting your maximalist spaces in the most favourable light, while embracing elements of maximalist style. “Choosing statement colour fittings and multicoloured or patterned finishes will add complexity and depth to the space, without having to completely redesign the room,” he says.
“Don’t be afraid to play with the colour, texture and shape of your lighting pieces; by playing with scale and material you can add statement pops of personality that don’t compromise on functionality. A bold, patterned pendant shade enlivens the room, while introducing colourful lamps helps colour drench an area, and adding striking metallic wall lights brings texture and depth to your walls. These final touches will make the space feel vibrant and eclectic while remaining cohesive.”
It’s important to remember that playfulness and experimentation are essential, but whether it’s done through repetition, thinking about scale or careful display, make sure to try and find some method in the madness. As Shelley says: “The key is confidence. Whether pairing stripes with florals or animal prints with geometrics, when curated with intention, the chaos becomes harmony.”