(Gently) Trying Maximalism

There’s something really satisfying about watching a maximalist makeover video. The kind where someone layers twelve throw pillows on a velvet sofa, installs a patterned wallpaper no one saw coming, and somehow makes five clashing prints look intentional. Add a dog curled up in the corner and a stack of art books, and I’m immediately reconsidering my entire aesthetic.

In theory, I love it. In practice, I start to spiral at the idea on how to make multiple textures work in one room. I grew up in a beige house and “matching sets,” so trusting the process when nothing is technically cohesive feels unnatural to me while also being kind of exciting.

Lately, I’ve been craving more personality in our space. Something less catalog, more collected. So I’ve been experimenting in small, commitment-safe doses. A bold lampshade here, a vintage frame there. I’m also thinking about painting a console table for our living room a dark green (which is huge for me). 

It’s not about going full maximalist - I still love a calm room, but I want our home to feel layered.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Start small. If color freaks you out (hi, same), try it on something low-stakes — like a tray, a thrifted lamp, or a $12 frame. It's less of a design risk and more of a personality preview.

Forget the matching game. The goal isn’t for everything to coordinate. It’s to look around and feel something - even if that something is mild confusion followed by delight.

Maximalism still needs an editor. Let one corner be loud and let the others breathe. Too much of a good thing is a garage sale waiting to happen.

Thrift often, and with no expectations. The weirdest finds usually end up being the most interesting and low prices mean you can change your mind later without regret.