Modern Maximalism, Mastered: Where Bold Meets Beautiful
September 2025
After years of minimalism reigning supreme, 2025 marks the triumphant return of maximalist interior design—but this time with a modern, curated edge. Think bold layering, expressive color palettes, global influences, and rooms that tell a story. Eclectic maximalist interior design celebrates individuality, combining vibrant hues, rich textures, and collected treasures in a way that feels more intentional than chaotic. It's less about clutter and more about curation. If you're ready to embrace this dynamic trend, here’s how to bring it home—literally.
What Is Modern Maximalism?
Maximalism in 2025 isn’t about simply filling a room with stuff. It’s about designing spaces that reflect who you are. Think of it as storytelling through your environment—layered with meaning, art, pattern, and a playful mix of old and new. This updated version leans heavily on thoughtful design choices:
Coordinated color palettes that allow patterns and décor to shine without clashing
Collected and personal pieces, including art, books, textiles, and memorabilia
Bold wallpaper or upholstery as a backdrop for expressive furniture and accents
Mixing luxury with lived-in comfort
Where minimalism edited everything down to the essentials, modern maximalism chooses abundance with intention.
Key Elements of Eclectic Maximalist Interior Design
To embrace maximalism in your home this year, focus on building a room that feels vibrant and personal, not chaotic or overdone. Here are some signature ways to achieve that layered look.
1. Layer Color and Pattern
Maximalist spaces often use a vivid color story as their foundation. Don't be afraid to pair florals with geometrics, or stripes with botanicals.
Start with a bold wallpaper or paint color
Add area rugs that contrast or complement
Use throw pillows in a variety of fabrics—velvet, silk, woven patterns
Mix upholstery fabrics across your furniture (e.g., a velvet sofa with patterned accent chairs)
Neutrals still have their place—especially to ground busy patterns—but the 2025 palette leans into rich jewel tones, moody greens, terracotta reds, and lively citrus hues.
2. Tell Your Story Through Collections
Maximalism is about showing what you love—so let your collections speak.
Display favorite books in tall, artful stacks or color-coded arrangements
Style open shelving with ceramics, framed photos, or vintage finds
Group similar items together (a collection of vases, art prints, or travel mementos)
Glass-front cabinets or étagères are ideal for showing off personality-packed pieces while keeping the display from feeling cluttered.
3. Mix Periods, Styles, and Cultures
Maximalist interiors draw from different eras and global influences to create a layered, curated aesthetic.
Pair a traditional roll-arm sofa with a modern marble coffee table
Use rattan or cane pieces alongside antique woods or lacquer finishes
Layer in Moroccan poufs, Indian block prints, or African mud cloths
Embrace global patterns in wallpaper or textiles for added dimension
This blend of styles creates visual interest and depth, essential to any maximalist design scheme.
Furniture’s Role in Maximalism
Furniture is the anchor of every maximalist room—it brings scale, shape, and texture to the space. In 2025, look for furniture that makes a statement in both form and finish. Consider custom order furniture options to get just the right upholstery print and color choices to suit your aesthetic.
Statement Sofas: Bold colors, curved silhouettes, and plush fabrics like velvet or mohair
Mix-and-Match Seating: Upholster dining chairs in multiple prints or colors for an eclectic twist
Ornate Wood Pieces: Hand-carved consoles or vintage-inspired sideboards offer intricate detail
Bookshelves and Display Cabinets: Perfect for organizing while still putting your collections on full view
Layered furniture groupings (such as a chaise beside a lounge chair and ottoman) make a room feel elevated yet lived-in, not showroom-perfect—which is exactly the goal of eclectic maximalism.
Design Tips for a Curated Maximalist Look
Want to avoid the feeling of visual chaos? These tips will help guide your maximalist makeover.
Create Focal Points: Anchor each room with one or two show-stopping pieces (like a large painting or patterned sofa), then build out around them.
Embrace Symmetry in Asymmetry: While a room may look like a free-spirited mix, it often has a balanced underlying structure. Use symmetry in the form of paired chairs, matching sconces, or mirroring artwork.
Use Rugs to Ground the Room: A large-scale rug with bold patterns can help connect furniture pieces and create cohesion.
Let the Walls Speak: Think gallery walls with mixed frames, bold murals, or dramatic wallpaper. Even ceilings are getting in on the action, with painted treatments or wallpaper overhead.
Maximalism and Sustainability
Interestingly, maximalism aligns beautifully with more sustainable design practices. In a world increasingly conscious of waste, this style celebrates reuse and reinvention.
Choose high-quality pieces built to last and layer over time
Reupholster existing pieces in new fabrics
Repurpose heirlooms or flea market finds in updated settings
Maximalism isn't about buying more—it’s about loving what you have and making space for pieces that matter.
Is Maximalism Right for You?
Maximalist interior design isn’t about adopting someone else’s aesthetic—it’s about defining your own. Whether you lean toward playful color, nostalgic antiques, or rich pattern combinations, this design trend gives you the freedom to embrace your creativity and showcase your personality through every layer of your space.
If you're not sure where to start or how to pull your ideas together, you don’t have to go it alone. Visit a Gabberts store near you to work with an expert designer who can help you bring your own version of maximalism to life. With curated collections, custom furniture options, and a deep understanding of how to layer design with purpose, our team is here to make your space as bold and beautiful as you are.
