Maximalism never goes out of style,possibly because it refuses to be homogenous, barren, spare, or milk-toasty. It’s a kind of all-out design motif fueled by artistic expression,ever underscored by a more-is-more philosophy. Full of harmony despite the vastness of its moving parts, it’s art without boundaries. Bold, dramatic, opulent, chromatic, and glamorous, maximalism isn’t new. Its roots can be seen in the Baroque era. Look also to Victorian excesses, as well as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and, of course, to the grand epoch of Hollywood Regency, a mid-century modern trend that mirrored the heady lifestyle of silver screen stars. Having a moment again,especially in hospitality, maximalism stands out as the opposite of stark minimalism, a movement meant to impart blank canvas vibes. While calm and uncluttered, its spartan approach can end up feeling cold and impersonal. By contrast, maximalism, especially in a hotel, invites dreamlike whimsy. It embraces a cornucopia of patterns, vintage items, slick and rough textures, vivid hues, and layers galore. Created from the designer’s own highly curated viewpoint, decorative excess has no rules. There’s not a whiff of Marie Kondo in its abundance, though there’s nothing chaotic in its largesse. Read the full article through this link. This story ran in our 2026 magazine. Each week, we will share one story from it in our newsletter. To buy a physical copy, visit our subscription store here. |
