How to begin to live as a maximalist!

Minimalism is trending and has been for quite a while, but that doesn't make maximalism any less valid as a design and living style. If you love the maximalist vibe but don't know where to start when it comes to embracing your style... here are a few tips from me as someone who has spent a decade transitioning from minimalist style to become a lover of all things maximalist. 

Embrace Color

Maximalism allows us to veer away from the neutral pallets that are a signature of minimalist influencers these days. But how do you begin to embrace and incorporate color into your spaces?

Think and explore color. In every way begin to notice color in the world around you.

What colors are you drawn to. Notice I said colors! You don't have to have one 'favorite color' you can have as many as you want or embrace the whole rainbow!

You don't have to rush into painting walls bold colors! Try adding color thru use of decor, curtains, or furniture.

Add Items You Love

Work on introducing maximalist elements to only one space whilst you find your personal style. 

What are you passionate about? Maximalism often includes collections or curated finds on display to showcase your personality. What items are you drawn to?

I collect vintage globes, sewing machines, mid century glassware and bakeware primarily but you can collect anything you want or simply curate a collection of items you love that may have nothing in common. 

Take Your Time

Don't expect your home to look like it came out of a home style magazine straight away, it can take years for a person to 'find' their personal style and curate a collection of beloved items, furniture and palettes.

Explore Others Interpretations

Check out Pinterest or hashtags on social media that will show you how others have interpreted maximalist design philosophy. 

Try these to start exploring on Instagram:

#maximalistdecor 

#maximaliststyle 

Maximalism Does Not Mean Disorganized

A lot of minimalist influencers misunderstand maximalism and think minimalist life is the only way to feel uncluttered and organized. Maximalism isn't about excess. Maximalism is about embracing what you are passionate about and not hiding your favorite belongings and your bold style. You CAN buy all the cool storage systems you want to! And be a super organized maximalist. So be VERY clear clutter and Maximalism are two quite different things. 

Are you still unsure if this lifestyle suits you?

Try being a seasonal maximalist... Begin with adding color and curated items to your home to suit a season (e.g. Christmas). That way you have a month to try the vibe and see if the color and curated feel suit you or make your space feel cluttered. 

Want to add color but don't want to paint a whole room, try a feature wall first to ensure you can live with the color and how it works in your space. 

Moving Forward

Once you embrace Maximalism every piece of furniture you buy is another chance to explore the use of color and how you can incorporate it into your space! But large pieces can be neutrals if you want to hedge your bets! It's okay to do what suits you! 

Don't just go buy one of everything at a home goods store, that's not going to ensure you have a home full of beloved items. It's hard to truly love items that don't "mean" something to you. Each of my collections is based on a love affair with all things vintage that was sparked by many hours thrift shopping with my mum. So the items are important to me because they not only capture the spirit of a bygone era but they also represent many beloved experiences thrift shopping with my mum. 

Use what you have when you can! Try refinishing furniture you have to add the color flair you seek. Look around, what do you own that you have been underestimating? Example: Do you have lots of books? They make great decor, curate a fabulous collection of books you love. 

The key is to cull what you don't love or can't repurpose and then slowly add elements that make your heart sing. Take it slow find your vibe and work towards a space that speaks to your soul.