Building my case for Maximalism
"Maddy knew who she was from a very young age..." someone that's obsessed with maximalism. Whilst everyone is loving Japandi, Minimalism, Modernism, and hey me too! But...
Maximalism will always hold the biggest, sweetest spot in my heart, and I’m here to make a case for it. Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve loved the fun and the bold in life, from art to sculptures and everything in between. As I grew up, this passion expanded to other areas—first clothing, and now furniture. When people around me are redecorating their homes, they often ask, “What do you like?” and the first thing that pops into my mind is a leopard-print sofa, usually met with a confused look.
Fair enough, animal print might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but let me tell you why, in my eyes, maximalism is the best way to showcase your personality in your own space. Sure, I get it—your home is your temple, and keeping it clean and simple is great. I love a little limewash on the walls, for instance, but I want my house to feel like a museum, like I’ve lived a full life. Every time I browse Architectural Digest (more often than I should!), I fall in love with homes that have character. From the history you can see in the exterior to the interior filled with art from around the world, rugs that have absorbed the scents of distant places, and a coffee table loaded with memorabilia—I adore it all. You might be thinking, “So, is she a hoarder?”
Maybe I am—but a hoarder of amazing memories! As I sit here typing this, I’m surrounded by items from around the world, each one sparking a cherished memory. And here’s a PSA: if something in your home holds a sad memory, get rid of it! No need to keep that artwork your ex gave you.
Aside from my hoarding tendencies, there’s something fun and childlike about designing your house to look exactly how you want it. It’s your space. Remember when you played with Barbies or built houses in The Sims? This is your real-life version of that! You come home every day to relax, so why not make it a place that makes you smile?
We tend to worry too much about keeping our homes as “normal” as possible—“Is this too much? Is this too weird?” But have we forgotten that it's our house? We get to come home to it. So make it weird. Make it as big and bold as you want, as long as it’s what you want your home to be.
I’m someone who holds onto memories. I write in journals and glue in little photos, cards, and mementoes. Memories are beautiful—they make us feel grateful for the lives we’ve lived and excited for the ones we’ll continue to live. So why not fill your home with these memories? Share them with visitors or simply enjoy them yourself, especially if you’re like me, working from home and glancing around the room.
Of course, even in minimalist styles like Japandi, there’s room for meaningful memories. I just personally love walking into a funky house and thinking, “This is so you.” Whether it’s a wall full of art, framed photos and notes, a carpet from Marrakesh, or masks from Panama, I enjoy seeing where my friends have been and how it shows in their homes. So that’s my case for maximalism—I hope I’ve convinced a few of you to consider that leopard-print sofa!
Stay cozy,
Denise