 Maximalist Dining Room What is Maximalism as an interior design style? Maximalism interior design is the biggest and boldest – you could even say, over the top – design style out there. This style incorporates layers upon layers of vibrant colors, patterns, textures, and meaningful items. “Maximalism takes your personal preferences and favorite pieces of art, furniture, treasures, and décor and dials it up to ten by having it all on display, in a coordinated fashion.” Mikael Short  To some, Maximalism looks like colorful chaos. While “more is more” is a central tenet of this style, it’s less about throwing all your favorite stuff in a bookcase and more about embracing your favorite decorative objects and incorporating them into a cohesive room. Brief History: While it seems to be popping up everywhere you look today, Maximalist Style is not a new concept. Wealthy people throughout history have showcased their wealth via Maximalist design. In the 16th century, “cabinets of curiosities” were popular décor elements. They began with animal and insect specimens, but as time went on, displays of objets d’art became popular. These cabinets became small, private museums showcasing the interests of their owners. Maximalism was embraced more widely in the Victorian era, with goods becoming more accessible and affordable. The Victorians added decorative objects, fabrics, draperies, rugs, wallpapers, textures, and color to every inch of their homes. As a culture, they invested in the idea that each person had their own personality, and the maximalist elements of their homes reflected an attempt to showcase their private selves to visitors.  Modern Buffet Mixed with Antique Mirrors & Lighting Is Maximalism “in?” In a word – yes!! During the Great Recession of 2008, Minimalism was embraced far and wide. But this strict “less is more” philosophy doesn’t allow for much personalization nor whimsey. As the economy began to improve and disposable income increased, it allowed for more of us to travel, collect art and artifacts, and other decorative objects. Maximalism has been especially embraced by younger generations, as it allows for a creative and personalized home design. And well-done Maximalism certainly makes for stunning Instagram photos (Another driver of its popularity). So how do you decorate your home in Maximalist style? Here are the seven guiding principles I used to create the Dining Room featured in this article. Core Principles of Maximalism:  This Dining Room Embodies the Core Principles of Maximalism Individuality Maximalism begins with individual expression. A well-done Maximalist room truly reflects the interests, tastes, and personalities of the homeowners. This Dining Room design example was inspired by one of the gorgeous Antique Murano chandeliers from Antique Resources’ new collection of over 70 antique and Murano objects. While it is a rendering only (strictly from my imagination – not a “real” room nor client at all), I began with the gorgeous and rich aubergine Murano chandelier and built my Dining Room around it. My favorite design challenge to address is creating designs that make antique and vintage pieces relevant and comfortable for modern living. This George III Mahagony table’s simple lines and rich deep color look beautiful as the chandelier is reflected in its glossy top. I paired it with shapely modern chairs from Caracole to bring comfortable seating designed for modern bodies. We reupholstered them in a lush raspberry velvet to heighten their visual impact. The rug is a custom wool and silk one inspired by Hinsdale artist Maureen Claffy’s original “Tide Pool” watercolor. The Francois & Co marble fireplace’s simplicity and beautiful lines paired with richly veined marble adds a modern element. The intricate French moldings on the wall are an homage to history but modernized in a vibrant blue (Rocky Mountain Sky by Benjamin Moore). This entire dining room is an homage to my favorite color palette: jewel-toned and vibrant reds, pinks, blues, greens, with touches of pure white. Joy At the heart of good Maximalist style is joy! Designing your home is one of the ultimate forms of self-expression. Even when you bring in an interior designer, the finished room absolutely needs to be biographical of you and your family. I love Maximalism’s philosophy of bringing out all the objects that bring you joy. Whether that’s a fun kitschy souvenir picked up during an unscheduled road trip stop (that turned into a better day than the planned activities), or your first purchase of original art that really speaks to you, display it where you can see it. What elements in your home would it bring you joy to see on display every day? Every fall, I display a rather mediocre pumpkin painting I made at an enjoyable painting party with a group of my favorite women friends, I find the memories it evokes charming and its very full or heart-but not of talent execution charming as well. In this Dining Room, joy is found in surrounding myself and my guests with gorgeous French, English, and Italian antique pieces, rendered in my favorite jewel-toned color palette. This room reflects my taste down to the beautiful hydrangeas (my all-time favorite flower) in the centerpiece, arranged in another of my loves: classic blue and white porcelain. More is More In case I haven’t gotten this across yet, Maximalism’s guiding philosophy is “More is More.” It flies directly in the face of van der Roe’s dictum, “Less is more.” My personal design philosophy is that everything you love connects together. So why not bring out your favorites? They will have a common thread that can be teased out into a cohesive design.  Two Maison Jansen Chairs Flank an Antique Demilune Console Table Comfortable Maximalism is also about comfort. It’s not aiming at a hoarder-look. Include plenty of plush furnishings and comfortable places for guests to linger while exploring your treasures. In this dining room example, the two Maison Jansen chairs (from Antique Resources) are striking but are meant more as sculptural objects to delight the eye rather than accommodate the body at rest. So I placed them flanking an antique console table. They are ready for a quick perch, but the more comfortable modern dining chairs provide enough comfort to last through a dinner party. Layers Maximalism depends on artful layering of decorative items. In this dining room, the chandelier is designed to be the focal point – all else in the room supports its star status. From the lacquered Chantilly Lace ceiling reflecting it, to the modern art over the fireplace (I actually own this piece) with colors that tone with the chandelier, the layers in this room all serve to accentuate the chandelier. Even the custom area rug provides pattern and color that both sets off the chandelier and makes a strong enough statement on the floor to balance and ground the chandelier. The grouping of three favorite antique mirrors (all from Chairish) over the modern Caracole buffet, gives a fresh feel to them and they also reflect both the antique Murano table lamp (also from Antique Resources) and the chandelier.  This Maximalist Room Boasts Bold & Vibrant Color Bold & Vibrant Color Color figures largely in Maximalist design. What are your favorite colors? My theory is that we love the colors we look best in. (Yellow is pretty, but washes me out, so it’s never been my go-to color for my home – with the exception of Benjamin Moore’s Pale Straw – the yellow for people who say they don’t like yellow.) If you’re drawing a blank, go to your main clothes closet. Ignore the black, beige, and gray (that are so practical during a Chicago winter). What are your accent colors? Soft and lovely seafoam or bold and bright red? These are the colors to bring to your Maximalist room. Coherence Maximalism is the skillful layering of your favorites. Not just piling them on. An elegant discipline must be observed. Select one or perhaps two showstopping pieces to highlight and accentuate. All else, while lush, vibrant, and joyful, should serve that focal point or points. In this dining room – can we just call it my dining room by now? – all of my favorite colors, patterns, art, architectural elements, fabrics, rug, and furniture play together in support of that stunning antique Murano chandelier. Are you ready to add joyful play into your home? If this style appeals to you, please let us know why in the comments. And if you’d like to collaborate with Bellehaven Designs in creating your own vibrant and biographical Dining (or any other) Room, please call or email us to get started!! After all, our motto is: “We help busy professionals who are way too interesting to live in a boring home.”
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