For years, the “less is more” philosophy has offered a sense of calm and order in our homes, and to be fair, its appeal is timeless. However, there has been a significant shift toward spaces that celebrate vibrant color, intricate patterns, and a deeper sense of personal expression. This is where the joyful trend of maximalism comes in. And its most powerful tool is a stunning maximalist wallpaper.
What Exactly is Maximalist Wallpaper?
Let’s be clear: maximalism isn’t about chaos or clutter. It’s the art of curated excess. Think of it as a gallery wall of your favorite art, but for your entire room. Maximalist wallpaper is the foundation of this look, and it’s defined by its fearless use of:
Bold, Saturated Colors: From deep jewel tones like emerald and sapphire to vibrant magentas and sunny yellows.
Large-Scale Patterns: Think oversized botanicals, dramatic damasks, intricate chinoiserie, or bold geometric prints.
Rich Textures & Finishes: Many designs incorporate metallic sheens, flocked details, or grasscloth textures for added depth.
Maximalism is a thoughtful mix of color, pattern, and form. This trend is a direct reflection of that philosophy. Moving away from universally liked, but impersonal spaces, toward homes that are layered, interesting, and completely unique.
How to Use Maximalist Wallpaper (Without it Overwhelming Your Space)
The key to this trend is to be intentional. Here’s how you can introduce maximalist wallpaper into your own home.
This bathroom wallpaper is a great example of adding some personality into a small space. The green cabinets add richness and add to the various shades of green in the wallpaper. It’s both fun and fresh.
Start Small: The Powder Room or Feature Wall
If you’re hesitant, a small space is the perfect laboratory for experimentation. A powder room is a classic choice because it’s a self-contained area where you can be daring without impacting the entire home’s aesthetic.
An accent wall behind a bed, in a dining nook, or along a hallway also provides a powerful dose of personality. This is the perfect way to experiment with a maximalist wallpaper you love without committing to a full room.
Full Impact: The All-Over Application
Ready to make a BIG statement? Covering all four walls in a bedroom, dining room, or office creates a truly immersive and luxurious experience.
The key to a successful all-over maximalist wallpaper application is balance. Let the wallpaper be the star and keep other large elements, like a sofa or bedding, in a solid, complementary color drawn from the pattern.
Try Unique Design Placements
If adding wallpaper to your walls still feels too daunting, consider these creative alternative applications:
The back of a bookshelf or inside a glass-front cabinet.
As a unique kitchen backsplash (protected by a sheet of glass).
On the ceiling, for added texture or colour in an unexpected place.
Pairing Maximalist Wallpaper with Cabinetry
As a cabinet manufacturer, this is where we see the most exciting transformations. The right cabinetry can either ground a bold wallpaper or amplify its effect.
For Bold Wallpaper: Crisp white, soft gray, or deep navy cabinets create a sophisticated anchor, allowing the maximalist wallpaper to truly shine without competing. The clean lines of a modern cabinet door provide a beautiful contrast to an intricate pattern.
For a Cohesive Look: Pull a secondary color from your wallpaper pattern and use it for your cabinet paint. A sage green cabinet paired with a botanical wallpaper, for example, creates a seamless and expertly designed look.
- Color Drenching: match a bold saturated wallpaper with the cabinets for all over color impact.
This regal bathroom boasts botanical wallpaper, adding that “more is more” richness to the space. Grey-blue cabinetry contrasts from the warm tones in the room and adds a historical inspired femininity to the matching vanities.
Ultimately, the maximalist wallpaper trend is about finding what you love and displaying it with confidence. Whether you start with a single accent wall or envelop an entire room in a breathtaking pattern, it’s a chance to move beyond the expected and create a home that tells your story, one vibrant pattern at a time.
