If the pandemic has taught us anything at all, it’s that there is truly no place like home. Some say that our abodes act as extensions of our inner worlds, functioning like blank canvases for self-expression. Take Cara Delevingne’s playful Los Angeles mansion for example—a wondrous tropical-inspired cavern where each room is dedicated to an idiosyncratic theme. There is a room for everything: to play old-school poker games, to house her extensive collection of costumes for fancy dress parties and a secret passageway leading to a velvet-covered ‘party bunker’—equipped with a stripper pole and mirror-lined ceiling. It’s no wonder why Delevingne calls her home an adult playhouse.
Perhaps a myriad of themed rooms may be a little out of depth for the average homeowner, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t inject a little fun into our own homes. This is where the maximalist design ethos comes in. Think: quirky memorabilia and functional homeware with a heavier emphasis on fun. This more is more approach to decor is taking social media by storm, with users sharing eccentric interiors that are a far cry from minimalist trends of the past.
There is no limit to the number of statement pieces you can fit in a room, so go wild by curating a mashup of colours, textures and patterns—when it comes to designing a maximalist apartment, the usual rules don’t apply. Not sure how to start building a collection of kitsch pieces to display in your home? You’ve come to the right place—find our recommendations to start embracing your inner maximalist.
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Tablecloth from Gohar World
Designed by the Gohar art duo, this unconventional tablecloth is modelled after workwear. Lined with buttons and buttonholes, it’s a fashion-meets-food moment worth pulling out for your best dinner parties.
$355, available at Gohar World
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Umbrella stand from Fornasetti
Rather than leaving your brollies lying around, invest in an umbrella stand which doubles as a display of fine Italian architecture.
$1,637, available at Liberty London
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Candle from Lex Pott
Elevate your countertop with these sculptural candlesticks by Dutch designer Lex Pott which moonlight as candy canes.
$105, available at Farfetch
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Matchstick striker from Coming Soon
Functional and fun, this bright orange matchstick holder comes with a striker strip around the leg to help light up your candles.
$107, available at Coming Soon
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Mirror from Alexey Krupinin
In need of a bold statement piece to tie the room together? This one-of-a-kind surrealist mirror by Los Angeles-based artist Alexey Krupinin will ensure that your OOTDs stand out.
$1,651, available at The Artling
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Wall lamp from Warm Nordic
This romantic baby pink lamp is inspired by the roaring ’20s with its flapper style fringe.
$637, available at Finnish Design Shop
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Vase from Anissa Kermiche x Nodaleto
Y2k platforms are back in style, and this crimson vase is the perfect vessel for adding a bold pop of colour to your home.
$326, available at Farfetch
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Paperweight from Loewe
For those born without the gift of the green thumb, not to worry—this cactus will never die on you. Brighten up dreary stacks of documents with this calfskin paperweight in serene green tones paired with bright orange.
$750, available at Loewe
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Lamp from Seletti
Reminiscent of ’50s-inspired pop art, this statement lamp will bring any accent wall to life.
$399, available at Maison Marcel
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Candleholder from Laetitia Rouget
Introduce a little quirk into your candlelit dinners with this adorable artisanal candle holder, handcrafted in Portugal.
$286, available at Net-A-Porter
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Lamp from Hay
If you’re new to maximalism, this dome lamp inspired by Mongolian tents blends in seamlessly with every style of interior design.
$228, available on Smallable
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Wine jug from Quail
You’ll never have to go through a dull dinner again with this charming, rustic and playful bear wine jug.
$117, available at Liberty London
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Clock from George Nelson for Vitra
Spruce up your wall space with this multicoloured modernist clock, made from an intriguing combination of wood and metal.
$464, available at The Conran Shop
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Cocktail glass from Helle Mardahl
Akin to a piece of abstract art, this unique handmade glass is as good a display item as it is for sipping fun and fruity drinks with the girls.
$482, available at Helle Mardahl Studio
