In the ever-evolving landscape of interior design, trends come and go, each reflecting the cultural spirit of its time. With the turn of the 21st century, there was a notable shift in design styles as the iconic textures and vibrant colors of the 80’s and 90’s were gradually stripped away, giving rise to the white walls of the minimalist movement. One trend has emerged as a bold rebuttal to the prevailing ethos of less is more: moody maximalism.
Defined by its rich colors, dark hues, intricate patterns, and eclectic mix of furnishings, moody maximalism represents a departure from the stark simplicity and clean lines of minimalist design. Instead, it celebrates the beauty of excess, embracing a more-is-more approach that prioritizes individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Where we might understand minimalism as a statement against overconsumption, maximalism isn’t so much about consumption, but curation – the living space as a personal museum of beloved objects old and new.
Understanding Minimalism and its Impact
The minimalist lifestyle and design movements were heavily inspired by the clean lines, natural materials, and functional aesthetic of Scandinavian design, emphasizing simplicity, decluttering, and the elimination of excess. Marie Kondo’s bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” further popularized the concept, promoting the idea of keeping only items that “spark joy” and decluttering our homes to create a sense of calm and order. Assigning and naming the value of empty space paired with the Shinto-inspired animist appreciation for objects left behind were groundbreaking concepts. While Marie Kondo offers a sense of serenity and clarity in her approach, many readers faced a startling roadblock in their allegedly magical tidying journey—what if abundance truly does spark joy?
Enter maximalism—an antidote to the sterility of minimalism that celebrates rich textures, excess and an almost sensuous level of individuality. “Moody” or dark maximalism rejects minimalism’s emphasis on restraint in favor of emotional resonance and expressive design. It revels in drama and extravagance, inviting us to curate spaces full of items that “spark joy”.
The Rise of Moody Maximalism
Perhaps influenced by a pandemic-isolation yearning for introspection, the last four years have seen a turn toward the dark and brooding. Characterized by its deep colors and generous use of wall art, Moody Maximalism is reminiscent of a Harry Potter-flavored dark academia reimagining of Victorian interiors. One hallmark of the style is the use of deep, saturated paint color such as jewel tones, dark blues, deep greens, and velvety blacks, which imbue spaces with a sense of opulence and luxury. The popular “millennial green velvet couch” epitomizes the lush, old-world aesthetic of maximalist interiors, serving as a statement piece that anchors the room in rich color and texture.
Moody maximalism often leans into gothic territory, reflected in the incorporation of romantic art and classic paintings evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. A total rejection of self-aware postmodern irony, moody maximalism embraces heartfelt expression and a genuine adoration for borderline kitschy art and objects that have become high ticket thrift store finds in recent years. A fairly recently formed Facebook group devoted to Moody Maximalism has amassed over 400,000 members sharing some seriously stunning interiors and objects. The group has even begun influencing its own trend cycles -including an absolute frenzy for a rococo inspired three-ring wall mirror, leading users to begin to scour their local marketplace to grab their own version of “THE mirror” and triumphantly post their prize hung proudly on home gallery walls.
Embracing the Maximalist Mindset
In the vast landscape of maximalist content on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, one striking characteristic stands out: the reliance on antique, vintage, and thrifted items. It’s rare to see a thoughtfully decorated space without an eclectic mix of treasures from various eras and styles. This emphasis on incorporating unique and storied pieces speaks to the heart of maximalism—an embrace of individuality and a celebration of the stories and personal significance behind each object.
Whether it’s a vintage velvet armchair inherited from a grandparent or a quirky thrift store find, every item has a place in the maximalist living room, contributing to its rich tapestry of history and personality. These interests can be incorporated into maximalist decor in a way that isn’t easily facilitated by other design trends – one can proudly display their collection of cottagecore mushroom-patterned bakeware with the same reverence as their grandmother’s Royal Doulton figurines. You could proudly display your Royal Doulton figurines, too.
Ultimately, moody maximalism’s rise reflects a desire for authenticity and emotional resonance in design. The flourishing of moody maximalist content and communities indicates how much this design philosophy is informed by desire for connection and genuine expression. Embracing the maximalist mindset means celebrating the unique stories behind each cherished item and its owner, inviting us to revel in the beauty of abundance and the power of self-expression.
Tags: antiques, design, maximalism
