Image Courtesy of Library of the Stieglitz Museum Maximalism continued to wax and wane along with its counter-movement 'minimalism', following economic booms and recessions, and the quintessential chase of the shiny new thing. After a few decades of obscurity, the style reemerged in Victorian-era homes as a form of self-expression and identity. The trend can be traced back to 16th-century Europe, when the wealthy made public their taste of excess through paintings of heavily furnished chambers. Much like the design style itself, the history of maximalism is layered with influences.

Unlike cancel culture or viral internet trends, Gen Z did not invent maximalism. Maximalism also promotes a decolonized view of design by bringing back elements that were too 'kitsch' for those previously in power. Today, most eclectic rooms take inspiration from the Memphis movement and postmodern styles. An accumulation of plants, paintings, collections, and souvenirs polish off the look while adding a layer of personality to the space. Pink of Quirk & Rescue duly reflects the maximalist mindset by saying 'You can never have too much of a good thing'.Ī post shared by Apartment Therapy interiors master the art of More is More by featuring contrasting elements in comprehensive palettes. In interior design, it manifests as a hyper-personal space that bursts with visual stimulation. As the name suggests, maximalism is all about maximizing everything from shades and textures to materials and forms. Its features mark the resurrection of a recurring trend - maximalism. The trend is pushing away once-reigning minimalism, shouting Venturi's Less is a Bore.Ī raucous design theme leaps over social media algorithms, collecting a growing following. They're bringing in a culture shift with organic shapes, colorful elements, and clashing patterns dominating art, media, fashion, and interior design. Gen Z proudly experiments with their identities, having grown up on an opinionated internet and through confusing lockdowns. With the onset of the 2020s, Gen Z is noticeably claiming their place in the world with bold perspectives and even bolder aesthetics.

Maximalist fashion