What exactly is mindful maximalism? This is my interpretation of what some of the style gurus are predicting for 2025.
Maximalist colours mean vibrant, almost shouty, brightness. However, boldness and in-your-face colours are being rowed back a bit. So while pillar box red was the go-to trendy colour at the start of 2024 for maximalism fans, its use is becoming more nuanced and thoughtful. For example, a scarlet lamp shade in a neutral room, or red paint around the door lintel of a play room or study. There’s an injection of energy without being exhausting. And of course, when you’re tired of it, you can more easily change things than if you’ve got a whole wall (or walls!) to deal with. Painting out a bright colour is a real chore. Trust me. I’ve done that! (A couple of undercoats of grey work a treat)
In an interesting article on Elledecor.com, Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at WGSN, (one of the world’s top trend forecasting agencies) says that “..a more curated take to maximalism will remain relevant in 2025. This means focusing on the narrative, with a craft-driven and resourceful mix-and-match approach to pattern, material, and styling.”
So while maximalism itself is not going away, we will be more drawn to spaces that have been more thoughtfully put together. Telling a rich, warm story that intrigues and draws us in. Hence the title ‘Mindful Maximalism for 2025’
MarthaStewart.com agrees with this, quoting Cathleen Gruver, lead interior designer at Gruver Cooley Interiors, who says, “I think the biggest home décor trend that is on its way out is over-staging a home. You can tell when a room’s décor has been curated or looks more like something out of a department store vignette” The trend, therefore, is all about styling for you and what feels comfortable for your home, rather than having a styled room (like an Instagram picture)
What about those bold graphic patterns?
Patterns will always be in, but according to Christina Melander, interior designer and founder of Knotty Pine Design, design is tending to be more organic, with florals and botanicals gaining in popularity. Maybe that’s a sign that we’re all craving something more relaxed and peaceful in 2025. The joy of maximalism is that it allows people to explore bold patterns and rich textures to bring life to rooms that would otherwise be ‘beige’. In 2025 it will not be ‘on trend’ so much as joyful and personalised.
It is important, though, not to get too stuck on one particular theme, like maximalism, minimalism, rustic chic and so on. Curating your home to tell your story is so much more important, and likely to bring you much more lasting pleasure and satisfaction. Nostalgic items blending harmoniously with modern colours and patterns can work beautifully. It’s worth taking your time, perhaps even making a scrap book of pictures and patterns that you’ve come across, and work out how each room can be decorated in line with the function of that room and the ambience you want to create.
A friend has her bathroom decorated with wallpaper and paint using deep reds and golds, bronzed shower tiles, vintage lighting, candles and figurines. The effect is luxurious and even deliciously decadent. Another friend is in remission from cancer and needs her bedroom to be a restful, soothing space. So she has chosen soft sage green with dusky pink accessories for her theme. She loves Art Deco, so uses bright colourful pieces in her living areas to brighten and energise, without being overwhelming.
And that’s really where ‘mindful maximalism’ comes into its own. Giving those exciting ideas time to develop and evolve into what you will love in your home. There’s no rush!
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