By Sophie Marlowe
Maximalism has always had its fans thanks to its bold, expressive, and full-of-life characteristics. To such an extent that different versions of it have emerged in the interior design world, ranging from eclectic maximalism and whimsical maximalism to cluttercore and dopamine décor. And now, a new twist on this aesthetic has made its way onto the scene: tidy maximalism, a fresh take on the more-is-more mindset.
What is Tidy Maximalism?
Rather than throwing everything into one room, tidy maximalism focuses on intention. It blends the boldness and richness of traditional maximalist interiors with the restraint and organisation typically found in more curated design styles. Every object has its place and are arranged with purpose.
Tidy maximalism continues to celebrate the more-is-more mindset, but it’s controlled, styled, and edited. There’s an array of colour, texture, and pattern, but never to the point of overwhelming a room.
Why is it Trending Now?
After years of neutral colour palettes, decluttered homes, and minimalist interiors, people are craving a home that feels personal. But the full-blown maximalist look can also feel too busy and chaotic for everyday living, which is where tidy maximalism comes in.
Spreading over social media platforms, tidy maximalism is resonating with users who are decluttering without dulling their style. It fits right into the wave of mood-boosting décor trends, such as indoorphins and dopamine décor, while offering a sense of control and calm. It also aligns with lifestyle movements that people are taking to, like slow decorating, which encourages you to take time to build meaningful and cohesive spaces.
Why Choose Tidy Maximalism Over Traditional Maximalism?
Let’s be honest, traditional maximalism is fun and exciting, but it isn’t always practical. Visually overwhelming spaces can lead to mental fatigue, especially if you’re living and working in the same environment. And there’s a fine line between eclectic and exhausting.
Tidy maximalism keeps the fun while creating flow. It allows you to express your interests without compromising on functionality. Plus, it’s easier to clean, navigate, and update when your tastes inevitably change.
How to Embrace Tidy Maximalism at Home
Curate, Don’t Clutter: The goal is to tell a story. You’ll want to carefully select items that speak to you and spark joy. Whether it’s vintage finds, travel keepsakes, or a collection of books, find a way to style them intentionally in your home.
Layer with Intention: Maximalism thrives on layers, while tidy maximalism asks you to pause and plan. Instead of piling cushions, throws, and rugs together, think about it. Use contrasts to your advantage, allowing each layer to enhance the last. Think about smooth velvet against rough ceramics or structured furniture beside flowing curtains.
Create Thoughtful Zones: Rather than trying to fill every corner with décor, create moments instead. Think about a reading nook with a gallery wall, a bar cart with quirky glassware and coasters, or a hallway table styled with a funky lamp and groovy bowl. These styled pockets of interest give the eye somewhere to land and space to breathe. Remember, it’s not about filling every inch of your home; it’s about balance.
Use Furniture as Function and Frame: Furniture in a tidy maximalist home should be both beautiful and purposeful. Choose pieces with clean lines to contrast with the expressive layers around them. Consider a display cabinet with glass doors for your best ceramics or a modular sofa that offers comfort and a sculptural presence.
Ground the Space: With so much happening on top, your floors can play a crucial role in grounding the space. Consider how a warm engineered wood floor offers a neutral but elegant base that complements the maximalist décor. Alternatively, you can let your floor become part of the story with bold parquet LVT flooring.
Edit as You Go: Maximalism doesn’t mean hoarding everything. Instead, think about rotating your favourite pieces seasonally; this keeps things fresh while allowing different objects to shine in your home. Take a gallery wall, for example. It doesn’t have to stay static, as you can swap a few prints out every once in a while to revive an entire room.
But is Tidy Maximalism Worth It?
Tidy maximalism offers you the best of both worlds. It has the charm and personality of maximalist interiors as well as the liveability and clarity of a more minimal design. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and unique to you; qualities that suit modern lifestyles and tastes perfectly.
It’s a cost-effective aesthetic that leans into re-styling what you already own. It encourages sustainability by picking up interesting second-hand pieces and by refreshing your space, not replacing. Yes, it’s another trend, but it’s one that’s grounded in values that homeowners are actively seeking nowadays.
Author Bio:
Sophie Marlowe is a digital content writer and outreach executive for Luxury Flooring. She specialises in crafting engaging blogs on home improvement and home decor with a focus on flooring. Sophie writes handy how-tos, easy guides, and helpful comparisons, letting the reader be informed and inspired to take their home to the next level.
