Embrace the Chaos: What Maximalism is in Interior Design

If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like you’ve just stepped into the mind of a wild, free-spirited artist who doesn’t believe in the words “too much,” then you’ve had a taste of maximalism in interior design. A maximalist home isn’t just a trend; it’s a full-blown design style that laughs in the face of minimalist sensibilities and throws a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and personality at you all at once.

So, what is maximalism? It’s the bold, unapologetic love child of eclecticism and extravagance. Think walls adorned with art, shelves overflowing with curiosities, and furniture that screams for attention. If minimalism is the art of “less is more,” then maximalism is proudly proclaiming that “more is more—and it’s fabulous!” And it just might make your short term rental more money (see why below).

The Heart of Maximalism: Layers and Layers of Personality

At its core, maximalism is about self-expression. It’s the design equivalent of wearing all your favorite clothes at once because why choose? Bold wallpaper, for instance, is a key element that uses patterns and textures to create a vibrant and layered aesthetic. Your space becomes a curated museum of you—each piece, pattern, and texture telling a story about who you are. From vibrant wallpapers to mismatched yet harmonious furniture, maximalism is about layering your personality into every nook and cranny.

But don’t be fooled into thinking maximalism is just about throwing everything you own into a room. There’s an art to the chaos. Maximalism is about intentionality. It’s about knowing how to blend colors that clash in just the right way or pairing patterns that would make a minimalist clutch their pearls but somehow, in the world of maximalism, work together like a symphony.

For an airBNB space, maximalist design style can set your listing apart from other short term rental properties and cater to the more eclectic traveler. And let’s be honest, they are just plain fun to look at.

Color Explosion: The Maximalist Palette and Bold Wallpaper

Forget muted tones and neutrals; maximalism is all about the bold and the bright.

Ashley DeLapp, a prominent interior designer, emphasizes the bold and intentional use of colors in maximalist design. Jewel tones, vibrant pinks, deep blues, emerald greens—maximalism encourages you to embrace the entire rainbow.

And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to choose just one! Layer those colors, clash them, mix them up until they create a lively, electric atmosphere that energizes you the moment you walk in.

But it’s not just about the walls. Think colorful furniture, patterned rugs, and even bright, playful ceiling designs. Maximalism encourages you to explore the full potential of every surface in your home.

We like wallpaper from places like wallism, they are easy to get, come in stick and peel options, and just shopping for wallpaper on this site is a visual adventure.

Short term rental owners often opt for beige and muted colors because they want their space to be aesthetically “accessible”, clean lines, modern and minimalist touches. Maximalist design is a host’s best friend for subverting norms and drawing attention to your listing.

Pattern Play: The More, the Merrier in Maximalist Design

Stripes with florals? Sure. Animal print with polka dots covering entire homes? Absolutely. In the maximalist world, patterns are your playground, and there are no rules. Incorporating unique artwork can enhance the overall aesthetic and personalization of the space.

Mix and match to your heart’s content. It’s all about creating a visual feast that’s as unpredictable as it is cohesive.

The key is balance—finding that sweet spot where the patterns complement each other rather than compete.

It’s like a dance of textures and prints that come together to create a space that’s vibrant, lively, and utterly unique.

Curated Chaos: The Maximalist Collection

If you’re a collector at heart, maximalism is your best friend.

Maximalism can be applied throughout entire short term rentals, allowing each room to showcase a unique blend of eclectic and abundant decor.

Maximalist spaces are often filled with an eclectic mix of objects, from vintage finds to modern art, quirky knick-knacks to sentimental heirlooms.

The more, the better. But again, it’s about intentionality.

Maximalism is about curating your collections in a way that tells a story. It’s not just about cramming everything you own into a room but about creating a space where each item has its moment in the spotlight, yet together, they create a harmonious narrative.

Particularly for short term rentals who want to add their own native charm to their property, maximalism allows you the freedom of expression in your property without offending any would-be guests.

Breaking the Rules (And Loving It) for Short Term Rentals

Maximalism thrives on breaking the rules. In recent years, maximalism has experienced a significant resurgence, driven by economic recovery and shifting cultural preferences. It’s about rejecting the notion that less is more and instead reveling in the beauty of abundance. It’s for the brave and the bold, for those who see their home as a canvas and every piece of furniture, every art piece, as a stroke of creative genius.

With the proliferation of rentals that look like all the other properties out there, this design trend just might be the answer to create a truly standout listing.

The strong presence of colors and varied textures make your STR photography easy to differentiate your listing.

This bold sense of style will communicate to travelers that your listing is amazing and subconsciously suggests that your guests will have a fun time. This is psychology at work.

So, if you’ve ever felt stifled by the minimalist trend of airBNB properties, or found yourself yearning for a home that feels alive with personality and vibrancy, maximalism might just be your calling.

Embrace the chaos, layer your personality into every corner, and let your space be a reflection of the beautifully messy, vibrant life you lead.

In a world that’s constantly telling you to tone it down, maximalism is the glorious, spunky shout to turn it up—and then some.

For hosts who love to thrift, craft and barter, this design trend just might be the best for your short term rental listing. Use this design trend to stick out from the rest and let your STR guests be amazed at what a fun host you are.