MAXIMALISM
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Abbeygate Lighting abbeygatelighting.co.uk
Abigail Borg abigailborg.com
Alternative Flooring alternativeflooring.com
Annie Sloan anniesloan.com
Furniture Village furniturevillage.co.uk
Glasswells glasswells.co.uk
Iliv iliv.co.uk
Joules Lighting by Där Lighting darlighting.co.uk/joules
The Monkey Puzzle Tree themonkeypuzzletree.com
Mustard Made mustardmade.com
POP ART The Lowdown in Butter by Mustard Made (above), Alternative Flooring’s Candy Pinwheel Apple carpet and wool Candy Cane Floss bespoke rug with a Tramlines Prague border (right)
wrong,” cautions Samantha-Jane. “Edit first, then display. Group objects by material or tone rather than just filling surfaces, since it’s the breathing space between pieces that makes each one readable.” Open shelving can be a good solution when dealing with objects. “It doesn’t just create much-needed storage but also provides a canvas for your maximalist look as it’s an opportunity to put your favourite pieces on display, from colourful artwork to patterned vases,” shares Shelley, adding: “To maintain cohesion with the rest of the room, be sure to choose art and accessories in colours that complement the furniture you already have within the space.” Finally, Peter Legg, lead designer at Där Lighting, provides some guidance on casting your maximalist spaces in the most favourable light, while embracing elements of maximalist style. “Choosing statement colour fittings and multicoloured or patterned finishes will add complexity and depth to the space, without having to completely redesign the room,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to play with the colour, texture and shape of your lighting pieces; by playing with scale and material you can add statement pops of personality that don’t compromise on functionality. A
pick a large-scale pattern as your focal fabric, the second should be half the scale of the first, such as a large floral paired with a plaid or geometric pattern. The third can then be similar to either of the first two, but using matching colours. When mixing two or three patterns, it’s a good idea to also break them up with clever use of plains – either as cushions, trims or borders,” Debbie explains. For many, clashing patterns or simply introducing more than one print may not come naturally, but this is a chance to have fun. “If you are unsure, try looking at companion fabric books, which have been chosen by fabric companies as pre- mixed harmonious patterns,” suggests Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring. “Alternatively, try collecting samples and creating a mood board to ensure everything works together before starting on the actual room.” Be brave Maximalist rooms will often display a collection of some kind – whether it be art, objects or accessories – unashamedly on full display. But once again, to avoid clutter, curation is key. “Collections are where maximalism most often goes
bold, patterned pendant shade enlivens the room, while introducing colourful lamps helps colour drench an area, and adding striking metallic wall lights brings texture and depth to your walls. These final touches will make the space feel vibrant and eclectic while remaining cohesive.” It’s important to remember that playfulness and experimentation are essential, but whether it’s done through repetition, thinking about scale or careful display, make sure to try and find some method in the madness. As Shelley says: “The key is confidence. Whether pairing stripes with florals or animal prints with geometrics, when curated with intention, the chaos becomes harmony.”
70 JUNE 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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