The Return of Maximalism: Why Minimalism Is Losing Its Grip
For nearly two decades, minimalism reigned as the dominant interior trend. It promised calmness, clarity, and a clutter-free mind. But something interesting is happening in the design world: maximalism is making a loud comeback, both visually and culturally. The debate is intensifying as homeowners ask whether minimalism was ever truly livable or merely aspirational design theatre. The shift is backed by data. Pinterest Predicts reported a 350% increase in searches for “eclectic room décor,” “mix-and-match furniture,” and “bold pattern combinations” between 2022 and 2024. At the same time, the National Retail Federation found that home-decor spending on non-essentials, such as art, collectables, and vibrant accessories, grew by 19% in a single year. Designers argue that this signals emotional fatigue with pared-back spaces. “Minimalism looks peaceful but often feels empty,” says interior psychologist Lily Bernbaum. So the question arises: were we ever meant to live surrounded by almost...
