In an era of Instagram aesthetics, where personalities often express themselves through perfected images of their lifestyle, maximalism offers a form of rebellion against the stark, neutral palette of minimalism.
The 20th century saw a swing between these design ideologies, notably the bold maximalism of the 1980s and the clean minimalism that dominated the 1990s. Today, maximalism’s resurgence speaks to a desire for character, richness, and creative expression. For years, the “less is more” mantra ruled interior design, fashion, and art. However, in contrast to minimalism, maximalism is a celebration of boldness — patterns clashing, colors exploding, and objects carefully curated to tell the stories of a space.
Maximalist art invites viewers to explore compositions brimming with life, where every layer holds a memory, cultural reference, or subtle detail waiting to be discovered. It appeals to a “more is more” sensibility that welcomes richness and intricacy, fostering an intimate, evolving interaction between space and design. The style emphasizes visual stimulation, often including an abundance of textures and silhouettes that create an immersive and sometimes overwhelming experience.
In the visual arts, maximalism has manifested as intricate detailing, combining a multitude of elements into a single piece. Artists often explore themes of identity, consumer culture, and eclecticism. They challenge ideas of “good taste” by drawing on pop culture, nostalgia, and historical art references. It creates a sense of controlled chaos, encouraging viewers to engage with art in a multi-dimensional way.
This aesthetic has flourished not only in homes but in larger cultural trends, reflecting the current societal desire for individuality, personal expression, and a break from the constraints of simplicity. While this design philosophy feels particularly striking in today’s minimalist world, it is deeply rooted in the historical flow of artistic movements.
The Rises and Falls of Maximalism
Maximalism’s current renaissance is just the latest rendition in the ongoing historical swing between the extremes of minimalism and maximalism, both in art and design. This dynamic has swung back and forth across centuries, with each style emerging as a direct contrast to the prevailing tastes of the time.
The drastic shift from Classical to Hellenistic art mirrors this recurring dance, both in what they stood to portray and their visuals. The Classical period of Ancient Greece was defined by its pursuit of ideal beauty, especially through the depiction of the idealized, emotionless, and perfect human form. In this, restraint and simplicity were celebrated — in this, minimalism shined. In contrast, the Hellenistic period began to experiment with emotion, drama, and realism. Artists depicted a broader range of human experience, capturing the depth and imperfections of ordinary people in a more authentic manner. In this, expressiveness, individuality, and the diversity of life were celebrated — and minimalism fell.
The Baroque and Rococo periods were defined by their dynamic, theatrical, and often ornate styles, moving away from the serenity of earlier artistic movements. Baroque art, with its dramatic use of light and shadow and grand, sweeping forms, sought to evoke awe and convey movement. The Rococo period, while sharing Baroque’s affinity for garniture, softened the intensity with playful, decorative, and whimsical elements that celebrated lightheartedness and leisure. This shift towards exuberance came in stark contrast to the orderly ideals of the Italian Renaissance, prioritizing balance, harmony, and proportion, championing perfection and precision in its art and architecture.
In the 19th century, Neoclassicism brought another return to order and simplicity, yet, this era of restraint was countered by the rise of Romanticism, showcasing powerful, chaotic scenes that resonated with the spirit of individuality. In this way, these were not isolated movements but rather two sides of the same coin. As history shows, maximalism’s unapologetic celebration of abundance is just as timeless as the desire for simplicity, with each serving as a necessary counterbalance to the other. They don’t just coexist — they mutually fuel each other, sparking the flame of their respective expressions. Each style responds to and challenges the other, igniting a dynamic interplay that drives the evolution of design and art. When one begins to dominate, the other rises as a reaction, creating a push and pull that amplifies the distinctiveness of both.
Escapism and Self-Expression
While maximalism has deep historical roots, its modern rendition represents something different. In the past, maximalism served to emphasize ornamentation with richly decorated environments and eclectic collections of objects to reflect wealth. However, in recent years, maximalism has been used less as a symbol of status and wealth. Instead, it allows people to express personality, resourcefulness, and streetstyle.
The spirit and visual aesthetic of today’s maximalism are influenced by the Harajuku style. Harajuku emerged in Tokyo during the 1990s and 2000s as a rebellion against traditional norms. The Fruits magazine that was founded by Shoichi Aoki in 1997 played a pivotal role in spreading Harajuku globally. The street style showcased in Fruits was highly individualistic, featuring vibrant colors, vintage pieces, and a plethora of accessories. They incorporate elements of different cultures and eras, mixing all these time periods together to create a very particular yet broad and interpretive aesthetic.
In the modern world of maximalism, the layering of shapes, forms, and objects serves as more than mere decoration. People have been yearning to personalize their spaces or styles with items that bring them comfort. For many, creating a maximalist environment is a form of creating a personal sanctuary — an immersive space where they can escape the constraints of a minimalist, simplistic world, embracing a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that has a life of its own. These spaces evolve into extensions of one’s inner self, filled with pieces that reflect their tastes, dreams, and stories.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make one feel alive. For a maximalist, these things are stitched, weaved, and embedded into their rooms so deeply that it is almost possible to feel a pulse of life in the environment. They do not need flawless spaces; only their own space with quiet memories to make them feel at home.
“I always hated the idea of erasing the color in my room as I grew up,” said Jhuwon Jung ’26, a high school maximalist. “I was expected to clear out and minimize crowding to give it a more ‘aesthetic’ look; however, I was drawn to the crowded or even messy look of a room, as I feel it truly reflects my vibrancy and unique individualism. Minimalism feels very restrictive to me, and surrounding myself with the things I love truly brings me comfort.”
Beyond breaking design conventions, maximalism creates spaces that foster deep emotional connections, transforming rooms into reflections of passions, travels, and untold stories. This unapologetic celebration of individuality offers a refreshing separation from societal expectations and trends, empowering people to embrace who they truly are. It becomes a journey of self-discovery, of piecing together elements that reflect an authentic identity, allowing one’s space to communicate something unique.
In a world that often prizes conformity, maximalism represents a break from the ordinary, a form of self-expression that resists commodification. Unlike standardized styles, maximalism isn’t something that can be easily replicated or sold, as each person’s interpretation is as unique as their own experiences.
“There must be a connection to your art,” said Jung, “or the aesthetic will feel soulless and empty. Every person is unique, and it is impossible to replicate another’s expression in maximalism.” Each item a maximalist selects holds a unique significance and character, creating a visual autobiography that is difficult to commercially replicate. Here, the aesthetic serves as both a personal refuge and a statement of individuality, inviting viewers to see beyond surface-level beauty standards to the soul and story within.
More Than Just an Aesthetic
An aesthetic refers to a visual style that guides the presentation of art, fashion, or designs, often characterized by particular colors, patterns, or themes. It influences how things look and the emotional response they evoke. While it is true that maximalism is marked by aspects such as bold colors and intricate patterns, it goes beyond visual expression. It is more of a lifestyle and subculture. Lifestyle reflects a more panoramic approach to personal identity and an individual’s day-to-day decisions. The personal expression in maximalism integrates itself into a maximalist’s overall way of living, including their values, habits, and interests.
Maximalism encourages individuals to embrace their unique tastes and experiences, allowing them to curate their environments in ways that reflect their personalities. This commitment to self-expression translates into how people dress, decorate their homes, and even engage with art and culture. One would be unable to define themselves by an aesthetic. Although one might prefer certain aesthetics, aesthetics are inherently fluid, allowing individuals to explore and switch between different styles as they evolve and change. Aesthetics can be adapted to reflect fleeting trends or current moods. One’s core self is significantly more difficult to change. This distinction becomes particularly apparent when it comes to clothing and personal style.
For many, the clothes they wear are an extension of their personality. When outfits resonate with who they are and how they feel, it feels genuine and authentic. Conversely, if someone tries to adopt a particular style simply because it’s trendy or popular, it often feels forced or disingenuous. It becomes a superficial representation that lacks depth. This is especially true for maximalism, where the beauty lies in its embrace of individuality and personal narrative. In its essence, maximalism thrives on authenticity and meaningful curation that resonates with the creator. “Maximalism is all about intention, not just filling space for the sake of it. It’s about the story that comes with it. The trick is to focus on what truly sparks joy, resonates with you personally, or reflects your personality, and let everything else follow naturally,” said Jung.
Living a maximalist lifestyle means celebrating complexity and richness in all aspects of life, rejecting societal pressures, and promoting a sense of empowerment. Through social media and various communities, maximalism has become a subculture that fosters a sense of belonging among those who share similar values of abundance and creativity. People can share the stories behind their curated spaces, reflecting histories, memories, and connections. Every object tells a story and adds to the foundation of a maximalist’s personal sanctuary.
“There must be a connection to your art,” said Jhuwon Jung ’26, “or the aesthetic will feel soulless and empty. Every person is unique, and it is impossible to replicate another’s expression in maximalism.”