THE TOP EXPLOSIVE 2025/2035 TREND COMING BACK: MAXIMALIST

As you know, AvidaLab deals with art, marketing and branding, studying the new fascinating intersections with artificial intelligence. With the birth of AvidaLab Studio in December 2024, we have immersed ourselves in the spectacular possibilities that Artificial Intelligence offers to design projects. AI design as a new frontier of contemporary art gives us great satisfaction. The new edition of the newsletter talks about the explosion of MAXIMALIST as the new 2025/2035 returning trend in Art, Design, Fashion, and all kind of creative expression. GenZ seems to be the most influenced generation from this movement that have roots in the 16th century.

I decided to concentrate the Newsletter on Maximalism impact on Design new trends. Also Fashion has been influenced since the 80s by the returning 'more is more' movement that will come back drastically in 2025 but I will leave this insight to experts of the Fashion field.

What are the origins of MAXIMALIST Design?

In the 17th and 18th centuries, interior designers were across Europe were working with the Baroque design style, characterised by formal, highly decorated interiors with gilded accents in bronze and brass, fine art, sculptures, intricate tapestries, hand-painted ceilings, and impressive chandeliers. This design period gave way to the Rococo style, followed by Neoclassicism.

While Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism all contain aspects of maximalism by curating impressive interiors on a large scale, it was not until the mid-19th century that the Victorian era achieved a truly maximalist look by mixing art, objects, colours and prints across time.

In the Victorian era, these maximalist elements reflected an intense need and desire to express their identities - resulting in highly curated spaces that were filled with the items, colours, and prints that they loved.

One of the fundamental concepts that has shaped our understanding of maximalism is the kunstkammer or Wunderkammer, translated from German as a “cabinet of curiosities”. These cabinets were popularised in the 16th century, containing marvels such as exotic artworks, preserved specimens and eclectic artifacts from around the world. The intention of the Wunderkammer was to provoke awe and naturally spark conversation – a concept maximalists continue to champion.

While the wunderkammer itself may largely have gone out of style, the intentions behind it remain the same for a new generation of interior designers. Mementos and souvenirs still play a special role in our interiors today – particularly for fans of the maximalist interior design style.

In recent years, the rise of social media has led to a resurgence of Maximalist style with the coining of new terms including grandmillennial, dark academia, cottagecore, and dopamine decor. These interior design trends all appeal to the same fascination with the Wunderkammer, creating interiors with items that are loved and cherished. catch the eye amongst the rich fabrics, colours, and patterns.

How do we define the design philosophy of maximalist interiors?

Maximalist is all about the concept that "more is more" – a direct counter to the minimalist motto that "less is more". Maximalist spaces abandon the minimalist notion that spaces must be neutral and clutter-free, instead opting to layer rich colours, bold patterns, and cherished decor pieces.

Unlike minimalism, maximalism does not have set rules. This may make it harder to define as it cannot be neatly organised in the same way that minimalism can, often stretching across movements and design trends. However, some common features can be found across maximalist interiors:

Rich and immersive colours

Maximalist interiors engage with an intriguring array of intense colours, particularly in shades of emerald, navy, blue, sapphire, violet, fuchsia, and black. These colours may be incorporated through wallpaper or painted walls, as well as furniture, soft furnishings like cushions and throws, as well as decor pieces like wall art.

Repetitive patterns

Maximalist interiors firmly believe in loud patterns across wallpapers, sculptures, upholstery, and wall art. Tropical jungle motifs are a keen favourite amongst maximalist interior designers with palm leaves, banana shoots, and leopard print patterns making reoccuring appearances.

Plush fabrics

Achieving a maximalist interior is not limited to colours or patterns - luxurious fabrics such as plush and velvet are important for maximalist interiors. Interior designs often opt for these chic fabrics in precious gem shades of turquoise, emerald, violet, or ruby – mimicing the awe and wonder of the Wunderkammer.

Gilded accents

Hidden pops of metallics are another common staple of maximalist interiors, particularly in shades of gold and brass. From intricate dresser handles to grand sculptures and decorative trays, these gilded pieces catch the eye amongst the rich fabrics, colours, and patterns.

A true maximalist interior does not simply pull from one of these categories, but rather engages with multiple elements, carefully layering and blending to acheive a highly personalised interior space.

Why are maximalist interiors controversial?

Maximalism is not without controversy. One of the biggest concerns with maximalism is that it can be overwhelming, with an abundance of busy patterns that make it cluttered and chaotic. The subjective nature of interior design means maximalist interior design is an acquired taste and interior designers must work with their clients to decide if maximalism is right for them.

Maximalism has also faced criticism for over-indulgence, often following fast-paced trends with cheap pieces of decor that are poorly made and quickly discarded. We firmly believe in shopping for ethically sourced furniture and homewares, paying particular attention to the longevity and durability of items rather than the fast-paced trends on social media.