Being an interior designer in Las Vegas requires me to deliver on the wow factor for every client, every time. Whether I am designing a corporate lounge space, an artsy new restaurant or a residential remodel, I rely on one particular interior design style to give me my signature curated, layered look: Maximalism.
Maximalism is less about style and more about attitude. You can be a fan of any style — from Modern to Traditional — and still utilize Maximalism. The key to creating a cohesive look is to build your design around a consistent color family, balanced with furnishings that ground the space and provide a visual break from the layers of pattern and color in the room.
Let’s take a look at a few of the basics of Maximalism and how you can use them in your own home.
Express Your Personal Style
Maximalism is all about expression so try to think of your space as a museum dedicated to all of the things you love. Use colors that make you feel alive and cozy. Embrace your hobbies and incorporate them into your space (think photography or music). If you like gardening, consider incorporating a floral wallpaper or area rug that highlights your favorite flowers. If you have a collection of trinkets from global travels, display them together or split them up into smaller groups.
The Teckel Black Dog from Currey and Company This sweet little statue is made of cast aluminum in a matte black finish. The long-bodied black sculpture is a whimsical design that will add playfulness to a room.
Ottoman Chic by Serdar Gülgün In this spectacular volume, Istanbul-born interior designer, international lecturer, Ottoman art expert, and collector specializing in historical interiors., narrates a tour of his beautiful home, a historic mansion on the Asian side of the Bosporus.
Layering is the key to achieving the luxurious look of Maximalism. Layering isn’t as laid-back as it sounds. It requires forethought and planning so that your furnishings and decor are proportional and in keeping with your overall color scheme. Nothing is worse than ordering a rug that turns out to be too small for the space, even if it is the perfect color. By planning ahead, you can build your look slowly and edit as you go.
My advice is to plan first and then execute in phases:
Phase 1: Rugs and Furnishings
Phase 2: Window Treatments
Phase 3: Wall Art
Phase 4: Accessories and Decor
Escapades from Curated Kravet Escapades is an abstract composition of brush strokes in a full spectrum of color. Vibrant tones of magenta, green, blue, and yellow add energy to the piece.
Garson Kona Chair from Currey & Co. Chic, comfortable, and timeless, the Garson Kona Chair is an updated take on the classic wingback design. The frame is made of mahogany with an antique gold finish.
Pavillion Indigo Lamp from Port 68 The Pavillion Lamp is grand in scale, inspired by the chain pattern of the “Pavillion Trellis” wallpaper and fabric by Scalamandre. It is accented with highlights of a gold trellis border, lucite base, and crystal ball finial.
Embrace Bold Touches
Maximalism is not for the faint of heart, but don’t let that scare you. It’s a flexible style that empowers you to be bold in your own way. If you are not a fan of bright colors, consider sticking to a neutral palette and look for furniture silhouettes, surfaces, and textiles that make a big visual impact. For example:
Wallpaper your ceiling. It’s a guaranteed way to go bold! If wallpaper intimidates you, there are many great removable options on the market.
Paint your trimwork. You can use black for a grounding effect, or choose a color that is prominent in your space.
Create a gallery wall of various artworks and prints, unified by color.
Blurred Lines Wallpaper In Cool Blue from Arhaus Like the ocean meeting the sky on a cool summer morning, this subtle, ombre-stripe has a calming presence. Indistinguishable shapes feature an artistically distressed watercolor effect accentuated by a hint of shimmer for a glamorously modern feel.
Dandelion Wall Art by Phillips Collection Made out of metal with a glossy lacquer finish, the Flower Wall Art is perfect for any space. The botanically-inspired wall decor gives exuberant life to any interior.
Costa Four-Door Credenza from Somerset Bay The Costa Credenza features a hand-painted white finish and four ocean blue finished cabinet doors with gold leaf-finished textured handles. Select from multiple choices of hardware in brushed nickel or brass. This coastal-inspired sideboard gives a stylish look perfect for any contemporary dining room or living room.
Weave In The Unexpected
Juxtaposition also plays a role in Maximalism and is used to keep the design fresh and unexpected. By combining colors, decor, and furnishings with other items that oppose or contrast them, you create a balance that keeps you on your toes. Here are a few tips:
Recover traditional and formal furniture silhouettes with bold, modern upholstery.
Mix patterns — florals, plaids, geometrics and stripes — using color as the uniting factor.
Display artwork in brightly-colored and ornate frames.
Cover hard-surface furnishings like side tables with fabric or wallpaper.
Mix the metal finishes of your door hardware, lighting and plumbing fixtures — think of these pieces like jewelry and let them take center stage!
Charmant Bachelorette Chest With the look of a cherished heirloom, this chest will add magic to your home. Functional as well as pretty, the piece includes a power bar with 3 electrical outlets and one USB port, and a light underneath with a 3-intensity touch switch.
Monarca, Acrylic on Canvas with Gold Foil Accents Monarca is a wall painting of elegant class, breathtaking appearance, and shrouded mystery. This accent is meticulous in every detail, it is a lovely installation of art décor, perfect for any contemporary home.
Freda Sideboard in Aged Brass The subtle glamour of aged brass covers this clean-lined sideboard. Mitered doors and industrial spit-tack detailing. Inside features natural grey finished mango wood shelves for storage.
Strike An Eclectic Balance
While Maximalism’s innate characteristics make it harder to pin down than other styles, its core is found in an off-kilter balance. It is a loud, in-your-face design style that fills every nook and cranny with purposeful design choices and stops just shy of “cluttered.”
Melange Fluted Kidney Desk from Hooker It’s the sexiest desk alive, with jewelry-like pulls and elegant interior wallpaper inside each file drawer. The center drawer has a drop-front for keyboard use, one locking file drawer with Pendaflex letter/legal filing system.
Glimmer of Hope from Caracole Bold in character, this dazzling chair is unique in every way. Cast in solid brass and finished in Gold Brush with white enamel, it has the feel of branches or coral reaching up toward the light.
The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly interior design is growing. According to Grand View Research, the 2019 global market size for eco-friendly furniture was valued at $35.2 billion and is expected to rise to $59.82 billion by 2027. Millennials and Generation Z are also showing interest in eco-friendly and vintage furniture.
While some sustainable design projects can be expensive — like residential solar panels — others can be comparatively simple, effective, and inexpensive.
Let’s take a look at some of the strongest trends right now when it comes to sustainable and eco-friendly interior design.
Using materials that can be recycled into other things at the end of their lifecycle is a great way to get more use out of things like metals, glass, and plastics.
Recycled Metal – Recycling metal reduces pollution and saves energy and is used widely today. Recycled metal can be used to create everything from artwork, to light fixtures to furniture.
Bio-Glass – Bio-glass is bio-degradable and is used for a variety of interior purposes including countertops, work surfaces, flooring and walls.
Cork is a green material known for high sustainability & recyclability. Instead of cutting down cork trees, the bark is stripped and the tree continues to grow, producing years and years of harvestable cork.
Recycled Plastic – Reusing waste plastic reduces water pollution. It is often used to make outdoor furniture, rugs, and other waterproof items.
Jute is an affordable natural fiber used to make a variety of textiles, from burlap sacks to rugs. An efficient source of renewable material, Jute grows quickly and can grow to a harvestable size in 4-6 months.
Bamboo – Bamboo is one of the most sustainable sources of material due to it’s fast growth rate. Bamboo is also is 100% biodegradable, and has antibacterial properties.
The Riot area rug is constructed of wool and luxurious recycled sari silk, in a captivating trellis design.
The Galahad chandelier is impressive and stylish, with recycled glass discs that are attached by hand.
The Side Show table side table is made entirely of rusted patina steel with a recycled rubber top.
Vintage & Antique Furniture
These days, people are looking at antique furniture as a way to shop locally and keep furniture out of landfills. While there are plenty of “new” furniture options out there, a lot of it is cookie-cutter in design. For folks who favor a personalized look, I highly recommend using antique and vintage home furnishings in your design plan.
Think of antique furniture as an investment. Not only do antiques last longer — after all, they’re built to be passed down through generations — they also hold value, whereas flat-pack, mass-produced furniture does no.
Upgrade Items You Already Own
Toy soldiers are arranged to create a colorful mandala pattern. The figures are set on a canvas behind glass in a black wood frame. D-rings are affixed to the back of the mirror so it is ready to hang right out of the box.
Beginning in 2020, we experienced a global slowdown in manufacturing and shipping, which made it hard to purchase new furniture or home goods in a timely manner. During this time people were also re-evaluating their living spaces and how they functioned and supported their families as they spent more time at home. This need for a comfortable, supportive environment inspired people to find ways to use what they already owned. Interest in refinishing furniture and re-using items in new ways has exploded in the last year and it shows no signs of slowing.
My favorite item to upgrade is wood furniture. It can be sanded, stripped and painted, or stained. You can add moldings to create more interest and change out the hardware to give a whole new look to ordinary-looking items. There are also local artisans who will handle the DIY work for you if that’s not your cup of tea.
The Delilah side table is made of an iron frame with a recycled tire tread as the top.
The Paint Can wall art by Phillips Collection is crafted from recycled paint cans.
The hand-forged banana leaf wall sconce is made of 70% or greater recycled content.
One Space, Many Functions
Do something fun with your bicycle when it’s not working anymore! These old bicycles are given life again in these panels, each one unique to the bicycle it came from.
Along with upgrading furniture during 2020, renters and homeowners alike explored ways to get more use out of singular spaces. With more and more families working and learning from home, it’s important to make sure that your home supports your daily needs. Kitchens are now pulling double-duty as offices, and bedrooms and playrooms have been transformed into places to learn.
Multi-functional spaces are not only necessary these days, but they’re more sustainable — and affordable. Here are a few of my favorite solutions:
Transform your unused closet into workspaces using a few shelves, a coat of paint and an office chair.
Open floor plans can be seperated using folding screens, sliding screens or open bookshelves.
Consider trading out single beds for bunk beds or day beds. The extra space you gain can be used for activities like exercise, reading, gaming or doing school work.
The Haru screen is made of walnut and fully finished, allowing placement anywhere in a room.
The Sundara screen is made of recycled materials including rattan and mahogany.
The Pharmacy Rack is made from recycled aged pine and framed in hand-hammered industrial steel.
Sustainable, eco-friendly design is attainable, practical, and stylish. You can even start with what you already own! I hope a few of the trends that are emerging will encourage you to explore how sustainable design can be incorporated into your own home.
In my next post, we’ll talk about the future of Minimalism, which utilizes clean lines, distinct shapes, and high-quality art and design pieces.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
The chair is perhaps the oldest, most utilized, and most functional piece of furniture that we humans have invented. No matter how much space you have in your home, you always have room for a chair. Chairs are often overlooked when considering furnishings. After all, they only seat one person and tend to be an afterthought or a one-off impulse purchase. Chairs usually get stuck in a corner with a side table and a lamp — not quite the inspiring setting in which to read a book or to chat with a friend.
I’d like to encourage you to think of a chair as a statement piece — a way to elevate your space and add some interest through different shapes, silhouettes, patterns, and textures. Also, consider how you want to use your chair. Do you like to curl up and lounge? A wide chair or a chair-and-a-half might be a good choice. If you often host parties, low-profile swivel chairs don’t obstruct conversations and guests can choose where to focus their attention.
Let’s explore a few of my favorite styles!
The Wingback Chair
The wingback chair is named for the tall “wings” attached to the back of the chair. This chair was originally designed in the 1600s and has remained mostly unchanged. The design served to shield occupants from drafts from behind while trapping heat from a fireplace. These days we don’t use them for their intended purpose, but they are still popular for their unique vertical shape and mix of wood and upholstery. This style is often used in living rooms, dining rooms, libraries, and home offices.
The Veronica Indigo Chair exhibits grandness and minimalism at once. The mahogany frame is finished in Harlow silver, with thin ribs of detailing outlining its arms and back. Ample padding makes it as comfortable as it is chic.
The Club Chair
The Club Chair is essentially an armchair with high arms that are padded, creating an enclosed, enveloped feeling. This style — also known as a smoking chair — was created around 1929 in France and soon became a staple in gentleman’s social clubs around the world. The Club Chair is traditionally covered in leather but rich upholstery fabrics are also appropriate. This style works well when paired with a side table, or in a media or theater room. Club Chairs can also be used in living rooms, libraries, studies, or home offices.
Covered in distressed black top-grain leather and mounted on a smooth swivel base of weathered oak, the Maxx Swivel Chair is a modern take on the classic library chair.
The Armchair
Armchairs are the most recognizable style — a cushioned, comfortable chair with arm support on each side. Armchairs are ideal for bookreading An armchair is a comfortable, cushioned chair with a support on each side, where you can rest your arms while you sit. Armchairs are often confused with accent chairs, and it is true that armchairs can be accent chairs, and accent chairs can be armchairs. However, an armchair always has arms; an accent chair may or may not have arms. Armchairs work well in any space and come in various sizes. An armchair with an exposed frame (arms and legs) will feel “lighter” in a space, as opposed to a fully-upholstered armchair that sits low to the floor.
Sculpted arms of drifted oak emerge from shaggy, cream-colored seating of Mongolian fur of the Ashland Armchair.
The Lounge Chair
Lounge chairs are long, low chairs with angled backs that allow for the occupant to recline, either partially or completely. Lounge chairs can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces, and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and reclining characteristics. The lounge chair was created in 16th Century France and was known as a chaise lounge, or “lounging chair.” During the Rococo period, the chaise longue became a marker of social status and was used by the wealthy to rest without the need for retiring to the bedroom. Today, lounge chairs complement a variety of decor styles and spaces. They can be found in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, foyers, and home offices.
The invitingly curved seat of the Chance Lounge Chair is accented with dramatic horizontal channels is covered in soft, camel-colored top-grain leather. Rich, tonal frame captures alluring negative—and positive—spaces.
Fun and Funky Chairs
Sometimes a statement chair is more than a particular style — it is a whole vibe! Whether you choose a traditional style with an updated twist or a unique, custom piece, a statement chair can be just the thing to elevate your space.
Pro Tip: Hanging chairs can be used indoors as well. It creates a fun, unexpected interactive element in your space — and teenagers love it.
The Arch Support Chair features shapely arms crafted of clear acrylic, reminiscent of a chic roadster, while a Champagne Gold finish highlights its custom-designed metal base and legs.
In my next post, we’ll talk about my favorite ways to keep your design choices sustainable, green and eco-friendly.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
Wall art is one of the most important aspects of a design plan. While it’s not necessarily functional, like a sofa or a lamp, artwork imbues your personality into your space and helps tie the design together. Think of wall art as a great piece of statement jewelry — a very personal design element that elevates your look and can make or break your outfit. Artwork, like jewelry, can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary!
Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite ways to use artwork to punch-up your home.
But first…
Find Your Focal Point
The first thing to do when designing any space is to find your focal point. This is the place where your eye tends to land when you look around a room. This spot can be an architectural focal point such as a fireplace or window, or a focal point that you designate yourself (think armchair and side table or a painted accent wall). An easy way to designate your focal point if you don’t already have one is to use the wall opposite of the room’s entry as the default focal point.
Focal points are necessary for creating a cohesive design; they help ease psychological unease produced by a disjointed space where the eye can not relax and “land.” With a set focal point, you can plan your furniture layout more efficiently while create the right atmosphere for your space.
Art has a unique ability to stir emotions, create connections and foster conversations. Therefore, the artwork that you choose for your home should similarly translate your personality, values, interests, and sense of humor into your space.
For instance, if you’re really into music, consider using framed prints of your favorite artists. Concert posters, whether new or vintage, are another fun way to customize and decorate your space. Like to travel? Use your globe-trotting souvenirs as wall art. And remember — wall art isn’t just framed prints — it can be whatever you like!
When most people think of wall art they think of framed prints or paintings. Don’t forget that wall art also includes other materials like metal, wood, textiles, and mirrors. For instance, you can use a long, narrow painting as a headboard — just hang the artwork high enough so that it clears your bed linens and pillows. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, you can mix it up by hanging non-traditional art, like these Molten Wall Discs below.
Molten Wall Discs made from combining molten brass with reclaimed Sheesham wood.
Tips for Hanging Your Artwork
Believe it or not, hanging wall art at the wrong height can make or break your design. Too high and it feels out of reach; too low and the focus is diminished. In general, you want to position your artwork so that the focus — the heart — is at eye level. When planning to hang multiple pieces as a group, hang in odd numbers and use the second (or “middle”) piece as the focal point.
If you’re a renter or just prefer a more casual look, consider leaning your artwork against the wall rather than hanging it. Framed pieces and photos can be grouped together on an entry table, for example. Larger statement pieces — much like oversized mirrors — look great when positioned on the floor behind a table or chair.
Pro Tip: If you want to hang your artwork above furniture like sofas and console tables, the ideal range is between 8- to 16-inches.
This Set Of Three Shadow Box Art, Designed by Grace Feyock, Features Gold Finished Sago Palm Leafs On A Neutral Linen Background With Gold Leaf Frames.
In my next post, we’ll talk about my favorite ways to keep your design choices sustainable.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
The real challenge of designing a small space isn’t the lack of square footage — it is using furniture, rugs, and accessories that are too large or too busy for your space. Any home, no matter the size, can be both beautiful and functional. When you’re decorating a smaller room, the goal is to make it feel more open, bright, and functional without crowding it with large or bulky items. It’s a delicate balance but I’m here to simplify things a bit. Let’s take a look at how to make the most of your small space with my top 5 designer secrets!
#1: Keep The Floor Clear
Keeping pathways and floors free from clutter is the best small-space hack in the book. Look for furniture and fixtures that float off the ground in order to maximize your space. Shelves that double as nightstands, wall sconces in place of floor lamps, and desks that fold against the wall when not in use. Drop-leaf tables are another good solution for small spaces, giving you the flexibility to use as much or as little of the table’s surface as you need. In kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry can also be mounted to the wall so they float, giving you the feeling of extra space while making the floors easier to clean.
#2: Strategic Use Of Mirrors
Mirrors are such a simple but great tool for fooling the eye, even magicians use them! Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. They can be simple or decorative — the secret is in the placement. Tall floor mirrors look great when placed behind console tables or at the end of a hallway. Mirrors can also be used in place of wall art, or and headboards, and used as a backer for bookshelves. You can also use mirrors that are shaped like windows to create a lighter, brighter atmosphere. Look for mirrors that have beautiful details such as antiquing, arches, and panes.
Bookcases are nice but bookshelves are better because they require zero floor space! The Lowry wall shelf trio is made of stone-flecked white terrazzo and is a great solution for wall storage in small spaces.The Cru round mirror is made of cast aluminum that feels “carved” and is finished in aged bronze. Perfectly sized for entries, bathroom, or living rooms.
#3: Take Advantage of Lighting
Out of all of the tools in a designer’s toolkit, lighting has the greatest impact on a space. Lighting options include more than just lamps, chandeliers, and pendants. Compact track lighting and recessed lights are the perfect way to light a small space because they go almost unnoticed while allowing for the aiming of light on specific surfaces. For instance, track lighting can be used to illuminate ceilings, artwork, cabinetry, and work surfaces simultaneously. In a narrow, long space, placing ceiling lights down the center of the room will only make it feel more claustrophobic. Instead, opt for wall sconces. Their placement on the wall will help lessen the height of the room and make the space appear less cavernous.
Wall sconces are a great alternative to floor and table lamps. Textured and exuding a rustic appeal, The Herringbone Wood Panel Swing Arm Sconce by Regina Andrew evokes an aspirational charm. The aged finish of the herringbone wooden panel pairs perfectly with the blackened iron arm and oatmeal shade.
#4: Choose The Rug That is Just Right
Rugs can make or break the vibe of your entire space. When it comes to choosing rugs, it’s sort of a Goldie Locks and The Three Bears situation. A rug that is too small makes the furniture feel like it’s floating in space. A rug that is too large makes a small space feel even smaller. A rug that is just right, however, will enhance your space and complete your decorating vision.
In a living room, area rugs should be large enough for you to place at least the front legs of your furniture on the edge of the rug. For a home office, consider placing a rug under your desk and chair rather than in the center of the room. This placement will anchor your space and make your working area the focal point. If you’re having trouble finding the right area rug for your small bedroom, consider using two rectangular runners and place them along both sides of the bed. You’ll achieve the look of a full-size area rug at a fraction of the price. If you opt for an area rug that covers almost the entire room, measure the room and choose a rug that will allow a little bit of floor to show around the perimeter of the room.
When it comes to color and pattern, the choices you make are equally important. If your walls and furnishings are light/neutral, consider a patterned rug to add some interest. Stripes are an especially helpful pattern that can be used to widen or lengthen a room, depending on the direction of the stripes. If your space is very colorful or has dark floors and dark furniture, a solid rug in a neutral color is your best bet.
Pro Tip: For spaces with heavy foot traffic choose durable cotton, polyester, or wool rugs. While natural fibers like seagrass, sisal, and jute are beautiful, they are more fragile and require more care. Avoid using natural fiber rugs in high-traffic areas or in spaces like offices, where wheeled chairs can crush and shred the fibers.
This hand-woven rug of cotton blend offers global inspiration and rich texture. The asymmetric line pattern offers a fresh take on the traditional kilim rug.
#5: Double-Duty Furniture
Small spaces get a bad rap for being — small. In my experience, designing for small spaces is a way to challenge my creativity and provide clients with clever solutions. Furniture that folds, flips and tucks away gives you the flexibility to accommodate overnight guests and host parties, or just to have more space at your disposal. Murphy beds are a popular solution for dual-purpose spaces, like a bedroom that also serves as a home office. Other smart furniture solutions include wall-mounted folding desks, collapsable console tables, and bookshelves that transform into full-size dining tables. If you’re designing a small bedroom for children to share, consider using bunk beds. They can be found in various bed sizes and configurations, including twin over twin, twin over full, triple bunks, trundles, and L-shaped double bunks that sleep up to four kids.
Secretaries and roll-top desks are compact solutions for bedrooms and home offices. This Sea Island Secretary is handcrafted from the finest mahogany. The exquisite skills to create this piece feature distressing, dry-brushing, and antiquing.
In my next post, I’ll explain how selecting the right wall art for your home is the key to creating a beautifully authentic space. From custom pieces by local artists to art prints that can be ordered online, I’ll explain how to get an expertly curated look that expresses your personality in unique and fun ways.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
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