Color is also important; rich shades of plum or scarlet create an intimate space and luxuriant tones of ochre or burnt orange can induce a feeling of warmth.

Her love of fabric, color, and 'anything goes' approach is evident here and makes a potentially intimidating room feel fun and cozy.Use different-sized accessories, candles, books, and collectibles to give the space some dimension and overall depth. A maximalist aesthetic is best executed when the personality of the person using the space shines through the design. One of the best places to begin your maximalist journey is your living space, where you’re most likely to want to be stimulated by your surroundings and showcase your treasured possessions.

Let colors you love guide you as you collect art and objects—it doesn't matter so much if they go perfectly together. Considered the father of maximalism, Duquette's work is over the top, with stunning surface decorations like malachite, lots of gilt and materials like abalone, pen shell, coral, rock crystal, bronze and lapis lazuli, which were used to handcraft the accessories and furniture in the new collection (www.A contestant on Interior Design Masters, Siobhan showcased her eccentric, confident and truly unique style and has since followed up with a fun, quirky and helpful guide to all things maximalism. Their pattern-on-pattern treatments are equal opportunity, a symphony throughout their own home in High Point, where they live what they preach. In this fun dining room created by Dara Beitler, a more streamlined and traditional wood dining table is paired with cow print armchairs and funky, sculptural white leather side chairs. Siobhan is not one for ‘interior rules’ and incites us to start the design process by looking at our wardrobes for motivation. Maximalist decor grants you permission to mix and match a variety of bright, bold colors within one room.

The Italian fashion brand Dolce and Gabbana added to its boldly patterned collection of limited-edition hand-painted refrigerators (and small appliances) for Smeg. Once you’re ready for even more, add a printed accent chair, like this cowprint accent chair or this French script accent chair .

However, Matthew Williamson suggests that we don't need to fill our interiors with modern furnishings – but should combine new features with timeless pieces to create a unique maximalist setting. The antithesis of minimalism, maximalist interiors embrace bold use of color, pattern, and layering to create a space that honors and celebrates excess. Before joining CBC News, she was the Parents editor at HuffPost Canada, where she won a silver Canadian Online Publishing Award. Common design wisdom used to say that adding a lot of color or detail to a small room would make it feel smaller, but it seems like everyone is having a change of heart about that "rule. And here, it’s important not to be daunted by colour – this is the ideal opportunity to throw out the rule book and splash some joyful shades!