For a long time, minimalism has dominated the interior design world. Virtually every office space you’d walk into was characterized by clean lines, neutral tones, and open, uncluttered spaces. For a while, this design choice made sense, especially in a world filled with digital noise and endless distractions. But over time, many workplaces adopted minimalism to the extreme, creating barren environments that lacked warmth, personality and a human touch. Thus, business owners began to see the downside of minimalist office spaces.
In response to this, over the last few years we’ve begun to see a rise in maximalism: a daring, expressive design approach that reflects individuality and a yearning to step outside the box. From vibrant colors to layered textures and personalized details, maximalism invites creativity, personality, and quirkiness back into the workplace.
Some may think that a maximalist work environment is a recipe for sensory overload, and we understand why you would think that. But, when it’s done right, maximalism can bring a serious dose of character to a workspace, and with people craving authenticity now more than ever, it’s obvious why it’s become such a popular design move to incorporate.
Eye-Catching Colors and Patterns
Color is one of the most dominant tools in a designer’s toolkit, and with maximalist design, color plays a very prominent role. Vibrant hues, bold contrasts, and unexpected combinations are as visually striking as they are emotionally impactful. Studies in color psychology show that different colors can influence mood, focus, and even creativity. Stark red hues can induce feelings of excitement and passion, while soft blue colors can evoke a sense of peace and stability. Some patterns may encourage innovation and imagination, while others are calming and satisfying.
You can even use different colors for each designated work space in relation to their respective functions. A lounge area might have a relaxing color, like a deep navy blue, while meeting spaces might have a variety of green hues that inspire growth and fresh ideas.
When we help our clients embrace maximalism, we tend to incorporate it immediately into three areas of their workspaces: their walls, their furniture, and their flooring.
- For their walls, we start experimenting with saturated tones, bright and eye-catching art pieces, and patterned wallpaper.
- For their furniture, we start looking into new methods to bring in texture – think rich velvets and saturated leathers.
- And for their flooring, we play around with stunning tile patterns or bring in more texture through gorgeous, bright rugs.
These three design focuses help effortlessly infuse three things into a space: movement, visual interest, depth, and energy, all of which are essential for creating the stimulating, morale-boosting environment your employees deserve.
Layers Upon Layers
Minimalism revolves around the concept that “less is more,” but maximalist design flips that on its head: more can be more when done with intention and direction. The special thing about maximalism lies in its layering of textures, materials, patterns, and meaning.
Take the following workspace as an example: it uses velvet seating, reclaimed wood tables, woven textiles, brass fixtures, and greenery to bring the whole space together with warmth, dimension, and a sense of richness that minimalist spaces can’t replicate.
More than that, layering also allows for storytelling. A vintage light fixture might nod to a company’s roots. A locally made art piece can reflect a team’s personality. Every element has the chance to say something, and when put together, they create a narrative that employees can connect with.
Stepping Outside the Box
Maximalism encourages thinking beyond the traditional. It’s about breaking free from rigid design norms and embracing the unexpected. Instead of uniform furniture arrangements and predictable layouts, maximalism celebrates asymmetry, bold proportions, and playful juxtapositions.
Consider a conference room that breaks the traditional “boardroom” mold, with unconventional, yet comfortable seating arrangements. Now add some quirky, stylish light fixtures that rouse feelings of creativity and illuminate the provocative colors and patterns in the room. To top it off, add some life with bright foliage, natural materials, and artwork that resonates with employees and inspires expressiveness. By implementing maximalist features, you can turn a conference room into a beautifully eccentric meeting space where ideas and collaboration flourish.
With maximalism, you are not confined to stylistic guidelines. You have the freedom to experiment, draw inspiration from other design styles, or make the space fully and unapologetically “you”.
Personalization and Individuality
The beauty of this maximalism lies in its emphasis on creating a space that reflects the personality of your business and the people who work there.
Your workplace’s design should always be a visual extension of your company’s culture, but maximalism takes it even further. Maximalism encourages you to add personal touches that tell your brand’s unique story. Custom artwork, locally sourced décor, and vintage finds can transform a generic office into a space that feels lived-in, loved, and distinctively yours.
This is in direct contrast to the impersonal nature of minimalist spaces, which can often feel monotonous and overly uniform, Maximalism invites employees to bring their individuality into the office, with their own creative expression and preferences woven into the fabric of the workplace. Whether it’s through bold accent walls or bizarre furniture, maximalist design makes space for personal connections to thrive.
Let Us Help You Incorporate Maximalism into Your Workplace Design
At Planning Interiors, we understand as well as anyone that every business is different, both physically and culturally. We’re here to help you transform your workspace into a dynamic environment that boosts creativity, supports employee well-being, and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to add personality through personalized décor or revitalize your entire office layout, we can help you design a space that speaks to who you are and inspires those who work there.
Ready to make your workplace a place that truly shines? Let’s talk about how maximalism can elevate your space, your culture, and your team’s potential.