Abigail Ahern - Everything: A Maximalist Style Guide

One of the reasons I am so obsessed with maximalist interiors is that they stir up emotions, offering a much-needed respite from minimalism and mid-century quietness. Maximalism is the most explorative of styles, nothing is off limits. Through experimentation with materiality, colour, form, vintage finds and modern pieces its an aesthetic that pulls in and weaves together different periods and styles that are distinctive, expressive narratives. Its a highly stylized type of decor and it holds comfort as its very centre. Its a full-on sensory experience that lifts your spirits and provides inspiration in a way that minimalism just cant.

I think maximalist interiors have had a bad rap in the past because spaces can look like theyve been decorated by someone whos had seven cups of coffee while nursing a hangover: chaotic and messy with an overwhelming thoughtlessness and disarray that feels jarring and not at all serene. Yet it doesnt have to feel that way. Im championing a new kind of maximalism, one that when you get it right feels considered, curated and magical.

There is such an emotional quality to maximalist interiors because they require you to draw upon things you love. Ill be unravelling my ideas for creating a sensory-stimulating home, where a visual cacophony of pieces tie in together, harmonize and intrigue, and also contrast and excite. In so doing well be mixing fancy with friendly, gritty with glam, feminine with masculine, dainty with weighty and, above all, well create a home youll never want to leave.

Heres how

I am a huge believer that by adding considered colours, textures, patterns and accents youll create spaces that solicit conversation and evoke immense personal pleasure.

Maximalist interiors cram in a wealth of experiences in every space, mixing edgy pieces with vintage treasures, and refined items with raw, unique, one-off finds. Its one of the most interesting and individual design styles out there. It pushes boundaries and challenges rules and in so doing provokes an emotional response.

Nothing is off limits! Having said that, Im not talking about neon pink walls, with plastic pigeons and a large dollop of leopard print thrown in. If you love that vibe, go for it, its just not for me. I am talking about partnering high end with low end, high street with handcrafted, vintage with modern. My kind of interior is decorating with intention rather than just frivolously plonking stuff everywhere. I am a believer that by adding considered colours, textures, patterns and accents youll create spaces that solicit conversation and evoke immense personal pleasure.

Whether your place is big or small, owned or rented, whether you live uptown or downtown, on the coast or in the country, maximalist interiors are all about surrounding yourself with things that you love that make you (and your home) feel a little bit cooler, a little bit more glamorous, and that resonate with the heart.

Whatever style your home is, it should feel like a place free from rules and authority where you can do whatever you like. I know that when I get home and put the key in the lock I enter a space that calms me, inspires me and makes me feel a whole lot happier. Ive escaped into my own universe and my home is a reflection of my interior self! If all of that sounds too profound, fear not, we are going to deep dive into how to create a home that reflects you, by balancing colours, patterns, rich fabrics, textures and eclectic furnishings, all in one room.

I know first hand from the classes I teach all over the globe, as well as hold in my own pad every month, that many people struggle with finding their own sense of style. This might sound a tad gung-ho but its actually easier than you may think. It just takes a pair of fresh eyes and about a zillion questions.