Filled with eye-catching pieces and bold gestures, a maximalist bedroom design proves that sometimes more is more. “Maximalism is about layering statement pieces that flow, creating contrast, and playing with scale so the space feels dynamic and visually welcoming,” says Carmen René Smith of Aquilo Interiors. “The key is making sure everything speaks to each other in an interesting way.”
Bring on the bold wallpaper
The Oakland, California–based interior designer recommends starting a maximalist bedroom makeover with a strong foundation, such as a saturated wall paint color or patterned wallpaper. “Walls shouldn’t just sit there; they need to do something,” she says. “Maybe it’s a deep, enveloping color, a high-gloss lacquer that reflects the light just so, or wallpaper that feels like it was uncovered in a forgotten estate.”
Add artful furniture
Smith’s rule for furniture is “nothing generic, nothing timid.” She suggests bringing in a sculptural bed upholstered in a textural fabric such as bouclé or velvet. “You want a mattress that’s thick, plush, and so comfortable—because, let’s be real, how can you fully embrace maximalism if you’re running on bad sleep?” says Smith. Pay attention to proportions when picking a mattress.
“The mattress height should balance with the bed frame height and align as close to the nightstand height as possible,” she says. “A clean, even line across your bed and bedside makes all the wild maximalist elements in the room feel even more intentional.”
Think beyond basic bedding
Smith sees linens as a place to have even more fun. “If the walls are already making a statement, we can still bring in bold, patterned duvets, blankets, or throws, but the scale should be vastly different from the wallpaper so they don’t compete,” she says. Consider adding an unexpected punch of color through your sheets. “Why settle for white sheets when you could have marigold, cobalt, or the perfect shade of olive green?” the designer says. Finally, Smith loves to accent the bed with unique pillows. “Play with shape, texture, and a little sculptural moment,” she says. “I love throwing in quirky statement pillows like the hand pillows from Haus of Hands—they add dimension, a little humor, and just the right amount of what is that, and ‘where do I get one?!’ energy.”
Select sculptural light fixtures
Light fixtures offer another opportunity to make a splash. “Lighting should always be a moment, whether it’s an oversized chandelier that feels like a piece of art or sculptural sconces that add a little drama,” the designer says. For the finishing touches, Smith suggests adding some elements of surprise, such as an abstract rug that doubles as art or bold, unexpected hardware.
Maximalism is about going big, but Smith notes that it’s important to pay attention to balance and contrast. “If the bed is low and chunky, select a nightstand with some fun legs for a dynamic pairing,” she says. “If the wallpaper is intricate and full of movement, the bedding should balance it out with something more textural and complementary in color.” You also don’t need to pack the entire bedroom with home decor. “Create pauses—maximalism doesn’t mean every inch has to be covered; it just means every piece has presence,” Smith says. “And when it feels like too much? It’s probably just right.”
Traditional
Photo: Heather Talbert
