Chaotic, Authentic & Unapologetic: Is Maximalism Here to Stay?

For decades, minimalism has reigned supreme in the world of design, championing simplicity, neutral tones and clean lines. Its "less is more" philosophy promotes restraint, leaving spaces pared back to the essentials, plus maybe a decoration or two. But not everyone finds serenity in sparse interiors and muted palettes. Enter maximalism, a bold and unapologetic counter-movement that embraces abundance, eclecticism and personal expression.

Maximalism is not about clutter or chaos (or at least, that's not all it's about). Rather, it’s an intentional celebration of individuality. Layered patterns, dramatic colors and a fearless mix of old and new are key traits of this design philosophy. It thrives on blending styles, eras and influences to create outfits, spaces and designs that feel deeply personal and downright fascinating. Discover why maximalism is so trendy, what it's all about and whether it's here to stay.

Maximalism is a design style that celebrates abundance, personality and visual impact. In contrast to minimalism's clean and restrained aesthetic, maximalism revels in bold patterns, saturated colors and layered textures.

In terms of interior design, it’s about creating spaces that feel lived-in, expressive, and curated rather than stripped down. A maximalist living room might feature an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, jewel-toned velvet upholstery, gallery walls filled with art and books stacked like sculptures. And in a maximalist kitchen, you might find open shelves brimming with colorful ceramics, patterned tiles and a collection of old cookbooks.

In terms of fashion, it's about loud colors, plentiful accessories, intricate patterns and lots of layers. A maximalist outfit could incorporate patterned pants, a colorful sweater, oversized jewelry and a sparkling bag. But outfits in muted color schemes can be maximalist, too—they just might feature extra layers and accessories in place of a bold color scheme or large patterns.

So, why is maximalism having a moment now? In many ways, it’s a response to cultural and generational shifts. After years of stark, Instagram-ready minimalism dominating social media, many people—particularly members of younger generations—are craving warmth and individuality.

That's because maximalism is an effective antidote to sameness. It allows for playful self-expression and a more personal approach to design. So Millennials and Gen Z, two generations shaped by a love of nostalgia and access to a vast digital archive of styles, are eager to embrace maximalism and showcase their personalities through their spaces. 

Meanwhile, the rise of secondhand shopping, sustainability and DIY culture has only amplified maximalism’s appeal, and encourages people to mix and match unique finds instead of following rigid design rules.

Last but not least, it’s worth considering that maximalism is also gaining traction because of its undeniably human feel. As AI technology becomes more advanced by the day, people may be craving design trends that embrace messiness, imperfection and grit. As accomplished designer, Aaron Draplin said in his Skillshare class on dirty design, “little imperfections can actually make your work better.”

Maximalism isn’t just changing the way we decorate our homes and accessorize our outfits—it’s also making waves in visual culture across various creative fields. This aesthetic’s emphasis on bold contrasts, layered elements and whimsical elements can be seen everywhere, from graphic design to digital content creation.

Here’s how maximalism is shaping key areas of visual culture:

Maximalism in visual culture is more than just an aesthetic trend—it’s a way to tell more compelling stories, have fun and harken back to a time before Apple's minimal designs took the world by storm. 

By giving birth to trends that celebrate sustainability, individuality and self-expression, social media has played a significant role in the rise of maximalism. Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram are filled with maximalist-inspired posts that encourage users to reject traditional ideas of perfection and embrace a more playful, chaotic aesthetic.

These are a few of the social media trends that show how maximalism is reshaping online culture and personal style, one vintage trinket at a time.

This trend is all about displaying beautiful and sentimental objects. Far from being messy, cluttercore emphasizes carefully curated collections of objects—link vintage trinkets, books, plants and sentimental items—that have been arranged to create cozy, visually rich spaces. 

On social media platforms, creators gladly share their cluttercore spaces, and by doing so showcase how maximalism can evoke a comforting, lived-in vibe that feels authentic and personal.

Looking for ways to incorporate the cluttercore look into your space without making it seem, well, cluttered? Try adding a trinket shelf to display your curios and treasures. The shelf will keep your trinkets elevated and out of the way, while still allowing you to get inspired by your favorite knick-knacks.

The goal of dopamine dressing is refreshingly simple: just wear what makes you happy. Although everyone will have slightly different results, loud colors, touchable textures and statement accessories are typically central to this trend, with influencers encouraging followers to let go of fashion “rules” and embrace fearless self-expression.

For some, that means layering on the rhinestones, mixing bright colors and embracing bold patterns. For others, it could be choosing their outfit based on their favorite color, or simply wearing clothes that might be considered “too fancy” for the occasion.

To discover what dopamine dressing means to you, try paying attention to how different colors, textures and materials make you feel when you wear them. If you find yourself excited to wear certain pieces, then you’re heading in the right direction. 

Inspired by the lavish aesthetics of 18th-century Rococo design, this trend brings ornate details, gilded frames, floral patterns and pastel hues into modern contexts. It’s a digital-age spin on aristocratic luxury—think Marie Antoinette, but infinitely more accessible, and minus the tragic ending.

As illustrator and Skillshare teacher Carrie Cantwell said in our round-up of graphic design trends to watch in 2025, “the girly trend is going strong, so leaning into that hits the Rococo trend, the ever-popular bows, dolls, coquette and also demure feminine. Think innocence with flair."

"Pinterest Predicts just shared that Rococo is going to be huge" she continued, "and it's the perfect example of how the feminine trend shows no signs of stopping. Imagine three-tiered cakes with bows in bright aqua, pink and pale lemon yellow and you're on the right track."

Generally speaking, maximalism isn't nearly as wasteful as other design trends. That's because thrift culture has become a cornerstone of maximalism on social media. There, creators proudly showcase secondhand finds, refurbish old furniture and upcycle garments in lieu of buying new ones. As a result, thrifted maximalism promotes sustainability while also giving new life to forgotten treasures.

To take part in the thrifting fun, start by heading to your local thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls. If it’s secondhand clothing you’re after, don’t despair if you can’t find what you’re looking for—online thrift stores like ThredUp make it easy to find pieces that suit your style. 

These trends resonate particularly well with those who value authenticity, creativity and freedom of expression. As maximalism spreads across social media, it has become a form of self-empowerment—a way for people to embrace their quirks, share their unique stories and find community in the process.

With maximalism gaining traction, you might wonder: Where does that leave minimalism? Rather than fading into irrelevance, minimalism has evolved in response to maximalism’s bold, expressive presence. In many ways, it has shed its rigid "all or nothing" approach by becoming softer and more flexible. To that effect, modern, everyday minimalism embraces warmth and personality by incorporating organic textures, layered neutrals and carefully chosen statement pieces that reflect personal style without being overwhelming.

In other words, maximalism’s influence is pushing minimalism to feel less sterile and more lived-in. The stark, all-white interiors of early minimalism are giving way to muted color palettes, natural materials and designs that blend simplicity with comfort. Trends like “warm minimalism” and “soft minimalism” have emerged as a result, with both aiming to marry the restraint of minimalism with the coziness of maximalism.

Warm and soft minimalism, for example, emphasize elements such as: 

But will traditional minimalism ever make a full comeback? We can't predict the future, but there's no reason why not. After all, design trends are cyclical, and there will always be a place for peace and simplicity. As maximalism dominates, some will inevitably crave the calm, uncluttered environments that minimalism provides. For those who feel overstimulated by busy spaces and loud color palettes, minimalism remains a refuge and provides a way to focus on simple living without distraction.

As maximalism continues to dominate visual culture, design and fashion enthusiasts might wonder if it's just another fleeting trend, or if it has the staying power to rival minimalism’s decades-long reign.

While it may be tempting to dismiss maximalism as a short-lived reaction to years of stark minimalism, there are signs that it may be more than just a passing phase. Its emphasis on personal expression, nostalgia and eclecticism aligns perfectly with the values of younger generations' members, many of whom prioritize individuality and reject aesthetics that they perceive as being one-size-fits-all.

Even those same younger generations' own previous trends aren't immune: just hop on TikTok and see what people are saying about "Millennial gray" home decor.

Maximalism’s adaptability is another reason it could endure. Unlike rigid design movements, maximalism is loosely defined by nature and thrives on evolution and reinvention. It’s not tied to a specific set of rules or a particular color palette—rather, it’s about freedom and storytelling. This means maximalism can morph to suit changing tastes, whether through bold, futuristic designs or cozy, vintage-inspired looks.

That being said, no dominant trend will reign supreme forever. Some may eventually grow tired of visual abundance and long for the calm and simplicity that minimalism offers.

It’s likely that maximalism won’t completely disappear, though. Instead, it may settle into a more balanced form as individuals merge it with other styles and adapt it to their needs. So, instead of being an all-or-nothing movement, maximalism could become a permanent part of the design conversation and continue to provide inspiration for people who appreciate creativity above all else.

Maximalism is thriving thanks to a wave of artists, designers and social media personalities who are pushing the boundaries of creativity. From resourceful interior decorators to eclectic fashion stylists, these influencers and brands embody the spirit of maximalism in everything they do.

Here are some key figures to keep an eye on for ideas and inspiration:

This Canadian stylist, designer and self-proclaimed "sustainable maximalist" is one of the most well-known proponents of the trend. Her outfits often combine bright colors, heaps of layers and bold accessories. And if you need some inspiration to find secondhand treasures, look no further than her many videos, in which she takes viewers along on her thrifting adventures. 

Maximalism isn't necessarily synonymous with luxury or excess, and Saraa's content is proof of that. With colorful decorations, framed art and some creative lighting, she creates gorgeous interior designs that viewers can easily try for themselves, even with a limited budget. 

"Layered opulence" might be one of the more accurate ways to describe this British influencer's style. Large prints, eye-popping colors and sumptuous materials all combine to create her distinctive aesthetic. And since she often combines thrift store finds with designer pieces, there’s a little something for everyone in her looks. 

Widely regarded as a Gen Z favorite, Lisa Says Gah is a San Francisco-based clothing brand that focuses on vibrant colors, bold prints and sustainable practices. This combination is mesmerizing and not likely to be found in other brands. 

Maximalism is more than just a design trend. It’s a celebration of individuality, self-expression and creative freedom that's here to stay. From its rise in interior design and visual culture to its influence on social media and fashion, maximalism encourages us to reject rules and embrace what feels authentic and personal, whatever that means to us. Whether it’s the cozy messiness of cluttercore, the playful flair of dopamine dressing or the layered chaos of maximalist branding, this movement is all about turning your surroundings, your outfits and your online presence into a canvas.

Inspired to explore different aesthetics and find your own distinctive style? Start with Skillshare's vast library of online classes. Our expert-led classes in graphic design, fashion design and interior design can help you discover new ways to express yourself and build the skills you need to bring your vision to life.
Whether you want to experiment with bold color palettes, create eclectic folk art on your iPad or learn how to style your home like a pro, Skillshare's experienced teachers are ready to help you make it happen.