The interior design landscape is currently witnessing a profound shift away from the stark, monochromatic minimalism that dominated the previous decade. In its place, a vibrant and unapologetic aesthetic known as maximalism has emerged, championed by a select group of professionals who specialize in the complex orchestration of color, pattern, and texture. These designers, many of whom are featured in the prestigious AD PRO Directory, are redefining the residential experience by prioritizing personal narrative and visual abundance over restraint. As homeowners increasingly seek to transform their living spaces into reflections of their unique histories and quirks, maximalist design has moved from the fringes of the avant-garde into the mainstream of luxury residential development.
The Evolution of the Maximalist Movement: Context and Chronology
To understand the current rise of maximalism, one must view it within the historical context of design cycles. For much of the 2010s, the "Millennial Gray" and Scandinavian-inspired minimalist trends emphasized clean lines, neutral palettes, and the removal of clutter. However, industry analysts note that the global pandemic of 2020 served as a significant catalyst for change. As individuals spent unprecedented amounts of time within their own four walls, the limitations of sterile, minimalist environments became apparent.
By 2021, market data from major decor platforms indicated a 25% year-over-year increase in searches for "bold wallpaper," "eclectic furniture," and "vintage gallery walls." This shift, often termed "cluttercore" in digital spaces, evolved into a more sophisticated "new maximalism" in the professional sector. Unlike the chaotic interiors of the past, contemporary maximalism is characterized by a disciplined approach to layering, where every object and pattern is curated to contribute to a cohesive, albeit dense, visual narrative.
Leading Practitioners of the More is More Aesthetic
The following designers represent the vanguard of this movement, each bringing a distinct geographic and stylistic perspective to the maximalist tradition.
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Summer Thornton Design: The Art of the Layer
Based in Chicago, Summer Thornton has gained national recognition for her fearless approach to pattern. Thornton’s philosophy centers on the idea that a home should be a "visual feast" that transcends specific periods or trends. Her work often features a complex "remix" of textiles, where traditional florals might sit alongside bold geometric prints. Thornton maintains that the goal of such density is to reflect the "soul" of the client, ensuring that their passions and idiosyncrasies are visible in every corner of the home.
Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates: Sophisticated Eccentricity
New York-based designer and AD100 listee Corey Damen Jenkins is a proponent of what he calls "new maximalist" philosophy. His work is noted for its ability to take traditional architectural bones and infuse them with tantalizing colors and high-energy patterns. Jenkins’s approach often involves a "magpie mélange"—a curated collection of items that feel both elevated and deeply personal. His influence extends beyond interior projects into his own lines of fabrics and wallpapers, which allow homeowners to incorporate his signature boldness on a modular scale.
Aquilo Interiors: Playful Sophistication
Led by Carmen René Smith, Aquilo Interiors operates across Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Smith’s work is characterized by a "candy-colored" palette and the use of sculptural icons that set a whimsical tone. Her projects, which include homes for high-profile clients like showrunner Prentice Penny, often utilize saturated paint colors and vibrant wallpapers as backdrops for eclectic art collections. Smith is known for incorporating unexpected elements—such as vintage gumball machines or oversized plush figures—to ensure that sophistication never comes at the expense of joy.
Studio DB: Dramatic Materiality
The husband-and-wife duo of Britt and Damian Zunino leads Studio DB, a New York firm that excels in creating mood-driven, sexy spaces. Their work often lean into the theatrical, using deep color palettes and opulent chandeliers to anchor rooms. Studio DB is particularly skilled at blending disparate materials, such as pairing sleek modern tables with curvaceous, Tudor-style upholstery. Their recent monograph, Drawn Together, highlights their ability to craft family-friendly homes that maintain a sense of wonder and drama.
Amy Studebaker Design: The Maven of Pastels
Operating out of St. Louis, Amy Studebaker offers a softer, more botanical take on maximalism. She is often referred to as a "maven of maximalism" for her ability to layer pastels, florals, and rattan in a way that feels contemporary rather than dated. Studebaker’s interiors are designed to evoke the relaxed, communal atmosphere of a garden party, making them highly sought after for historic renovations where she breathes new life into traditional structures through brave color choices.
Noz Design: Cosmic and Collected
Noz Nozawa’s San Francisco-based studio is synonymous with "cosmic psychedelia." Her projects range from highly conceptual show house rooms to her own eclectic Bay Area residence. Nozawa’s work focuses on the "collected" look, where objects from different cultures and eras are brought together to create a space that feels like a living autobiography of the inhabitant.
Regional Variations in Maximalist Design
As the trend has spread, distinct regional styles have emerged, influenced by local history and climate.
The Tropical Maximalism of Miami and the Coast
In Miami, Carlos Rodriguez of Escala Forma utilizes "tropical tropes" to great effect. His "contemporary maximalist" style often incorporates banana-leaf motifs, wicker furniture, and pastel pinks, preserving the cultural significance of the region while pushing it into a modern context. Similarly, Tim Hawkins in Laguna Beach draws on his background in film and fashion to create "cinematic" and palatial homes that lean into the grandeur of the West Coast landscape.
The Modern Farmhouse Evolution in the Midwest
In Omaha, Nebraska, Studio Eckstrom (Mark and Mikal Eckstrom) has reinvented the modern farmhouse. By adding exaggerated ironwork, pinstriped fabric linings, and faunal motifs, they have moved the style away from its minimalist roots toward a more charming and whimsical maximalist expression.
The Urban Eclecticism of the East Coast
In Washington, D.C., and New York, designers like Jewel Marlowe and Elena Frampton (Frampton Co) focus on "contextually sensitive" maximalism. Marlowe is known for her mastery of the "traditional take," sourcing antiques from across the globe to create interiors that feel steeped in history yet daringly modern. Frampton, meanwhile, focuses on "balancing pragmatism with personality," ensuring that even the most pattern-heavy townhouse remains functional and refined.
Technical Analysis: The Mechanics of Successful Maximalism
The success of a maximalist interior depends on several technical design principles that prevent the space from becoming visually overwhelming:
- Color Saturation and "Color-Bombing": Designers like Jasmin Reese utilize a technique known as color-bombing, where a single bold hue is used in varying shades across different surfaces to create depth.
- The "Fifth Wall": Maximalists frequently treat the ceiling as a primary design surface. Jewel Marlowe and Courtnay Tartt Elias (Creative Tonic Design) often apply striking wallpapers or high-gloss paints to ceilings to "encapsulate" a room.
- Geometric Grounding: To balance busy floral or organic patterns, designers like Jessica Ayromloo and Courtnay Tartt Elias use geometric tile patterns or structured millwork. This provides a "grid" that the eye can use to navigate the space.
- Juxtaposition of High and Low: A hallmark of the AD PRO Directory designers is the ability to mix high-end custom furniture with vintage finds. This creates a sense of "storytelling" that feels authentic rather than showroom-bought.
Market Implications and the Future of the Industry
The shift toward maximalism has significant implications for the broader home furnishings market. Industry reports suggest a resurgence in the custom upholstery and wallpaper sectors. According to data from the Business of Home, the demand for bespoke artisanal goods has risen as homeowners move away from mass-produced, "flat-pack" furniture in favor of pieces with character and longevity.
Furthermore, maximalism is increasingly viewed as a more sustainable approach to design. By encouraging the use of vintage items, antiques, and family heirlooms, maximalist designers promote a circular economy within the home. This "collected over time" philosophy discourages the "fast furniture" cycle and encourages homeowners to invest in pieces that hold emotional and historical value.
Conclusion: The Cultural Impact of Bold Design
Maximalist interior design is more than a mere aesthetic trend; it is a cultural response to a world that is increasingly digital and homogenized. By embracing the "more is more" philosophy, designers like those found in the AD PRO Directory are helping individuals reclaim their physical environments as sites of self-expression and joy. Whether through the "modern American maximalism" of Alex Alonso or the "storied eclecticism" of Sarah Stacey, these professionals are proving that a home is most successful when it refuses to blend in. As we move further into the decade, the riot of color, form, and pattern championed by these designers is likely to remain the gold standard for those who believe that a life well-lived is a life well-collected.
