#maximalism

#maximalism

There's something about trendspotting in France that just hits differently. Maybe it's the Haussmannian architecture, which provides such a charming backdrop that you almost don't even notice you're literally running from showroom to showroom. Or maybe it's the fact that some of the brands on display truly are new - and in some cases, not even available stateside yet. Whatever the reason, I look forward to Maison&Objet and Paris Déco Off, two furniture- and textile-forward events in Paris, each January.

We examine the online debate ignited by Pantone's Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer. This episode dives into the discussion prompted by Pantone, unpacking the uneasy relationship between colour and fascism. From hardline efforts to regulate colour in public life to the ways vibrancy and maximalism reassert themselves, we explore how colour becomes a quiet form of resistance across art, fashion, film, and design.

Many interior designers are indeed looking towards neutral colors and "warm" minimalism in 2026, as reported in Apartment Therapy's annual design industry survey, the State of Home Design. But there are a few maximalist design trends that refuse to fade into the background this year - namely, room drenching, and, more specifically, stripe drenching. This pattern drench has design pros leaning into colorful, dizzying stripes from wall to wall.

Millennials have a reputation for decorating exclusively in gray, white, and farmhouse chic - but one millennial, u/Mewpasaurus, was not buying it. After moving into a mountain home and starting a DIY design journey, they wondered whether that aesthetic actually reflects how their generation lives. So they asked fellow millennials to share photos of their real homes. From colorful maximalism to cozy, lived-in spaces, the responses proved there is no single millennial interior design style:

"It's a little bit like that era's grown-up cousin has taken the reins," says Sharman-Cox. "More decadent luxury rather than garish waste."

Billie Eilish is anything but a follower. Since she burst onto the scene in 2017, the "Ocean Eyes" singer has been a certified trend-setter in the music industry - and that reputation has followed her to the fashion world, too. When it comes to styling, Eilish has made a name for herself by going against the grain with her signature baggy 'fits and colorful tresses. But she isn't always opposed to embracing the latest fads. In a Dec. 14 Instagram story, Eilish cosigned the polka dot trend in a plunging crop top.

Then again, how could she possibly try to argue that the Eras Tour was a chill little lark? This is a woman who describes herself in "Bejeweled" as one who "did all the extra credit, then got graded on a curve." People who aren't obsessed with storytelling don't conceive, design, and perform a career-spanning tour packed with mini-narratives before concluding triumphantly in a burst of shimmery jackets, confetti, and literal fireworks.

Eclectic maximalist style has been all the rage for a while now - and designers say the trend will continue into the new year, with a strong focus on vintage finds. As a part of our sixth annual State of Home Design survey, Apartment Therapy asked designers, what's one vintage item you think we'll be seeing everywhere in 2026?

As the name implies, pattern play involves styling different patterns together to craft vibrant spaces that are visually arresting and showcase the homeowners' distinctive personal style. Pattern play is full of possibilities - from checkered curtains with floral wallpaper to a statement rug and a striped couch, any and all surfaces in the home can be experimented with.

Regardless of the size of the wedding you're planning (grand, intimate, or civil), the pressure to find the perfect bridal gown is unrelenting. Pictures are - for better or worse - forever. Thankfully, to help narrow down the endless selection of puffy LWDs, a few wedding dress trends made their mark on the runways of Bridal Fashion Week, and they all agree on one thing: altar-bound style savants will embrace maximalism in the coming year. Embellishments will be all the rage, particularly feather-trimmed

In 2026, interior design is doubling down on self-expression. Our AD100 and AD PRO Directory members emphatically agree that the era of pared-back, monastic spaces ruled by neutral hues is over. We're predicting more maximalism, more saturated shades, and more homes that put personality on full display. Eclecticism is in, and being built with warm, textured layers of color, pattern, and ornamented detail.

Subtlety is so last season - showing off is officially back. For far too long, fashion has been dominated by minimalism and quiet luxury. But the pendulum has swung, and joyful, unabashed style has returned just in time for the holidays. The stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve is a marathon in all senses of the word - a blur of cocktail parties, gift exchanges, and festive activities -

As the design pendulum sits squarely in maximalist territory, it's safe to say that wallpaper is here to stay. A fun pattern can add a bold, undeniable touch of whimsy to virtually any space. But just because wallpaper has staying power doesn't mean that any old roll will do. Turns out, the prints that were once all the rage might make your place look old or outdated today.

The optimistic 1980s were quite the eccentric decade. It was the era of leg warmers, vigorous aerobics, and some of the most iconic movies ever made. It was also the time of kooky and opposing kitchen design trends. On one side were the brown-centered kitchens, still reminiscent of the '70s, embracing consistency and earthy tones. On the other side of the spectrum were kitchens exploding with funky neon colors. In the middle stood country-style white kitchens with bold pops of color.

Her choice? San Francisco designer Ken Fulk, whose style she described as louche with a little too much velvet. That style is on display at Saint Joseph's Arts Society, which Fulk founded in 2018, turning the former Romanesque church into a glamorous, massive art space south of Market. Looking around on September 12th, the opening night of La Pocha Nostra's The Other Art World, it seems that for Fulk, there is no such thing as too much velvet.

Earthy tones and muted hues may be having a moment (just look at 2025's colors of the year so far!), but bright colors are always a timeless choice for interiors. Zesty oranges, vibrant teals, sunny yellows, and punchy pinks bring life, energy, and character into any home while suiting many design aesthetics. After years of "beige on beige" and " millennial gray " interiors, bright color palettes are becoming increasingly popular as people look to create spaces that feel personal and packed with personality.

Seven years ago, grocery dairy sections transformed from monotonous white Greek yogurt cups to colorful, whimsical designs led by Chobani's rebranding efforts.

Helen Anthony's FW25 collection showcases a maximalist menswear approach that blends high craftsmanship with bold designs, merging influences of culture and sustainability.

"The building itself was kind of a masterpiece... details you can't recreate - hand-carving, original hardware, and coffered ceilings."