Why Maximalism is Having a Moment

For years, we were told to tidy up. To clear the clutter. To ask—and answer, without trepidation—“Does this spark joy?” And then, a la Marie Kondo, to thank our old, joyless belongings for their service and send them on their way—preferably in a neatly labeled donation bin.

The goal was simplicity. A clutter-free existence. A home that exuded calm and breathability, without any of the overwhelm of our potentially chaotic, messy lives.

But somewhere along the way, after the rise of minimalist design, stark white walls, and what felt like an endless stream of Instagram-perfect neutral spaces… a new craving crept in. Color. Comfort. Layers. Story.

And in Cape May homes—where history, charm, and personal style have always mingled—maximalism could just be the next big trend. “I think some people are tired of sleek, all-white spaces,” says local interior designer Jennifer O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Home Design in Cape May. “Maximalism feels more welcoming and inviting. It’s joyful.”

What is Maximalism, Anyway?

At its heart, maximalism is about creating a space that feels fully lived-in—unapologetically yours. It’s layered and colorful. It tells a story. It doesn’t shy away from bold choices or unusual pairings.

It’s a philosophy that O’Connor embraces in her work—and in her own home. “Wallpaper, wallpaper, wallpaper,” she laughs. “Rather than flat painted walls, wallpaper can add color, pattern, and texture. Throw pillows and area rugs are another great way to layer a space.”

Maximalism might sound loud—and sometimes it is—but O’Connor is quick to point out that it’s also deeply personal. “Fabrics, wallpapers, and furniture are all selected because they speak to the client. Whether it’s the style, the color, the pattern—there’s a reason it’s there. It might remind them of a past trip or a certain time period. That’s what makes it special.”

It’s also a little bit rebellious. O’Connor cites fashion icon Iris Apfel as a personal inspiration. “She was always unapologetically herself—loud and glamorous. That’s what maximalism is all about.”

Why Now?

Design trends tend to swing like a pendulum. After years of minimalist dominance—neutral palettes, sparse decor, Scandinavian simplicity—it was only a matter of time before people started craving the opposite.

The shift seems to be as much design fatigue as it is cultural. Ever since the pandemic, we’re spending more time at home. And with that comes the need for our spaces to be comfortable, but also to reflect our personalities.

And for some, maximalism is the antidote to spaces that felt more like a showroom than a home. “A white space, while clean and bright, can feel sterile,” she says. “Different colors evoke different emotions. Maximalist homes feel lived-in. They feel personal.”

How to Maximize Maximalism

So how does a self-described “neutral” person dip their toe into the maximalist waters? O’Connor has a plan. “If a client is hesitant, we’ll do the larger, more permanent pieces in something they’re comfortable with—and then add the more adventurous items in places that are easier to change out.”

That might mean wallpapering a powder room instead of the living room. Or adding vibrant throw pillows to an otherwise classic sofa. “Powder rooms are the easiest to layer and maximize the maximalist style in,” she says. “Tile floor, wallpapered walls, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, wall mirrors, a furniture piece vanity—you can go all out in a small space.”

Her most unexpected success story? “A leopard print area rug, floral wallpaper behind a built-in, peacock dining chairs, and tiger sofa pillows,” she says. “It worked because it spoke to the client.”

The key, she says, is cohesion. “Color stories matter. A space has to feel cohesive one way or another—through color, pattern, or material.”

She’s also a big fan of mixing metals and styles and keeping the eye moving around a space looking for the next interesting thing. “Gone are the days that everything is brushed nickel. We’re adding warm brasses, contrasting blacks.”

The Maximalist Cape May Project

O’Connor recently finished a Cape May home for clients who had just one wish: They wanted the house to feel beachy—but also like an artist lived there. It was the perfect invitation to go bold.

“We used wallpaper in several rooms—from beach waves to florals to geometric prints. Ceilings are painted indigo blue. We have a lot of natural, warm woods throughout the home, and the lighting ties it all together.” It’s a layered, textured, joy-filled space—and proof that maximalism can feel right at home in Cape May’s coastal setting.

Maximalism For Beginners: Jennifer’s Tips

Feeling inspired to embrace a little “too much” in your own home? O’Connor recommends starting small. “Art, ceramics, and throw pillows are the easiest way to experiment,” she says. “They’re not permanent, and they let you test out bolder colors or patterns.”

She also loves pairing animal prints with florals. “Both come from nature, but they evoke completely different feelings. Together, they just work.”

And while maximalism might feel like a free-for-all, O’Connor cautions against going too far without a plan, which is when a space can feel chaotic instead of curated. “The biggest mistake I see is taking it too far without a cohesive vision.”

Her favorite maximalist move—one that draws the eye up and adds instant character—for any home? “Wallpaper or a bold paint color on the ceiling.”

More Than a Trend—A Way to Feel at Home

For O’Connor, maximalism isn’t about following a trend. It’s about creating a space that feels personal, joyful, and completely yours.

“Clients are constantly scrolling—Pinterest, Instagram—and when they see something they haven’t seen before that brings a smile to their face, they want it,” she says.

In the end, that’s what maximalism delivers: a home full of stories, color, comfort—and yes, maybe even a little leopard print. After all, in a maximalist home, you don’t just see a room.

You see a life.