Making the Case for Maximalism
Where the 2010s were dominated by minimalism, white palettes and clean lines, we’re calling the 2020s as the decade of maximalism.
Although maximalism may look like chaos to the untrained eye, this style is defined by its intention – rather than a mishmash of unrelated and competing items, maximalism is about utilising every inch of your space to create a kitchen that is as much about conveying your personality as it is about functionality.
Want to try the more-is-more look in your kitchen design in Sydney this year? Here’s why we think you’ll love your maximalist kitchen.
You’re not bound by one era or style
If you find yourself earmarking every fifth page in a kitchen design magazine and struggling to narrow your design influences down to one cohesive style – then maximalism could be the answer you’re looking for.
Allowing your space to span eras, cultures and styles, maximalism is all about embracing an eclectic style.
You could pair Hampton style cabinets with statement glass shelves and art-deco tiling, for example. Or industrial appliances with a bold, colourful palette and lots of indoor plants.
The aim of the variety here is to provide comfort though, not stress – so there should still be an element of curation and care in your space. Engaging a professional can help here – at Apollo Kitchens, we’ve worked on hundreds of kitchen designs in Sydney across a myriad of styles, so can help you nail the maximalist look.
You can embrace colour
After a year spent inside wearing tracksuits most of the time, we’ve turned to our interiors as a way to express ourselves and our personalities.
If you got bored of looking at the same neutral walls all year long, then introducing colour to your kitchen cupboard could be a much-needed injection of joy.
Don’t be afraid of embracing colour – in a maximalist kitchen, colour is a tool used to create warmth and intimacy without sacrificing the feeling of space.
If colour isn’t your thing, patterns also have their place in a maximalist kitchen. Wallpaper or accent tiling on your splashback can have a similar effect, and you can contain them to certain areas of the kitchen if you wish.
Storage doubles as a display
Have a cute set of mugs that languish behind kitchen cupboard doors? Or a set of crockery that only sees the light of day when you’re entertaining?
Maximalist kitchens allow you to give these items prime position in the space, turning them into decor. Open shelves are perfect to make use of otherwise blank wall space, while also allowing for bigger and bulkier items (like appliances) to be hidden in your kitchen cupboards.
Open cubed storage units can have the same effect, allowing you to intersperse decor like pottery or artwork with more functional items.
You can refine your space over time
The best maximalist kitchens are the ones that are curated over the years – growing with your changing design tastes and your experiences.
Whether it’s a display of travel photos and a unique table runner from a favourite holiday or a boutique find from a local antique store – maximalist kitchens evolve and change over time, with a variety of items (all with their own memories and backstories) making up your unique space.
Ultimately, the end product of your kitchen renovation should be a place that you genuinely enjoy spending time in. That could mean your favourite colour on the walls, your family heirloom china on proud display, being surrounded by your favourite indoor plants, or just creating a truly functional space that brings the whole family together.
Wondering if a maximalist kitchen is for you? Not sure how to pull it off? Get in touch with our team of experts at Apollo Kitchens in Sydney, Central Coast or Newcastle for a no-obligation consultation. In the meantime, you’ll find plenty of design inspiration in our eBook.
