Interior Design Secrets: Grandmillennial Maximalism WITHOUT the Clutter
There’s a certain magic to grandmillennial maximalism. But often, it can easily merge into clutter.
HOW do Interior designers achieve these gorgeous Grandmillennial maximalism spaces without the clutter? It’s a delicate balance, I want to break it down…
1: Start with a Traditional Foundation
Designers often anchor a space with classic pieces. Pick your furniture first to build on something that feels grounded. Things like skirted sofas and tables, pleated lampshades, bamboo or scalloped furniture, wingbacks, and Chippendale chairs are lovely elements to build a room around.
2. Limit Your Color Palette
Designers often stick to 2–3 dominant colors with supporting accents. This makes a space look more curated and purposeful. For example, blue + white + green = crisp and coastal. Our bedroom is soft brown and green with a little pink - that's it! It's actually freeing to give yourself a limited color palette because you're able to focus on making really informed decisions on each color. For example, shopping becomes easier because you're looking for green curtains, or know something needs to have a touch of yellow t compliment everything - that really frees you to be more creative!
3. Mix Patterns Thoughtfully
Pattern is key—but it’s curated. As a textile designer, I love this pattern-drenching trend we’re seeing. What I’ve learned in the textile design world is that you always need a hero with at least one coordinate print: one chinoiserie print and maybe a stripe or block print motif.
Patterns usually stay within the same color family to avoid chaos. Keeping it all in the same palette makes pattern drenching pleasing to the eye.
4: Use Symmetry and Repetition
To avoid visual overload, designers use: Matching lamps, or pairs of chairs. Things like a Symmetrical gallery wall creates a sense of intentionality that balances the abundance of decor. Make sure to Rotate accessories seasonally
Think of tabletops as “vignettes” where you can play with layering books, framed art, and objects in. Instead of Instagram, think more personal, looser storytelling—unexpected objects, inherited pieces, meaningful art, or natural materials that feel gathered, not styled. Think functional, too. What will you always need to use? Lamps, stacks of books, little bowls for your essentials, all great elements that can match.
4: USE the Negative Space
In maximalist interiors, restraint is part of the magic. The most sophisticated grandmillennial homes aren’t packed wall to wall—they’re layered, but with a sense of airiness and elegance. For something to be pleasing to the eye, the eye MUST have a place to rest. Designers often use a “rule of thirds”: one stack of books, one small sculpture, and one framed photo/art piece.
Focus on curating a purposeful home that tells a story. Give each piece room to stand out, and avoid over-accessorizing. Instead of pushing everything against the wall, designers create intentional groupings with space around them. Negative space around furniture enhances the sense of architecture and “flow.” Open shelves? Decorate them with breathing room between objects. Keep your floor space clear with tight editing of rugs and furniture - chaotic floor space can attribute to clutter.
Watch me dive deeper into this topic in my YouTube series below!
I hope this helps you be inspired to decorate a home you love!