Maximalism is undoubtedly the ‘it’ word in the interior design industry today. It has variously become an expression of bold personalities; an eclectic mix of unique styles, striking colour palettes, patterns, shapes, and textures. While minimalism focused on the less-is-more aspect of design, maximalism seems to be all about more is more! Maximalism is still the biggest trend right now, but it seems to be undergoing an evolution. Sticking to the more is more trope; experts have begun to notice a pattern amidst the chaos, giving rise to what is now called modern maximalism. So how is it really different from maximalism? Calling it an individualistic expression of maximalism, Aroosh Mahipal – Co-Founder of White Domus believes modern maximalism to be a contemporary interpretation of the maximalist style. The main difference between standard and modern maximalism, he believes, is the historical and cultural contexts, as well as their design purposes and aesthetic goals. “In the past, standard maximalism was used in India as a way to showcase the wealth and power of rulers and aristocrats,” Mahipal shared. He believes standard maximalism to be rooted in traditional design with an emphasis on luxury.“Ornate buildings and palaces like the Taj Mahal or Amber Fort were built as grand symbols of their patronage and were intended to impress visitors with their opulence, beauty and scale.” Modern maximalism however, he feels, has a more individualistic and contemporary aesthetic sensibility. “It tends to be less formal than its traditional counterpart and often incorporates elements of pop culture or contemporary art. It is used more for the purposes of self-expression.” Adetee Sawhaney – Founder and Creative Director of Altus Luxury Living believes modern maximalism to be reinventive, more contextual and idiosyncratic to both, a space, and the individual. “The philosophy of maximalism is to create a space that is full of energy, colour, and character with each element carefully chosen to contribute to the overall effect. It is the idea behind the artwork or the furnishing that one chooses, which differentiates standard and modern maximalism.” Retracing history Maximalism in India can be traced all the way back to the medieval age when the obsession with more is more began with the royals. Back then, the elements of maximalism were defined by ornate architecture, intricate carvings and lavish materials like silk and velvet. “Maximalism,when tracked down through history was all about glitz and glam; gold accents, striking lights satin upholstery and an uncanny influence of Neoclassicism, Rococo and multiple design cultures; maximalism over the years has just got better,” says Neha Gupta, CoFounder and Interior Designer of Beyond Designs. While the design styles remain more or less of the same, Gupta feels that the inclusion of bold colours, floral patterns, embroidered details, and textural collages has modernised maximalism with increased experimentation. “People today, are not afraid to experiment. They will try to go for layering, experimenting with multiple patterns, textures and even colours.” BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA Decoding the evolution of modern maximalism Organised Chaos The evolution of modern maximalism Adetee Sawhaney, Founder and Creative Director of Altus Luxury Living AN EYE FOR DESIGN 8|LUXEBOOK|APRIL 2022 APRIL 2022 |LUXEBOOK|9
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