After a decade of pared-back minimalism, 2026 is firmly in its maximalist era. Homes are no longer curated to look like showrooms; they’re layered to look like lives. Maximalism today isn’t about chaos — it’s about confident storytelling through colour, texture, and objects that matter.

This year’s maximalist spaces start with saturated palettes. Think lacquered emerald walls, oxblood ceilings, or butter-yellow kitchens offset by inky blue cabinetry. Colour drenching is back, but with richer undertones and matte finishes that feel grown-up rather than gimmicky.

Pattern is the second pillar. Stripes crash into florals, checkerboards sit beside ornate damasks, and no one is apologizing. Wallpaper is no longer confined to accent walls; in 2026 it climbs ceilings, wraps around archways, and frames doorways like art. The rule is simple: if it makes you feel something, it belongs.

Texture is where the magic really happens. Bouclé sofas live next to glossy resin tables, carved walnut cabinets meet rippled glass lighting, and shag rugs layer over tiled floors. This tactile overload reflects a broader cultural desire for comfort in a digitally saturated world — we want spaces we can feel.