Maximalism is officially in the spotlight, and we are here for it! Bold colors, dynamic patterns, and all the personality you can pack into one space—this trend is all about turning up the volume on your design game. If you’re ready to go big and bold, Shelfology’s steel products are your maximalist best friend. Think Tromso shelves, Fat Lippie ledges, and hooks that can handle your wildest design dreams. Let’s dive into how you can layer color and steel for interiors that wow.
The Rise of Maximalism
Have you ever walked into a room though and thought it felt a little… lonely? Empty? Wishing you were surrounded by more things, at the very least a few signs of life in a room or a space’s inhabitants’ personal effects? Then it’s possible that maximalism is the design mindset calling your name. Like two sides of a coin, maximalism design is pretty much representative of everything minimalism, well, isn’t. “Maximalist design is all about expressing your individuality and unique perspective,” explains Courtney McLeod, designer and owner of Right Meets Left Interior Design. “Maximalists don’t care what the ‘Joneses’ will think; they design for their own joy, incorporating well-considered and bold color palettes, interesting prints, statement lighting, and curated accessories. For me, it’s not about too much stuff in a space — it’s about creating a bold and interesting mix for the eye to enjoy.” -Apartment Therapy
Minimalism had its moment, but it’s time to trade stark whites for vibrant palettes and pared-back designs for all-out personality. While minimalism is all about fewer visual and literal pieces and parts in your space, maximalism is about creating a story in your space—one that’s uniquely yours. It’s the art of mixing and matching, blending textures, and showcasing your favorite things without holding back. Steel shelving and accessories provide the perfect backbone for this style, offering structure and a striking contrast to all those glorious layers.
So how do you get a maximalist look for yourself? Where do you start and finish so you don’t cross the line from styled to disheveled? Shelfology loves an organized space but never shies away from bold palettes: let’s explore tips and tricks to guide us into creating a maximalist space to love.
Embracing Maximalist Decor: Design Ideas for Bold Interiors
Vivid, Colorful Kitchens with Double Bender and Tromso Shelves
One of the key components of maximalist style is a bold foundational color. Whether you’re color drenching all surfaces or picking a wallpaper to add a bold pattern, color is the keystone of any room, including Kitchens.
Your kitchen deserves to shine, and Tromso shelves are here to help. Their clean steel lines create a stunning frame for your favorite colorful dishware, quirky mugs, or vibrant tiles. Mix finishes (raw steel, powder-coated hues—you name it) for a vibe that’s equal parts functional and fabulous.
Designer Amy Hadley was able to capture color and bold wallpaper in a palate that included visually arresting graphics contrasting with brightly colored shelves and accessories. The backdrop for your collections is just as important as what you’re showing off!
Bold wallpaper in black and white and florals pairs with bright Orangelo Double Bender shelves to provide a vibrant kitchen environment.
A patterned tile juxtaposed with orange Tromsos, provides a great place to store frequently used kitchen supplies, while creating a fun color palette of blue, green and orange.
Eclectic Art with Fat Lippie Shelves
Curating an art collection can be a great way to max out your design style. One of the key points of maximalism is layering objects in a thoughtful way. You may collect paintings or prints on favorite vacations, have a vinyl collection whose covers are display-worthy, or simply just find images online that scream “you”. Your art array can make a bold statement but not devolve into chaos by the thoughtful use of shelving for organization and wall placement.
Our Fat Lippie shelves are as bold as their name suggests. They pair perfectly with an eclectic gallery of bold prints or you can layer them with books, plants, and quirky objects to create a curated chaos that makes you happy to see. Plus, their sturdy steel design ensures they’re as practical as they are stylish.
Layers of color, textures, shelving, and decor is maximalism at its finest. Put your creativity and personality on display with Fat Lippie, Skaksel, and Double Bender wall shelves.
Layered wood panels and textured walls can also create a strong, deeply-rich aesthetic that gives ‘old English study’ vibes without a color overload.
Create your own gallery with prints and images that reflect your unique tastes.
Dynamic Entryways with Bold Hooks
Even smaller pass-through spaces can benefit from a strong personality boost. Marrying fun and functionality is our specialty and our cut to measure shelving shines in small spaces. Entryways are a great place to put a pop of color and introduce guests to your sweet style right (into) the gate
Shelfology’s steel hooks in bold finishes add instant flair to any entryway. Pair them with vibrant wallpaper or a splashy paint job for a look that’s both functional and unforgettable. Bonus points if you use them to hang colorful bags or hats.
Matriarchy Build founder, Gabriella Ainslie used bright Peggy hooks paired with an oversized art print to welcome friends and organize the entry into her home.
But does maximalism always suggest found or collected objects on display? In this entryway, plants take center-stage and welcome you to a space filled with life and vibrancy. The overflowing, overgrowing feeling we associate with the energy of maximalism is expressed through a burgeoning plant nursery, as opposed to a color scheme. Yet, there is use of warm wood tones and bright colors in the hooks and mixed media shelving enough to give personality to the space. Dare we say, a restful maximalism we could all relax into?
Layered Offices and Entry Spaces with Mixed Materials
Maximize design, but keep the color palette calm for a peaceful vibe.
Your workspace deserves some personality, too. Combine blackened steel brackets with bright, bold shelving to house your books, plants, and supplies. Toss in a gallery wall or some funky desk accessories for a maximalist vibe that inspires productivity and creativity.
A perfect example of this is the office renovation done by Mercedes Austin for her friend Alex West Steinman. This petite workspace gives off maximalist vibes with eclectic tile, an art display, bright furniture, and custom mixed metal shelving while still maintaining a peaceful feel through its color palette. The Skaksel shelf by shelfology provides the best of both metal and wood worlds.
Before
After
Maximalism doesn’t necessarily equate to crowded or messy. By using mixed metal and wood pieces you get the best of both worlds: the warmth and timeless touch of wood tones, and a dash of color to provide visual interest and tie pieces together throughout the space. An office is the perfect place to create a unique ‘collected-over-time’ look by combining contemporary elements with collected vintage pieces.
Bathrooms That Pop
Who says bathrooms have to be boring? Shelfology’s mixed wood & steel shelving is perfect for adding both storage and style. Pair the easygoing Bart, with its wood slab and square brackets with matching REM cabinet pulls or colorful tiles and Popsicle hooks to add splashes of vibrant decor to create a space that feels as lively as the rest of your home. Layering color is a key component of maximalism. Use similar hues to continue a color drenched look, or choose contrasting tones to make a bold statement.
Why Steel Is Your Maximalist Best Friend
Shelfology’s steel products are built to last and designed to dazzle. With endless options to customize finishes, sizes, and styles, you can create shelving and accessories that fit your unique aesthetic. Whether you’re going for bold and industrial or polished and modern, steel provides the perfect foundation for your maximalist vision.
Maximalism isn’t just about excess—it’s also about thoughtful choices. Steel is a recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to make a statement without sacrificing sustainability. And let’s be real: steel’s timeless appeal means it’ll look amazing for years to come.
Ready to transform your space into a maximalist masterpiece? Shelfology’s Tromso shelves, Fat Lippie brackets, and other steel products are here to help you make it happen. Explore their collection and start layering color, texture, and personality for interiors that truly reflect you.
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Bring Your Room to Life with 2025’s Color Drench Trend