When one thinks of Maximalism, the first thing one thinks of is rather over the top cluttered decorating synonymous with a rather Bohemian look – which it of course can absolutely be. Achieving this requires careful layering of colours patterns and fabrics and textures – normally all quite bold – and the clever use of over accessorising to create a space that is fun and eclectic with the end result that it is inviting and exciting.
The perception of Maximalism can have an over the top association and isn’t exactly for everyone.
I use elements of Maximalism in varying degrees in my work and it really is dependent on each client as to how over the top something is perceived. More often than not it starts with the desire to introduce some colour and fun into a room or to make a bold statement.
From there that statement can either end up a simple one, or it can become a fuller picture, depending on how many elements are added to the story. Wallpapers are a wonderful starting point and are often the starting point of a room.I am passionate about creating custom wall arts- which I create myself with an artist colleague – as these give me the scope to create interesting scale and colour dimensions customised to the room.
Maximalising your look then involves adding more, and more elements, from pattern to textures to accessories and artwork – all building up to create a carefully curated space that I sincerely believe doesn’t need to be overwhelming or garish but rather very personal and interesting. The minute a home has interest and personality – it becomes a home.
So while you may think Maximilism isn’t for you – perhaps see it more as a way to have fun with your décor and to give your home its own unique vibe – in whichever way you choose to apply it!

COVID
The current trends are as you know a direct “ Reaction to COVID” – COVID grey in particular! I outlawed grey in most schemes even before COVID because I just felt it was exhausted and depressing!
So gone are the minimal nurseries done in grey and white with a white lamb! And viva the colour revival.
Much of what you are seeing in decor is the result of  design – particularly fabric and wallpapers -done while people were in lockdown – people looking for colour…reaching for exotic places and travel – enjoying their gardens instead of hustling about daily life – driving international design and colour trends.
Gone are the days where we had to search for bold florals and prints, because the demand for them is creating a huge diversity of product on the market and its wonderful to see.

MAXIMALISM
Is really about all that … colour and flowers and pattern and travel and interesting places and people. And that’s what wonderful homes are about – people and their lives and their homes tell their stories – of family, of travel, of interests, collections and hobbies I have throughout my career loved working with people whose homes tell the story of the rich fabric of their lives. A special meaningful picture can spark an entire scheme for a room, a collection – no matter how unusual – has often formed the basis for a unique study or space. One of my earliest challenges in my career was to decorate a study around my clients vast collection of warthogs!  From vintage furniture to collectable cars, books to family photographs, every piece in a home forms part of a story and this is where Maximillism – or variations of it – have a place – to showcase those stories well, to combine unusual elements offset them with gorgeous colour, and bring a light hearted playfulness into a space – making it a happy space! Because after all isn’t that what our homes are meant to be – a joyful personal extension of ourselves and our families.

REFURBISHING
I have always loved refurbishing old pieces – literally since I was old enough to paint I was always giving new life to things! I love adding the unexpected and often vintage pieces – from whatever era can be the nicest way to do so.Painting an old chair a different colour and using a bold contemporary fabric on it takes a lost piece and turns it into the hero. (SEE BANANA ROCKERS IN GEOMETRIC PRINT and RED and GREEN CHINESE ROOM) I have a beautiful antique mahogany drinks cabinet – beautifully crafted and highly valuable which I restored…but I was so bored with it in brown! I discussed painting it with my carpenter friend Dave – and as he said – Its still mahogany underneath- you can always strip it back! Rather enjoy it in your home than have something you love make you feel tired! And so my gorgeous cabinet is now a bright emerald green and makes me smile every time I see it and is always the centrepiece  – no matter which room it’s in!

ENTERTAINING
I am known for my love of entertaining and whether it’s a big event or an intimate dinner, I love turning every moment into an occasion! My family have decided that my decorating  literally  is my love language, because when I do anything I literally go to the max!! In clients homes I encourage neutral colour palettes in dining rooms – as I love how that opens the options for all manner of table décor from Christmas to Thai hanging gardens – to anything else one might fancy. Table décor is a wonderful area to express your maximillist self – it opens a door to all sorts of creativity and fun and I love to teach my clients how to flower arrange and set tables because once they know how, they have all the confidence in the world to create their own masterpieces.