10 Homes Embracing A Dose of Maximalist Decor
These curated, colourful and art-filled homes prove that sometimes, more is more.
When it comes to interior design, minimalism often takes centre stage. However, a growing trend is embracing the charm of the past, celebrating maximalist decor. Some of our favorite homes over the years have proudly showcased collections, tchotchkes, and an abundance of furniture—all hallmarks of the maximalist style. Even in Toronto’s smaller spaces, this look thrives when done right. Below, we’ve rounded up interiors that fully embrace maximalist decor.
A Kid’s Room Goes Krave-Core
Gucci wallpaper makes a whimsical statement in the children’s bedroom of this Summerhill home reno. Throughout the home, a dose of maxlimalism is used by architect Barbora Vokac Taylor to design the ultimate entertaining hub for a multigenerational family.
Two Maximalists Build an Overflowing Library
For almost a decade, Catherine Osborne (former editor of our sister magazine, Azure) and her husband, creative director Kaspar deLine, went without bookshelves. Their glossy art tomes, yellowed vintage cookbooks and sailing guides sat in neatly stacked piles on the floors of their south Cabbagetown home. “We’re maximalists,” jokes Osborne. “Azure is all about minimalism, but I’m not living that way.”
An Art Collector’s Lively Loft in Roncy
“I’ve come around to the green,” says Kenneth Montague about the striking hue of his home, which is defined in part by its open-air walkways painted a brilliant chartreuse – a detail that architect David Peterson insisted upon. “Peterson thinks Toronto is afraid of colour, and I love the strategic injection of it,” Montague says. Looking around his living room, filled with maximalist decor featuring a mix of mid-century furniture, high-octane paintings, and throw pillows made from African textiles, you see what he means.
Nature’s Doing
Aubergine-veined Calacatta Viola makes a loud backdrop in this Sherwood Park principal ensuite. Sure, it’s application might seem simple, but with such a striking natural pattern, stone can be a maximalists best friend.
A Prototype Condo for Wellness Enthusiasts
Open shelving, vibrant colour pops and lush green paired with an eclectic mix of potted plants and metal accents make up Andrea Kantelberg’s pilot project for Evolved Living. The Wellington condo showcases the best of biophilic interior design with an inspiring collection of energizing elements.
A Mid-Mod Marvel
Are all collected spaces inherently maximalist? Not necessarily. But with the right decor choices, a display wall or bookshelf can quickly turn a simple study into an eclectic and undeniably maximalist signature space.
A Maximalist Downtown Loft Full of Whimsy
As medical professionals, Lesley and Matthew work in clean, clinical settings. So, at home, they wanted light, color, and rooms bursting with playful personality and maximalist interior design. In the home office, loungers from DWR sit in front of a wall tiled with photos by Cindy Blaževic.
Now In Technicolor
When Heather Asquith, principal of Asquith Architecture, and Julie Reinhart, owner of Julie Reinhart Interior Design, were tasked to re-imagine a dimly lit, century-old Edwardian, they were provided with a simple brief: make it the opposite of what it is now. The result is a bright and playful family home with a collection of maximalist decor.
A Suburban Home that Doubles Down on Mid-Century Modern
“A lot of people mistakenly associate modern architecture with coldness,” says Todd McMillan, co-founder of the Burlington design and construction firm Ben Homes. Granted, some contemporary houses with boxy interiors, high ceilings and slick finishes can feel soulless, but traditional mid-century modernism is anything but. The much-loved style walks the line between minimal and maximalist decor, which is what Mcmillan’s home embodies.
A Designer’s Victorian, Full of Eclectic Curios
“A sense of enough,” is the way designer Andrew Jones describes what drew him to the south Roncesvalles Victorian that has been his home and personal design playground for the last eight years. Jones saw through layers of peeling wallpaper to good bones: plenty of south-facing light to counter the deep, dark spaces that are characteristic of these houses; a sufficient amount of original features to telegraph history; and ample raw potential for maximalist decor.
A Riverdale Home with Plenty to Display
Maximalist decor elements like gallery walls, busy bookshelves and eccentric colour pops have turned an old Riverdale house into a stylish and sophisticated home. Skylights throughout the home bring every design element to new heights.
Feeling like adding to your own maximalist interior design collection? Check out our Where to Shop page for the best selection of local stores.
