Maximalism
More is more
Maximalism is an aesthetic or philosophical preference for excess, complexity, and abundance—the opposite of minimalism.
In art and design, maximalist work embraces bold patterns, saturated colors, and layered ornamentation: Her maximalist apartment was crammed with vintage furniture, patterned rugs, and gallery walls.
The term extends to any approach that favors more over less: maximalist foreign policy advocates aggressive intervention, while maximalist demands in negotiation leave little room for compromise.
Elaborately decorated
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
- layeringForming successive strata
eclecticism · gilding · rococo · decoration · excess · abundance · chinoiserie · grandeur
Surplus beyond need
- abundanceAmple supply, overflowing
- accumulationCollected mass over time
- indulgenceYielding to desire
- saturationState of complete permeation
proliferation · surplus · amplification · extravagance · plenitude · fullness · intensity · overwhelm
Pretentious hollow language
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- layeredHaving multiple levels
- symphonicPertaining to large-scale orchestral music
- WagnerGerman Romantic opera composer
crescendo · epic · dense · polyphonic · prog-rock · operatic · grandiose · sweeping
Courageous and daring
- statementExpressed claim or fact
- clashingStriking with discord
- printsCopied images on paper
- VersaceItalian fashion house
Gucci · flamboyant · embroidered · sequined · beaded · layered · accessorized · theatrical
Assembled mixed-media artwork
- assemblageCollected group of things
- installationProcess of putting in
- overwhelmingIntensely excessive in force
- immersiveFully engaging the senses
dense · cluttered · colorful · kitsch · accumulation · appropriation · spectacle · large-scale
ornate
Elaborately decorated
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
- embellishmentDecorative addition or exaggeration
layering · eclecticism · gilding · rococo · decoration · excess · abundance · chinoiserie · grandeur · lavish
excess
Surplus beyond need
- abundanceAmple supply, overflowing
- accumulationCollected mass over time
- indulgenceYielding to desire
saturation · proliferation · surplus · amplification · extravagance · plenitude · fullness · intensity · overwhelm · immersion
bombast
Pretentious hollow language
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
- layeredHaving multiple levels
- symphonicPertaining to large-scale orchestral music
Wagner · crescendo · epic · dense · polyphonic · prog-rock · operatic · grandiose · sweeping · cinematic
bold
Courageous and daring
Versace · Gucci · flamboyant · embroidered · sequined · beaded · layered · accessorized · theatrical · overworn
collage
Assembled mixed-media artwork
- assemblageCollected group of things
- installationProcess of putting in
- overwhelmingIntensely excessive in force
immersive · dense · cluttered · colorful · kitsch · accumulation · appropriation · spectacle · large-scale · sensory
Maximalismminimalism
Aesthetic of reduction
simplicity · restraint · minimalist design · austerity · spareness
Maximalismminimalism
Aesthetic of reduction
asceticism · frugality · simple living · essentialism · decluttering
Maximalismminimalism
Aesthetic of reduction
restraint · subtlety · understatement · quietude · reserve