Antique lamp with some new linen textured shades (with gold interior) from Anthropologie, against a wallpaper from House of Hackney.
Moody Maximalism. Sounds like a fun little turn of words. But what does it mean?!
It’s a term I’ve seen popping around a lot lately. Ever have that happen? Sometimes words show up more often than usual and stick out, get our attention. I know lately the word ‘discourse’ has been thrown around a lot in various channels and I only started picking up on it a few months ago. It was like the word had a revival and I’m oblivious as to the source, so instead I’m just watching the wave and everyone ride it, haha. And of course knowing the word and how to use it means you add it to your own arsenal of vocabulary, and before you know it you’re riding that wave too. And in a way, ‘maximalism’ was like that, too. Of course I knew what it was — but it seemed like an outdated term that was a little out of fashion. But yet here we are, with not just regular maximalism but moody maximalism.
I found something that is relevant to my interests and I want to share it with you! I have a little podcast episode about it that you can listen to if you want additional thoughts and information on this aesthetic — you can listen to it by clicking the ‘play’ button below (thanks, Spotify!). If not, check out the above Video on Youtube or just keep reading!
The photos you see in this post are taken from my own space, because I have to be clear — moody maximalism isn’t clutter. In fact you will notice it is more of a well intentioned and well weighed, well thought placement of busy (and sometimes gaudy) elements. So putting examples of someone else’s moody maximalist room here would clash with the aesthetic. You dig? So please know that there are other colours and other themes you can have. These just happen to be mine.
I think imagining a Victorian room where a ‘monkey’s paw’ fits in a curio cabinet is a great way to get the vibe.
Firstly lets talk about Victorian style decor, because moody maximalism is a bit of an evolution further down that path. Victorian era decor is characterized by opulance and wealth — and the goal was not to be modest, but to show just how much you had. Not new things, either, but you wanted to show that you’ve been wealthy for generations. So there had to be very old, collectible, and well cared for items in the home. Of course paintings from modern artistes adorned the walls as well, and often were full of their own symbolism of wealth and grandeur representing the current generation. Of course, rich dark colours and velvets were often used (especially in smoke rooms, where the stain of cigar fumes could darken the interior design). And there were many uses of fleur de lis and ornament.
If you dig this side table, go buy yourself one from the same place I got it! Highly recommend. You can find it here (also if you use this link I might benefit by getting a small commission from Amazon, too!)
Moody Maximalism is a type of decor, or room interior design, closely related to the Victorian look but leaning on the ‘more is more’ style of decor. You might also compare it to the dark academia style, but maybe a bit more quirky or bold. Dark colors, gold, brass, wood, jewel tones and textures! Use of pattern, etc. If you have a moody maximalist style you might have already collected some of these things in your room without realizing it. If you fully embrace this aesthetic, that is when you will take your ‘slightly moody’ room to the so called ‘maximalist’ level! Think layers on layers. Think well balanced focus on particular color palettes. So, patterned wallpaper with gold sconces shaped like elephants, next to big bold golden frames with striking paintings within. Maybe there’s a skull or set of horns hanging on the wall… or tiger shaped rug on the floor? Zebra striped throws or floor coverings? Maybe you block out the light with heavy green velvet curtains! These are all elements that work for moody maximalism.
I’m not one to say this is that and not the other, though. I do strongly feel that this term can envelop many Victorian era room designs as well as dark academia… or even some arts and crafts looks!
Do you need some of this in your life and dig my artsy-spin on it? I knew somebody would (at least ONE person!), so I’ve made a little list of decor ideas for you that you can get straight from Amazon and shipped directly to you. Some of my collections are unique or antique items… but I have no shame to admit that a lot of the things in my space I have gotten from Amazon, Anthropologie, and Urban Barn. So here you go — check out the idea list and fall in love with something! Of course, using my list means I get a little commission from the website (it doesn’t add anything to your price, ofc). Win win! You can find that link by clicking here.
One thing for certain, though, is that this is a super fun and characteristic way to decorate — and if you are up to the challenge, it can be a very rewarding space!!
It has taken over my recording room, anyway. And I think it’s there to stay.
Nagemist! Check out my other videos on YouTube if you are looking for some other nifty info!