Vintage Maximalism - How to create a unique and vibrant space that tells your own unique story.

Are you bored of beige walls and minimalist decor? Do you crave a riot of colour and love spaces which are soaked in invigorating patterns? Do you want to create a home that reflects your personality and also your love for all things vintage and retro? Then welcome to the wonderful world of Vintage Maximalism! You’re gonna feel right at home ...

In this blog post we will be looking at (and quite frankly revelling in) this fabulous design style and offering some top tips on how to apply it to your home, plus we’ve got some stunning examples of real-life homes that are rocking the Vintage Maximalist vibe.

Photo credit: @retro_ms_moody

We all know about Maximalism right? The "more is more" design philosophy on steroids … (no judgement here, we’re definitely on board with this!) … Bold colour palettes and clashing patterns are embraced, creating visually dynamic spaces that are all about grabbing attention with unique and eye-catching combinations.

So what is Vintage Maximalism?

A Nostalgic Twist: Whereas maximalism embraces a broad spectrum of styles, Vintage Maximalism adds a specific nod to the past, a layer of nostalgia and a depth of narrative.

Here's what sets it apart:

The Vintage Focus: This style centres around incorporating vintage finds, whether it's furniture, artwork, or decorative items. Think flea market & charity shop finds, family heirlooms …  anything with a touch of history.

Nostalgia and Individuality: Vintage Maximalism revels in the nostalgia and character of vintage or retro pieces. In an era of mass production and uniformity, and a slightly depressing recent wave of beige and grey minimalist interiors, Vintage Maximalism is a joyous explosion of brave creativity, a celebration of self expression which taps into a desire for individuality and nostalgia.

A Curated Chaos of Eras: Vintage maximalism celebrates the beauty of different eras. It juxtaposes vintage finds from different eras, to create a layered and eclectic look, rich in history and personality. For example: A floral patterned armchair from the 60s sharing space with a sleek mid-century modern side table, or a 50s record player nestled amongst a collection of antique books, or mismatched early 20th century china patterns adorning a dining table covered with a bold 70s tablecloth.

Storytelling Through Decor - Telling Your Story: Vintage Maximalism embraces the uniqueness of vintage finds and celebrates the personal stories these pieces bring to a home, creating a space that reflects your personal story. A rich layering of not only visual joy, but of history and storytelling, creating a deeper connection to our homes and selves.

It’s maximalism, but with the added layer of history and resonance. It’s nest-building without fear and brings a much needed respect for lives lived well.

It uses objects to tell a story, a hint of who we are and where we have come from ... A vintage record player with a stack of classic LPs evokes a musical past, while a collection of antique suitcases and travel ephemera whispers of distant adventures, or a collection of 70s plastic toys celebrating a well-loved childhood. 

Art and photos are a cornerstone of maximalist decor. A good gallery wall is perfect for telling your story, or you can of course also create a random narrative just for the visual effect! And adding vintage treasures to this gives the whole thing a deeper presence.

The Power of Pattern: One of the hallmarks of Maximalism is the fearless embrace of pattern. Think floral prints dancing with geometric stripes, polka dots juxtaposed with swirling graphics. A symphony of colour and texture that creates a visually stimulating and undeniably joyful space. Tapping into vintage patterns can really add another level of variety and intrigue. 

Photo credit: @vickisphone

Layering Up the Colour: Maximalists are not afraid of using lots of colour! If you’re worried about using too many different ones, pick a limited colour palette of complementary and/or clashing colours. Pinterest is a good place to start researching colour combinations that work well together. (Pinterest LOVES a good colour palette!) Unexpected colour combinations are good, but don’t do too many in one space if you’re concerned about losing the impact, or running the risk of it becoming a rainbow jumble (although that can be good for some!).

Photo credit: @LIsa_loves_orange

And finally, don’t be afraid to Embrace the Mismatched: Vintage Maximalism celebrates eclectic collections representing different eras and styles … think Granny Chic crochet mixed with 70s Supergraphics, Atomic Starbursts paired with West German Pottery, 50s Palm Spring kitsch nestling with Art Deco sophistication, sleek mid century lines hanging out with fluffy candlewick bedspreads or rya rugs.

But how do you avoid your maximalist masterpiece descending into cluttered chaos? I see this question asked in a few of the Maximalist Facebook groups I’m in, and the secret lies in careful curation with a focus. The key is creating a cohesive feel despite the mix of styles. Start with a colour palette, a general theme, or a hero object and build out from there ... Don’t be scared! … add in pieces and see what you think. You can always take them out again!

Photo credit: @retro_ms_moody

Here at Inkabilly we are big fans of this style of decor! It’s how we have always (unwittingly) decorated our own home. Our choice and use of objects is not only about their colour, pattern or texture, just as important are character, charm and nostalgic qualities … And if they tell a story (ours or someone else’s), then even better! We are vintage magpies who revel in nostalgia of all sorts!

We are passionate about creating unique, eye-catching homewares and accessories that perfectly embody the Vintage Maximalist spirit. I like to think Inkabilly is a haven for vintage enthusiasts and maximalist dreamers, living vibrant retro lives in a modern world.

Check out below how the fabulous homes featured in this article have used Inkabilly tableware in their Vintage Maximalist spaces ...

Photo credit: Left: @retro_ms_moody featuring Inkabilly 70s Circles Placemats and right: @El_loves_colour featuring Inkabilly Leopard Print Coasters

Photo credit: Left: @willow_terra_studio featuring Inkabilly 70s Mushrooms Coasters, and right: @LIsa_loves_orange featuring Inkabilly Retro Flowers Coasters.

We'd love to help you transform your space into a vibrant, maximalist masterpiece that tells your unique story and allows you scope for personal expression … With our tableware you can add pops of retro colour and strong patterns to your decor, and with our accessories you can add flashes of vintage style and glorious vibrancy to your everyday outfits.

So Let's Get Maximalist!

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules. Just follow your heart, curate with a playful eye, and let your personality shine through … And with a dash of retro magic from Inkabilly, you can easily transform your everyday life into a vibrant, joyful explosion of colour and pattern – a true reflection of the extraordinary you!

Let’s do it!