A Guide to Cozy Maximalism in Interior Design
How intentional layering, color, and character create balanced rooms.
Maximalism gets a bad rap. Mentioning the word may conjure images of clashing prints, cluttered surfaces, and knick-knack-covered walls.
However, the best maximalist rooms are the opposite, according to Sarah Stacey, whose maximalist designs are highly curated. Across her projects in Texas, Tennessee, and beyond, Sarah shows how color, pattern, antiques, and playful details can create homes that feel vibrant and cozy.
Below, Sarah breaks down how to bring comfort and cohesion to maximalist interior design.
How to Create Cozy Maximalist Interiors
Curate With Intent: The Foundation of Cozy Maximalist Interior Design
Cozy maximalism begins with a strong foundation. Start with a piece that will define the architecture of the room, such as a rug, artwork, or wallpaper. Whatever you choose, use the piece as an anchor to set the palette and structure.
Once the mood is set, define the room's function and choose furniture accordingly. As you layer in art, lighting, fabrics and upholstery, consider the scale of each pattern and the size of the furniture it sits on. The goal is to have everything work together rather than competing.
Use Color With Purpose: Bold Color Interiors That Stay Grounded
Maximalist spaces rely on rich color, but balance keeps them calm. Warm palettes mixed with cooler accents or subtle metallics offer depth without overwhelming the room. Think deep greens, russets, and blues anchored by supporting tones.
A tonal approach helps avoid the visual tension of high contrast. As a rule of thumb, each color should still be distinguishable if the room were photographed in black and white. When you do introduce contrast, treat it as a detail. A pop of orange or yellow can add energy and make the surrounding palette feel even more considered.
Balance Pattern and Scale: Layering Patterns in Maximalist Decor
Maximalism thrives on pattern. However, balance comes from scale. Think of the room in layers: a wide gesture like full-room wallpaper or statement drapery, followed by tighter patterns on upholstery, pillows, and art. Varying scale keeps the room dynamic.
Repeat Motifs Thoughtfully: Creating Cohesion in Maximalist Interior Design
Motifs and color can unify a home. Subtly repeating colors across rooms helps create continuity. Echoes in pattern or shape build rhythm.
Let Lighting Do the Work: Lighting Strategies for Cozy Maximalist Rooms
Balancing bold rooms requires softness. Warm lighting, layered sconces, and dimmers prevent overstimulation. A single focal fixture — such as a chandelier or sculptural pendant — gives the eye a place to land.
Avoid Clutter: How Maximalism Stays Edited, Not Overwhelming
Clutter — maximalism’s biggest pitfall — is also very fixable. The simplest safeguard is to establish a clear framework before layering anything else. Start with a strong furniture layout that reflects how you’ll use the room. Picture the conversations, the flow, and the mix of seating people will need (e.g., a low lounge chair, a firmer option that’s easy to rise from, a spot to perch).
Maximalism in Action: Real Interior Design Case Studies
Successful maximalism comes from thoughtful choices about color, scale, lighting, and mood. From a boutique hotel to a hidden speakeasy to a residential lounge, these three SSID projects show how intentional layering creates rooms designed to be lived in and loved.
Cozy Maximalism in Hospitality at The Menagerie
The Menagerie in Fredericksburg is one of Sarah's most memorable projects. Set across a restored Queen Anne mansion and a collection of 1930s bungalows, the property features bold pattern, antique casegoods, and rich color in every unit. No two rooms share the same rug, sofa, or wallpaper, but the spaces read inviting rather than overwhelming.
How to apply this in your home: Choose a clear mood for each room and let it guide your palette, upholstery, and art. Repeat small motifs and colors across spaces to create harmony.
Maximalist Bar Design at The Hidden Bar at Noelle
Maximalism can also be moody and refined. Sarah’s redesign of the Hidden Bar at Noelle in Nashville shows how drama feels cozy with the right balance. Jewel-toned vintage upholstery, amber-lit Gothic arches, and accents add depth. Low lighting and a focused palette keep the room intimate.
How to apply this in your home: Pick one element to anchor the room and support it with lighting, vintage pieces, and texture. When everything else steps back, bold choices feel calm.
Small-Space Maximalism in a Residential Lounge
In a recent project, Sarah transformed a former garage into a compact lounge with quiet speakeasy character. Marbleized wallpaper enveloped the powder bath, while the main lounge leaned on vintage furnishings, texture, and European-inspired details to build warmth.
How to apply this in your home: All-over pattern can make small spaces feel intimate rather than cramped. Choose a few furnishings and let texture and color carry the mood.
Final thoughts
From boutique hotels to private homes, the principles of maximalism stay the same. The style works when each element has intention, balance, and a place in the story. With thoughtful color, layering, and the right mix of vintage and modern, bold design becomes cozy.
If you’re ready to explore how maximalism can elevate your home or hospitality project, reach out to Sarah Stacey Interior Design.
Cozy Maximalism Interior Design FAQs
What is cozy maximalism in interior design?
Cozy maximalism is an approach to maximalist interior design that emphasizes warmth and intention. The style uses layered color, pattern, and texture while maintaining calm through thoughtful editing.
How is cozy maximalism different from traditional maximalist decor?
Traditional maximalism is often associated with excess. Cozy maximalism is more curated. Every piece has a purpose, and bold elements are balanced with grounding colors.
How do I start designing a cozy maximalist room?
Start with one anchoring element, such as a rug, wallpaper, or artwork. Use that piece to establish the color palette and mood, then layer furniture, lighting, and patterns.
Can cozy maximalism work in small spaces?
Yes. In fact, small spaces often benefit from all-over pattern and strong mood.
Who is cozy maximalism best for?
Cozy maximalism suits clients who value personality, storytelling, and comfort in their homes. The style is especially effective in residential interior design and hospitality spaces where atmosphere and emotional impact matter.
