If you thought that maximalism, with its bold, brave “more is more” ethos was just for the home, it’s time to think again!
In our opinion, there’s no better place to embrace this playful style than in your office interior, where maximalism’s vibrancy, energy and joyousness could provide the inspirational edge that drives your workforce to ever-greater heights of creativity, innovation and insight.
And hey, even Marie Kondo’s fed up with minimalism, so isn’t it time to try something new?
What is Maximalism?
Explorative, adventurous and eclectic, maximalism is the art of weaving different periods and styles together through the use of colour, pattern and form.
But if the thought of maximalist style at work conjures images of messy, fussy interiors that clash and jar, bear with us - because that’s not what we mean at all.
Modern maximalism is wholly different; a carefully curated, comforting look that draws on the emotions and brings harmony, not disarray.
Think rich, evocative colour, layered textures and lighting and elements of intrigue and contrast, that work together in a way that feels exciting and fresh…
… Exactly how we want you to feel in any DesignTonic space!
We love a touch of maximalism, but it’s definitely a style that needs a careful, considered touch to achieve the right balance, especially in an office setting.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind…
Be creative with colour
There’s no real right or wrong when it comes to your colour choice in a maximalist workplace, though a full magnolia wash might not quite cut the mustard!
You can go light or dark, you can mix it up and use different shades to zone different areas of your space, you could go all-out audacious and drench some of your space in brights (though not all, please!).
The key to colour in any scheme is to think about the function of the space - either as a whole or as compartments, depending on your office layout.
A complementary colour scheme, with crisp tones punctuated by bolder shades, is visually arresting and invigorating - good for task-oriented and creative collaboration areas in your workplace where you want your employees emboldened, with their imaginations firing.
A limited palette is more relaxing and calming - better for restful breakout zones and areas of concentration and productivity.
DesignTonic X Victoria Wharf & Pink Door Harrogate
Dark vs Light
If you follow our work (no? Explore here), you’ll know that we’re huge fans of dark tones, loving the deepness and complexity they bring to a workspace.
Especially impactful in any calm kickback area, the key to using dark hues in any space is to incorporate lots of contrast - lighter toned woods, pops of colour in furniture and accessories, lush planting - otherwise you won’t achieve the right balance.
But that’s not to say that lighter colours don’t hold a special place in our hearts too. Far from boring, paler, muted shades like taupe, blush, khaki, cloudy greys and beachy sands are easy to live with and simple to dress up.
Again, the key is contrast - different finishes and textures are especially impactful with neutrals; shiny with matte, rough with smooth. They work incredibly well in period, industrial spaces against exposed brickwork or concrete.
And again, pops of colour and plenty of greenery are a wonderful way to lend extra visual impact.
Make a Statement
Statement items that create a striking focal point within your scheme play a central role in a maximalist office space - whether it’s a beautiful, bold piece of furniture, a giant artwork or some supersized lighting.
The unexpected visual pull of an unusually coloured or overscaled object is the epitome of a maximalist design touch, drawing the attention in an eclectic and interesting way.
But keep a light touch - too many of these starlets in one space is too jarring, creating the chaotic effect we’re keen to avoid.
Instead, maintain harmony by restraining how many of these pieces you use, and balancing them with empty space, muted colours and more dainty items around or on them.
“If you choose statement pieces, remember to ground your space with quieter, more restrained details, as too many starlets in one room will create too much drama..”
Abigail Ahern, “Everything”
Playful Pattern, Tactile Texture
Remember the offices of the past where function ruled form, walls were white (and easily scuffed) and furniture was scratchy?
You don’t need to be a maximalist now to avoid the stark and clinical - but maximalism takes playing to the senses still further, with joyful, touchable textiles and happy pattern.
Dress seating spaces with tactile rugs, and opt for plush fabrics for chairs and sofas, and cushions that feel good to the touch.
Combine different textures across your materials and accent pieces, and don’t be scared to play with pattern within your office interior - there are some truly joyous prints available that can add extra depth to your scheme.
DesignTonic X Search Labs & IncSpaces
Layer Lighting
Excellent lighting is essential in any workplace, but when you cleverly layer your lighting - working at different levels, and in different tones - it can be completely transformative.
Nothing beats natural light in an office, and whatever you have should always be maximised, but adding lights at a range of levels creates ambience and harmony.
Tonally, choose cooler shades for task-based areas as they are shown to stimulate and aid productivity, while warmer tones are best for spaces where you want to relax.
And consider mixing up your styles, adding extra interest to your workspace through your wall lights, floor and side lamps; and even through custom wall lighting, like the stunning bespoke backlit media unit shown in the central image above which was designed and built by our talented team.
More DesignTonic guidance on nailing your office lighting here
DesignTonic X IncSpaces & Search Labs
Plants, plants, plants!
And yes, you absolutely need plants in your maximalist office scheme!
In addition to all the incredible health, wellbeing and productivity benefits that biophilia brings to your workplace, dressing your maximalist office in beautiful lush greenery brings yet another layer to your scheme - one of natural texture and beautiful complexity.
Planting brings natural texture and dynamism, beautiful complexity, soften bold colours, add interest to muted shades… the list is endless!
Better still, there are a myriad of stunning, creative ways you can use planting in your workplace.
