For the past few years, the design world has spoken in hushed tones, favouring the subtle sophistication of quiet luxury interiors. This aesthetic (characterised by muted neutrals, impeccable craftsmanship and a ‘less is more’ approach) is all about a feeling of calm and understated ‘stealth wealth’.

However, the tide is turning. As we approach a new year, the bolder concept of maximalism or ‘loud luxury‘ is emerging. The forecast suggests that by 2026, this curated and customisable look will be far more popular than its predecessor. In this article, we explore why.

Quiet Luxury vs. Maximalism

Quiet luxury and maximalism are both opulent design styles focused on quality, enduring materials and expert craftsmanship. They both eschew fast, disposable trends with a commitment to investment pieces (their strongest commonality).

However, their vision of what wealth looks like differs dramatically. Quiet luxury uses a subtle, muted palette of neutrals and relies on minimalist forms to highlight texture. This aesthetic also seeks to create a serene, visually calm environment where luxury is felt, not loudly seen.

Maximalism, conversely, operates with a bolder colour scheme (jewel tones and deeper shades) while championing patterns, textures and a collected-over-time feel. The main aim is to create a vibrant and highly personal living experience. Think of this type of luxury as an intentional statement of self-expression.

However, opting for a maximalist interior design style doesn’t have to mean chaotic clutter or brash features. It’s about developing an innate feeling of confidence in your own personal taste and enjoying the freedom of choosing what speaks to you. Trending offshoots of maximalism include tidy maximalism and neutral maximalism so there really is a whole world to dive into and explore.

The Grand Transition: Why Maximalism is on the Rise

The New Year will see us all favour a look that feels more human, expressive and confident. This crucial shift from quiet luxury to loud luxury is a reflection of broader cultural and emotional movements — with top fashion thought leaders and interior designers seeking out new ideas and bold innovations.

The Post-Minimalist Backlash
After a decade of stark white walls and cool greys dominating interiors, homeowners crave warmth, depth and personality. Quiet luxury was an elegant step away from cold minimalism, but maximalism is a full-throated rejection of ‘safe’ design. People want homes that feel alive and filled with stories, not pristine and perfect.

The Search for Sensory Experience
In a world increasingly mediated by screens and digital life, there’s a powerful desire for tactility and sensory richness. Maximalism delivers this through the layering of plush velvets, high-gloss lacquers, textured wallcoverings and real wood finishes. We’ll now see the home become a multi-sensory experience that engages and stimulates, rather than just soothes.

Emotional & Individual Expression
Quiet luxury, by its nature, is restrained and often follows a prescribed palette of luxury neutrals. Maximalism is the ultimate vehicle for individuality. It encourages displaying collections, mixing disparate eras (vintage opulence with modern art) and embracing personal colour palettes. Imagine a home steeped in deep jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) as well as warm earth-anchored hues (ochre, terracotta) for a more grounded look.

Read our guides on earth tones interior design, neutral design and wellness design to see what resonates with you. Into property development? See why not sidestepping neutrals completely could be a smart strategy for your investment.

Unexpected Benefits of The Loud Luxury Aesthetic

Layered Art & Objects for Creative Stimulation
Visual richness and unexpected pairings can stimulate creative thinking and storytelling, turning the home into a constant source of inspiration.

Mixing Eras and Styles for Design Longevity
Since maximalism is built on personal collections and timeless, quality pieces (be they antique or modern statement items), the aesthetic resists fast-furniture trends and is highly sustainable.

Bold, Saturated Colour for Emotional Resonance
Rich colours such as deep greens and warm browns are emotionally evocative, creating spaces that feel inherently cosy and sophisticated, replacing the idea that calm equals beige.

Reasons Why it May Not be all Over for Quiet Luxury

Focus on High-End Materials for Sustainability Through Durability
If you invest in fewer, higher-quality items (solid wood, natural stone, silk, cashmere) you’re promoting a “buy less, buy better” ethos, ensuring pieces last for decades.

Uncluttered Space and Neutral Palette to Enhance Mental Wellbeing
The visual calm of quiet luxury creates a serene, restorative environment, acting as an intentional antidote to the sensory overload of modern life.

Discreet Technology Integration for Seamless Functionality
Smart home tech (invisible speakers or integrated extractor fans) is hidden, allowing the function of the home to be perfected without cluttering the aesthetics.

Internal Doors for a Luxury Aesthetic

Whether you’re going all in with maximalism or staying true to the quiet luxury trend, remember this essential piece of interior design advice: your internal doors are a crucial element that can either anchor or unify either aesthetic. The key here is to select doors where the quality of the material and finish speaks for itself.

Patio Doors that Feel Just as Expensive

With maximalism, think of your external doors as a canvas for high drama and layered textile artistry. To fully integrate patio doors into this opulent aesthetic, reject standard white frames and opt for dark-toned, striking frames such as a black steel Crittall-style doors.

For a more bespoke finish, order custom patio doors in a rich, lacquered jewel tone (deep emerald or cobalt blue). These frame the outside view beautifully — almost like a piece of art.

True maximalist elevation, however, lies in your choice of window treatments. Forgo simple blinds in favour of floor-to-ceiling, puddle-length velvet drapes or patterned silk curtains hung from an ornate rod. Add decorative tiebacks featuring tassels or elaborate trim.

When stacked, the volume and texture of the fabric add necessary plushness and weight, and when drawn, the layered textiles transform the glass expanse into an intensely luxurious backdrop. Interior design heaven.

Quiet Luxury vs. Loud Luxury
Making your final decision

Choose quiet luxury if your priority is to create an understated, highly refined sanctuary where personal serenity and meticulous organisation reign supreme. You can then add interest and tactility with exquisite natural materials (like cashmere, silk, and stone) for a visually calm environment.

However, if your goal is to craft a dynamic, stimulating space that serves as an expression of your history, travels and passions, go for maximalism. This will allow you to confidently display curated collections, embrace bold colours and establish a home that feels warm, layered and uniquely narrative.

The choice ultimately depends on whether you seek calm refinement (quiet luxury) or confident, expressive vibrancy (maximalism). Alternatively, perhaps you’ll end up with a pleasing meeting point between the two.

Your Invitation to the Maximalism Era

This could be your home’s boldest chapter yet. As we stand at the precipice of a new year, the stage is set for a thrilling new era of home design. While we salute the quality, craftsmanship and sophistication championed by quiet luxury, maximalist interior design beckons us toward a more exhilarating form of expression.

Get ready to turn up the volume. Maximalism offers us irresistible permission to live loud, layer generously and let our homes become the most authentic, vibrant memoirs of our lives. It’s time to trade the whisper of neutrals for a proud roar of colour, texture and personality — creating spaces that aren’t just impeccably designed, but a true joy to inhabit.

You may also like our guides on modern classic interior design and shopping for timeless interior doors. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and TikTok to learn more style secrets.