How to Master the Art of Organized Maximalism: 6 Tips From Experts

In a world where minimalism has long reigned supreme, maximalism often gets written off as cluttered, chaotic, or just too much. But that perception is shifting. More and more people are craving spaces that feel personal, expressive, and unapologetically lived in. Maximalism isn’t about mess—it’s about meaning. It’s your concert posters from a decade ago, the quirky thrifted treasures you couldn’t leave behind, and shelves so full they tell your story at a glance.

Whether you’re layering bold patterns in an Astoria, NY apartment, styling a cozy home in Providence, RI, or adding flair to a historic house in Charleston, SC, organized maximalism lets you embrace all the things you love without losing a sense of balance. We’ve gathered expert tips to help you lean into the look, celebrate your collections, and create a space that feels you without the clutter.

1. Understand organized maximalism and style with intention

Maximalism doesn’t mean clutter—it means curating with care. Before filling a space, take time to think about the intention of a piece and where it will shine most. 

Francesca Ruggiero of Organise My Clutter says, “Organized maximalism is all about honoring your abundance intentionally. It’s not about having less, it’s about making sure everything you choose to keep has a place, a purpose, and a story that feels true to you. With thoughtful curation and smart systems, you can celebrate your love of things without the chaos.”

2. Get creative with your storage choices

Storage in a maximalist space should do more than just tuck things away. It should also add to your personal style. Think of it as an extension of you, where function meets personality.

Angela of Studio Wallflower captures this approach perfectly in her own space. “Being organized as a maximalist all comes down to intention. I like to organize my space with pieces that serve a dual purpose, like mix-and-matching storage boxes in different prints and patterns. This cuts down on clutter, but not impact. Creating balance by incorporating storage of different shapes, sizes, and styles helps too, such as keeping small objects in trays, boxes, or baskets. It allows me to get creative with how I display things while actually staying organized.”

3. Have designated spots for your decor and mementos

Maximalism is all about personality, but without intention, even the most beautiful collections can feel chaotic. The secret? Thoughtful placement and giving each piece a purposeful spot.

Maia Barnett, founder and CEO of maiorganization, explains it best. “As a professional organizer serving Los Angeles, CA and Orange County, CA, I believe maximalism and mindfulness can beautifully coexist. It’s all about curating what you love with intention. Surround yourself with meaningful pieces, then give each one a thoughtful, designated space. With a holistic approach, even the boldest collections can feel balanced, functional, and full of joy.

Candice Kulcher of Wall Nostalgia in Calgary, AB adds to this advice. “Maximalism is a celebration of self-expression and individuality—free from rigid rules. It embraces rich textures, bold colors, and abundant decorative elements. It’s about choosing what makes you happy and surrounding yourself with pieces that tell your personal story.”

She goes on to say, “The key to organized maximalism is intentional abundance. Modern maximalism embraces structure and thoughtful curation. Balance is essential—curating and arranging items to avoid visual overload. Whether it’s a gallery wall or cozy nook, focus on deliberate placement. Group objects by color, shape, or theme to create harmony within the boldness. Every piece has its place, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic where each element stands out while still feeling connected. The goal isn’t just to fill a room, but to layer it with meaning and design a space that feels personal, expressive, and entirely your own.”

4. Group items by colors, theme, and function

Another great way to embrace organized maximalism is by creating visual flow through thoughtful groupings. 

Holly Knoll of Left Corner Goods in Fox Island, WA shares helpful insight on how to achieve this. “​​Use bold vibrant colors, layered textures, and statement pieces, but group items by color, theme, or function to maintain visual harmony. Consider mixing unexpected color combinations, like mustard yellow with teal or magenta with olive green, to create spaces that feel vibrant, personal, and full of life.” 

5. Use light to focus on your decor

To bring your decor to life, light can be just as important as the items you choose. Layering lighting not only highlights your favorite pieces but also draws the eye to certain areas, helping to create a balanced, organized flow while maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements your maximalist style.

Lottie Davies, founder of Coldharbour Lights based in the UK offers her perspective. “For me, organized maximalism is about surrounding myself with the things I love – joyful colours, rich textures, and beloved pieces that I have collected over the years — whilst balancing the abundance with order. I use layered lighting to highlight my favorite corners and create a curated, relaxed feeling throughout the space. It’s like telling my personal story through colour, texture, and objects with layers of visual and sensory interest.”

6. Embrace neutrals to ground your collections

Now, neutrals may be seen as a minimalist trait, but when used thoughtfully in a maximalist space, they can provide balance and let your vibrant pieces truly shine. By grounding your collection with subtle tones, you allow the bold colors to stand out without overwhelming the space.

The Perfect Piece Home Furnishings in Zelienople, PA offer their suggestions. “Pops of color in a collection give maximum impact without looking cluttered or disorganized. Choose a few neutral items to ground the collection and allow the color to shine. Create odd number groups with something similar connecting them that will provide a great backdrop for the show stopping color.”

Creating harmony in your maximalist space

Organized maximalism allows you to embrace the things you love while creating a space that feels balanced and intentional. Nikki Boyd, Professional Organizer and Author of Beautifully Organized Book Series sums it up best. “As a professional organizer, I believe you can be a maximalist and still have a beautifully organized home—it’s all about intentionality. Embrace the things you love, but give them a proper place and purpose. When every item has a designated home and is thoughtfully displayed, even the fullest spaces can function well and provide calm, along with being clutter-free.” By following these expert tips, you can design a home that’s both vibrant and cohesive.

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