From Less to More: Is Maximalism the New Normal?
The design landscape was long dominated by minimalism, but a notable shift towards maximalism has taken place in recent times. This departure from mundane routines and constraints has sparked curiosity about maximalism. What exactly is maximalism? And will it be a prominent design theme for the rest of 2025 and beyond?
Maximalism, in design, is an aesthetic that revels in an abundance of colors, patterns, textures, and objects to craft a visually engaging and expressive space. It is synonymous with playfulness, eclecticism, and personal expression. Think “more is more.”
Embracing maximalist design comes with several benefits. It allows for personal expression, enabling individuals to showcase their unique personalities through colors, patterns, textures, and objects.
Is there a right way to do maximalism? Well, careful consideration of complementary colors, patterns, and textures is necessary to achieve a harmonious and visually pleasing design.
Maximalist design is about embracing personal style and creating a space that evokes happiness and inspiration. In 2025, the trend extends to graphic design, as we predict to be seeing a lot of bold typography, radical color combinations, and overwhelming visual elements. In the article Graphic design trends for 2025 Adobe states, “When it comes to illustration in 2025, more is more. We’re expecting to see a variety of elaborate and complex illustrations that are busy, colorful, and vibrant. This trend allows you to capture your audience’s attention and force them to slow down to acknowledge the detail of your work.”
Maximalism in design is an exciting and dynamic approach that celebrates excess and embraces the unconventional. For those aiming to stand out in 2025, taking design to the max might just be the key.
