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Textures, patterns and colours are all important ingredients when creating the daring and eclectic look known as maximalism. It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with different styles, and who are not afraid to make a strong statement in their home.

Interior stylist Evie Kemp (evie kemp.com) says a maximalist interior should look like it has evolved over time, not been bought from a showroom. “Think of the first ‘layer’ as being the walls and how they’re decorated,” she explains. “Next, art, rugs, furniture and then cushions, lighting and curtains. Lastly, objects, books, glass and ceramics. Don’t get too hung up on matching – try and just go for what you love and let it come together organically.”

More is more

Don’t be afraid to combine multiple patterns, says stylist Sam van Kan. “Mix checks, florals, stripes, even animal prints in the same room, but balance them with a consistent colour palette.” Wallpaper can be a powerful tool here. As Superfresco Easy trend and design expert Paula Taylor explains, “Botanical designs add character and bring the outside in, geometrics introduce calmness with their structured order [see above], while patterned wallpaper creates a stylish focal point.” 

CLOUD-FRAME MIRROR

Make a heavenly statement piece from humble building materials. Here’s how

1 Take a plain round mirror (ours is 80cm), place on stiff cardboard and trace the outline with a felt-tip pen. Cut this out using scissors, then draw a 10cm border within this circle and cut out to form a ring-shaped frame. Tip: Don’t bother cutting too neatly as the cardboard will be covered.

2 In a well-ventilated area, cover a flat work surface with a plastic drop sheet, place the frame on top and put on a mask, eye protection and white disposable gloves. Using the applicator provided, apply expanding foam to the frame, building layers and smoothing with gloved hands. Allow to dry.

3 Using gloved hands, apply at least two layers of plaster joint compound, allowing to dry after each coat. Sand with 120-grit abrasive paper to shape, apply white water-based paint and allow to dry. Attach the finished cloud frame to the mirror using contact adhesive, then secure in position with the provided brackets and fixings suitable for your wall type.

DIY checkerboard flooring made using Winton ‘Ideal Series’ 30.5cm x 30.5cm self stick vinyl tile in Black-White Check, $114.75/pack of 45, I/N: 6600684. Dining table, 6ixty. Beige dining chair, B2C Furniture. Dining stool, ArtissIn. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Add bursts of brightness in unexpected ways, such as customising a cupboard with paint and flamboyant curtains

Be inspired

Unsure of where to start? Begin with a statement piece, suggests Evie. “This might be an artwork, a piece of furniture or a rug – something substantial that can be a starting point for the rest of the room. Think about colours or styles that go with that piece, and then let those additions inform the next.” Paint is a fast and affordable option for creating cohesiveness. “Look for a shade that works with all the disparate elements you’ve gathered,” says Evie. 

Eclectic tastes

Mixing textures, such as velvety soft furnishings with chunky knit throws and woven rugs, can help to add depth and interest. Curating modern, antique and retro elements evokes authenticity. “Lamps are key, and make the most of a fabulous backdrop or wall colour,” adds Evie Kemp.

Wave Bedhead

Make an on-trend headboard by drawing and cutting wavy curves along the length of a standard sheet of MDF

Tools & mater ials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection) n Ruler, pencil and eraser n Combination square n Round object (we used a paint can) n Quick-grip clamps n Jigsaw n Cloth n Drop sheet n 230mm paint roller with spare cover and tray with liners n Mini microfibre roller n 2400mm x 1200mm x 18mm MDF sheet• n 180-grit abrasive paper n Primer n Water-based enamel paint in two contrasting colours (we used Dulux Sink Hole and British Paints Wisteria Wonder) n Furniture safety anchors

1 Decide how deep you want the waves to be by sketching a few on scrap paper until you’re happy with the outline. Measure vertically from the peak of the waves to the lowest point. Halve this measurement to find the centre of the waves.

2 Using a combination square, mark the centre measurement down from the top of the MDF sheet. Slide the combination square along the top to mark along the entire length, then join marks using a ruler to form a continuous centre line.

3 Using a round object as a template, draw opposing equal-sized curves above and below the centre line to fit the length of the MDF sheet, creating a wave design. Tip: Use pencil not pen, so you can erase marks easily and redraw the waves if necessary.

4 Working in a well-ventilated area, clamp the MDF sheet to a workbench with the wave edge overhanging. Wearing safety gear, use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the waves, cutting towards the top edge to remove each excess piece safely (they will become heavy and start to drop).

Smooth edges with 180-grit abrasive paper, then wipe off dust with a damp cloth.

5 Unclamp the MDF sheet and, using a 230mm roller and lined tray, apply primer all over the bedhead, including both faces and the edges, to help prevent the MDF absorbing moisture and bowing. Once the primer is dry, use a clean roller and tray to apply two coats of the main colour of water-based enamel paint to the front face of the headboard, allowing to dry after each coat. Tip: The MDF is heavy, so enlist a second pair of hands to help flip it over.

6 Using a mini microfibre roller and clean tray, carefully apply two coats of the detail colour of water-based enamel paint along the cut edge of the wave shapes, allowing to dry after each coat. Tip: To help achieve a clean, crisp edge, don’t load the mini roller with too much paint.

7 Once completely dry, install the headboard in position with safety anchors and fasteners appropriate for your wall type.

You could use painter’s tape to mask up a more abstract design if you prefer, or use lettering stencils to spell out a greeting

Patterned Doormat

Personalise a plain mat to create a warm welcome

1 To achieve our checkerboard pattern, apply 24mm painter’s tape to a plain doormat (ours is 60cm x 40cm) in a grid, forming square gaps the same width as the tape.

2 Working in a well-ventilated area and wearing a mask, eye protection and disposable gloves, apply white spray primer to the taped mat, allow to dry, then apply two coats of your chosen spray

Exterior walls look great with a statement hue, too. This corrugated iron cladding positively glows in Dulux Indian Red, with French doors in Dulux Falkland and classic white trims providing charming contrast paint colour (we used Dulux Pompeian Pink), allowing to dry after each coat. Tip: Use spray primer and paint formulated for use outdoors.

3 Remove the tape to reveal spaced coloured squares, then apply fresh tape, again in a grid, but this time laying the tape over the coloured squares. Repeat step 2.

4 Remove the tape again to reveal a checkerboard pattern. Allow the doormat to dry thoroughly (check the paint manufacturer’s instructions) before placing in position.

THIS PAGE Sandleford ‘Edge’ 100mm house number 3 in Black, $20.09, I/N: 3291832. Euphorbia ‘Stardust’ plant in Lightly ‘Goblet’ 215mm x 150mm metal pot in Clay, $25.50, I/N: 0262358 (plant sold separately). Marquee ‘Jolie’ 3 piece bistro setting in Light Green, $69, I/N: 0258236. DIY patterned doormat made using 60cm x 40cm coir outdoor mat, $4.90, I/N: 4490455, Rust-Oleum ‘2X Ultra Cover’ primer spray paint in Flat White, $15.95/340g, I/N: 1580676, and Dulux ‘Duramax’ semi gloss spray paint in Pompeian Pink, $14.90/340g, I/N: 0195375. Bike, Progear. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.