After years when
minimalism dominated the scene in the world of interior design,
maximalism has made a strong comeback. In the last season of the
CASACOR showcases, many projects flirted with this elaborate and detail-rich aesthetic, and trend studies suggest the style as a bet for 2025. Contrary to simplicity, maximalism is synonymous with
mixes and
exaggerations which, if well balanced, are capable of creating projects that exude personality and a sense of belonging. According to the thoughts of the postmodern movement — which shaped social and aesthetic characteristics post-war — maximalism can be described as the absence of values and rules, imprecision, plurality, a blend of the real and the imaginary, spontaneity, and freedom of expression. Furthermore, it is known for mixing various styles,
intense colors,
prints, and ethnic expressions. In Brazil, it is safe to say that architect
Sig Bergamin is the professional who best
interacts with this aesthetic. Known worldwide for his vibrant style, he dominates the knowledge of exaggerated yet harmonious mixes like few can. Therefore, he shares valuable tips for those who want to be a bit more maximalist from now on. Check it out!
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The first step towards maximalist decor
"Maximalism is about freedom and personality. So, the first step is to
liberate yourself from the fear of daring!" says Sig Bergamin. The architect explains that the ideal is to start with a mix of pieces you love and already have. "It could be a
vibrant rug, a more expressive piece of art, or a unique piece of furniture. The secret is in
curation, not exaggeration for exaggeration's sake," he teaches. Thus, he recommends playing with textures, colors, and
affective elements that contain your story. According to Sig, maximalism is, at its core, a way to celebrate life at home, your history, your tastes, your finds. It's about you!
The secret to mixing prints
We know that mixing prints is quite a
challenge, but according to Sig, the secret lies in the
training of the eye. "That said, if I were to try to give a formula for it, I would say: try to maintain a guiding thread, whether it's a dominant color or a specific style. For example, stripes with
florals? Classic! Geometric patterns with animal print? Why not? If the tones communicate with each other, the result will be pleasing. And never underestimate the power of white and black as breathing points amid the profusion of patterns," explains the architect.
What to do to not get tired of maximalism?
"If the idea is to bring color without a lifelong commitment, invest in
fabrics:
cushions, throws, curtains, and upholstery can be transformative and
easy to change if you get tired of them," asserts Sig. The architect explains that rugs also make a huge difference in projects and can be easily changed. "And of course, art! A good composition of
pictures can change the entire energy of a space without requiring a complete renovation. And sometimes, with a simple change in the position of the art within the projects, you can transform the house," he says. [
Inspiration from Sig Bergamin
"
Traveling is my creative fuel. The world is a treasure chest!" says the architect. He reveals that he seeks inspiration in flea markets in Paris, fairs in Marrakech, Indian palaces, and also through Brazil’s hinterlands, especially in the north and northeast. "Each place has its story to tell. Moreover, fashion deeply inspires me — a haute couture show can contain as much information on color and texture as a palace!" he says.
Tips for building your visual repertoire
To create good maximalist compositions, you need to have
references of this aesthetic style. Therefore, creating a visual repertoire is essential to perform well creatively! Sig Bergamin's golden tip is to look at everything with
curiosity. "Flipping through art books, visiting museums, observing architecture in the streets, watching good films — all of this trains the eye," teaches the architect. But he reveals that the most important thing is to collect references that speak to your heart. "Save images, photograph details... Create a
moodboard physically, print it, cut it out, paste it. This is beneficial for memory and to fix the information. And above all: experiment! The repertoire is built through practice, in the
mix and match of everyday life," he concludes. [april-see-also]W3siaWQiOjE0OTY3NywidGl0bGUiOiJDb3JlcyBlIHRleHR1cmFzIGNvbnRyYXN0YW50ZXMgZCYjeEUzO28gdmlkYSBhIGFwJiN4RUE7IGRlIFNpZyBCZXJnYW1pbiBlbSBQYXJpcyJ9LHsiaWQiOjE2MTkzNiwidGl0bGUiOiJNYXhpbWFsaXNtbzogZW50ZW5kYSBhIHRlbmQmI3hFQTtuY2lhIHF1ZSBlc3QmI3hFMTsgZW0gYWx0YSBlbSAyMDI0In0seyJpZCI6MTg1Njc3LCJ0aXRsZSI6IlRlbmQmI3hFQTtuY2lhcyBkZSBkZWNvcmEmI3hFNzsmI3hFMztvIDIwMjU6IDExIGFwb3N0YXMgcGFyYSBvIGRlc2lnbiBkZSBpbnRlcmlvcmVzIn1d
