How Maximalism Has Become Gen Z’s Home Aesthetic of Choice
September 17, 2025
In the world of home design, Gen Z is doing things differently. While millennials liked minimalism — clean, simple, and calm spaces — Gen Z is going in the opposite direction. They love maximalism, a fun, bold, and creative way to decorate. It’s not just a trend — it’s a way for Gen Z to show who they are and how they feel.
What Is Maximalism?
Maximalism is all about “more is more.” Instead of keeping things simple, this style celebrates colors, patterns, and personal touches. Think of bright colors, cool old furniture, wild wallpapers, and fun decorations that tell a story.
You don’t hide your stuff — you show it off. It’s okay if things don’t match perfectly. That’s part of what makes the space feel alive and full of personality.
Gen Z vs Millennials: Different Design Vibes
Millennials loved neat, clean, and simple rooms with soft colors and little clutter. Gen Z, on the other hand, wants their space to be fun, loud, and full of life.
To Gen Z, minimalism can feel too cold or boring. They want rooms that are full of self-expression — rooms that show their interests, values, and creativity.
While millennials often designed homes that would sell easily, Gen Z designs homes that feel right for them.
Why Maximalism Is Big Right Now
Here’s why maximalism is such a big trend for Gen Z:
1. The Pandemic Changed Everything
Spending a lot of time at home made people realize they wanted spaces that made them happy. Bright colors and fun decor helped Gen Z feel better during lockdowns.
2. Social Media Inspiration
Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are full of creative design ideas. Gen Z gets inspired by hashtags like #cluttercore or #dopaminedecor that show fun, bold rooms with lots of style.
3. Showing Off Their True Selves
Gen Z loves being unique. They use their room or apartment to show who they are — whether through posters, plants, art, or vintage stuff.
4. Thinking About the Planet
Even though maximalism means having a lot of stuff, many Gen Z decorators care about the environment. They thrift, reuse, and upcycle old furniture to avoid waste.
5. Loving Imperfection
Maximalism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about mixing things up. Gen Z isn’t afraid to break the “rules” of design — they like things that feel real, fun, and full of life.
What a Maximalist Gen Z Home Looks Like
Here are some things you’ll often see:
- Bright colors like neon, jewel tones, and bold contrast
- Pattern mixing — florals, stripes, animal prints, and more
- Art and decorations that tell a personal story
- Old and new furniture — maybe something from grandma’s attic next to a brand-new lamp
- Fun extras like stained glass, funky mirrors, or cool wallpaper
How Gen Z Is Changing Interior Design
Maximalism is changing how we think about decorating:
- It gives people freedom to design how they want, not how they’re told to.
- It mixes styles from different times and places.
- It focuses on how a space feels, not just how it looks.
- It supports smart shopping — using what you already have or finding things that matter, not just buying more.
Tips: Keep Maximalism Fun, Not Messy
Too much stuff in one place can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to keep it balanced:
- Choose a main focus, like a colorful wall or favorite chair
- Repeat colors or patterns to make things feel connected
- Leave some empty space so your eyes can rest
- Pick items that matter to you, not just random decorations
How to Add Maximalism to Your Home
Want to try it out? Here’s how to start:
- Use what you love — posters, photos, books, and anything that makes you smile
- Thrift or reuse old furniture and decorations
- Add bold touches — wallpaper, rugs, or painted walls
- Layer patterns and textures — mix pillows, blankets, and fabrics
- Let your room show who you are
- Use fun lighting and shiny or colorful surfaces to make the space pop
Maximalism: More Than Just a Look
For Gen Z, maximalism is more than style — it’s a message. It says:
- “I’m not afraid to be different.”
- “I care about how my space makes me feel.”
- “I want my room to tell my story.”
- “I can be stylish and still care about the planet.”
It’s about turning your space into something that feels happy, honest, and totally you.
Conclusion: Gen Z’s Maximalist Mindset
Maximalism is Gen Z’s way of saying “this is me.” Instead of following trends that feel plain or boring, they’re filling their spaces with color, memories, and personality. Whether it’s a dorm room or a full apartment, it becomes a place that feels alive.
If you’re thinking about trying maximalism, don’t be afraid to go big — just make sure every piece means something to you.
Why do Gen Z like maximalism in home decor?
Gen Z likes maximalism because it helps them show off their style and personality. They want their rooms to feel fun, creative, and full of meaning — not plain or boring like minimalism.
What’s the difference between maximalism and minimalism?
Minimalism uses simple designs and very few things. Maximalism is the opposite — it uses bright colors, bold patterns, and lots of fun items to make a room feel exciting and personal.
What does Gen Z’s maximalist style look like?
It often has bold colors, mixed patterns, cool old furniture, fun wall art, and lots of decorations that tell a story. Nothing has to match — the more creative and unique, the better!
Can maximalism be good for the planet?
Yes! Many Gen Z decorators reuse old furniture, shop secondhand, and give new life to old items. This helps reduce waste and supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
How can I make my room more maximalist?
Start with things you love, like posters, art, or cool stuff from a thrift store. Add bright colors, mix different textures and patterns, and show off your favorite items instead of hiding them.