Stuart Graham: Step Into Vintage Maximalism

Strict design rules are being tossed out in favour of something fresh and engaging – Vintage Maximalism. Now is the time to get creative and design a space that is both bold and inviting! Check out the design inspiration behind this trend from Prestigious now available at Stuart Graham.

The thing about Vintage Maximalism is that this style encourages us to form playful links between past and present. Think mismatched patterns, uplifting palettes, and vintage elements. Florals sit with stripes and complementary colours are presented in harmony with one another. Unexpected touches add further excitement.Make Conversational, Nature-Inspired Fabrics the Focus of Your Space

Designs are bold and also encourage nostalgia. Prestigious head of design, Marie explains: “Conversational florals perfectly encapsulate Vintage Maximalism. Get creative and mix designs of various weights for added interest. Bold, sprawling illustrations pair particularly well with a small-scale chintzy print.”Create visual contrast by adding in stripes of varying weights. Feeling brave? Contrast more traditional florals with a contemporary geometric. Break up larger expanses of pattern with plain fabrics. Finally, tie everything together with a cohesive colour scheme to maintain consistency.Add in unexpected focal pointsSink skirts have seen somewhat of a resurgence recently. They capture Vintage Maximalism perfectly, too. Use them in place of kitchen cupboards for a chintzy, country cottage-inspired look. Pretty checks in natural colourways such as sage amplify the theme. Elsewhere in your home, use a striking pelmet above your window space. Use a fabric such as a beautiful embroidered stripe. For extra style points, choose a contrasting pattern such as a check in a coordinating colourway.

Form a Fresh and Uplifting Colour Palette

Use a wide-ranging palette, and don’t be afraid to mix contrasting colourways. Vintage Maximalism is less about following rules, and more about creating uplifting spaces. Combine sage greens with petal pinks and sunshine yellows, for example. These create a conversational feel and instantly remind you of nature. When using more vibrant shades, use variations of the same colour. A combination we love is fuchsia with a more delicate pink.Favour pre-loved pieces

Why not upcycle a treasured piece of furniture? Not only does this reduce waste, but it also gives high quality items a new lease of life. Reupholster a sofa or armchair in an inviting weave or luxurious jacquard. Don’t forget to create a beautiful contrast between the old and new, too. Pair with more contemporary pieces of furniture that still possess vintage charm.