You’ve got design questions. We’ve got the answers. Designer and Style at Home contributor Karl Lohnes solves your decorating challenges.

Question:

I’m really loving the maximalist decorating look, but I’ve attempted it in my house and it just looks messy. Are there any styling tips or decorating rules to follow?—Marie O., Montreal

Answer:

Here are a few guidelines to help you achieve a maximalist room that looks magazine-worthy.

• Ensure major elements, such as furniture, lighting, rugs and wall finishes, have a common denominator of either colour, era or style. At least one unifying factor gives those elements permission to be in a room together.
• When mixing and matching patterns, ensure each is of a different scale. Combine a small print (loonie size) with medium (apple size) and large (cantaloupe size) prints.
• Group collections to make them focal points. For example, group all gold-framed artwork on one wall; fold country quilts and stack them on an open cabinet; or fill a mantel with a variety of brass candlesticks.

TIP An easy way to get maximalist style without having to dust a million decorative objects is to ensure drapes, carpeting, upholstery and wallpaper have strong pattern (follow the combo three-size-pattern rule cited above). This will visually fill a room.

We’d love to help solve your decorating questions! Email us at askus@styleathome.com.

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