More is less this Diwali: Designers want you to max out on maximalism

Artwork, vibrant carpets, touches of metal - take maximalism to the next level. Photo courtesy Spacejoy-Unsplash

Design was all about simplicity as the world came to grips with Covid, when cleanliness and sanitisation became survival mantras. Those grim years have now given way to maximalism or overdoing everything with elan, and as we had said earlier in 2023 trend forecasts, this is the time when everything, including design, is being celebrated with joyous abandon.

Maximalism is about excesses – more of everything, especially glitz and glitter, boldness and brightness, a no-holds-barred blending of colours, textures, fabrics, prints, all layered one over the other. Think satin or bold gold prints in furnishings; paintings, sketches and all sorts of artwork displayed on all the walls in a room. Zebra-striped durries alongside silk carpets. Maximalism comes within the ambit of postmodernism, when orderliness and rigid rules are rejected and excessiveness is embraced.

(Photo courtesy Asumi Rawat Design)

So how are designers bringing maximalism into play?

While their general design style remains rooted in nature-integrated design, minimalism and sustainability, Vinod Singhi and Ranju Singhi, founders and principal architects of Basics Architects, New Delhi, have not hesitated to embrace the richness and diversity of maximalism.

The Singhis feel that the concept represents a departure from minimalism's simplicity and a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and extravagance in design. It's about finding harmony in contrasts, creating bold designs that are both aesthetically captivating and environmentally responsible. It’s time to celebrate excess tastefully, harmoniously blending an array of patterns, colours, textures, and forms to create spaces that are vibrant, rich, and layered with character.

(Photo courtesy Asumi Rawat Design)

Though Asumi Rawat, principal architect and founder, Asumi Rawat Desiign, Mumbai, prefers a typically subdued palette, she too is maximising the minimal by incorporating vibrant and bold colours tastefully and in a controlled manner, enhancing the visual impact of spaces.

Rawat is also using organic elements such as lush green plants and natural materials in her designs.  And that’s because “maximalism in 2023 is not just about extravagance; it's about making every element meaningful and impactful, aligning with our core values.”

Play of light and colours

There should be lots of elements in your Diwali day décor, says Rawat. Highlight side tables and centre tables in the living room or other spaces –where guests are being entertained – with flowers and candles… Lots of them. Outdoor space can be decorated with rangoli, rows of candles, an abundance of fairy lights in addition to the regular diyas and lanterns. “Personally, I love a play of traditional fabrics as I feel it adds warmth to the entrance of the house,” she says.

Matching wall and sofa contrast against the blue

The three most important elements in Diwali décor for Ranju Singhi are:

Lighting: To create a warm and magical atmosphere, with the interplay of light and shadow elevating the overall festive experience

Greenery: Nothing like green hues to make a room interesting. It’s wonderful to embrace nature in all its glory and add to the “richness” of décor. “Plants also symbolise prosperity and new beginnings, which are integral to festive celebrations,” she says

Get personal: Incorporate bric-a-brac and artwork that reflect your family's cultural roots or come attached with great stories of your travels or other personal events to craft  decor that is both unique and meaningful.

How they do it

When it comes to translating maximalism in her designs, Rawat says she has discovered the extraordinary effect of using layers and wall panelling in several ways in her projects. “We have used panelling to camouflage storage areas in such a way that the doors of the storage are indistinguishable from the walls. We have also layered bed backs and headboards with busy fabrics.”

The Singhis took the maximalist approach when designing the Pernod Ricard office in Dubai. Tinted glass, vibrant colored paints, wood, copper and gold finishes were used to create a space reflecting the vibrancy of the brand.

To enhance the connection between the indoors and the natural world the Singhis also made sure they “embraced biophilia as well on a grand scale.”

Maximalist transformation also makes the Fybros office and warehouse in Noida, especially its unique façade, stand out among other buildings in the area. “The structure uniquely combines GRCs with sustainable greenery. These intricate architectural elements blend aesthetics and practicality, offering privacy and sun shading while enhancing energy efficiency,” says Vinod Singhi.

What’s in demand?

The Singhis say clients have been asking this year for designs that harmonise modern aesthetics with the timeless appeal of nature. Requests have been made for designs that not only fulfil clients’ aesthetic desires but also align with their financial boundaries. “Adhering to these constraints, we have adopted a pragmatic approach that leverages innovative solutions to fuse sustainability with style and cost-effective materials to create a great design experience,” says Ranju Singhi.

Rawat says her “clients seem to love panelling. They always ask for lots of panelling all over the house. My constant argument is that it should not be overdone. Once I explain why and how panelling should be used, they defer to my opinion on the subject.”

Max eco-friendliness

On Diwali day, “eco-friendly items such as banana leaves, flowers, and mitti diyas handpainted with natural colours can be used for decor to reduce environmental impact. The use of supari or bamboo work can add a fresh new perspective to the holiday décor,” suggests Rawat.

On the dos of building and interior design, Vinod Singhi says, go for:

a. Sustainable materials: Instead of relying on excessive consumption, maximalism can be achieved by carefully selecting sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or recycled metal to create intricate and bold designs

b. Repurposing and upcycling: Instead of going on a shopping spree, consider repurposing and upcycling existing furniture and decor.

c. Biophilic elements: Maximalism can embrace nature by including an abundance of indoor plants. Apart from adding vibrancy and lushness to the design, they also improve indoor air quality and promote well-being.

d. Energy-efficient lighting: The grand, opulent lighting often seen in maximalist design can be made eco-friendly through use of LED or energy-efficient bulbs.

Wrapping things up, Rawat says plans, designs and concepts should be worked out carefully on the basis of the space available. “One must also look at the accessibility and ease of use. Very often, designers forget about the durability of certain materials while going all out in a maximalist space, and sometime after the handover, maintenance issues start to occur. I am very careful to use materials that are maintainable as, for me, that is the key to having a good home.”