# Reactive Maximalism Maximalist home designs and aesthetics are on the rise. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 21, 2018 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/reactive-maximalism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Reactive Maximalism trend? **Reactive Maximalism:** Maximalism in the home is on the rise as a direct response to the sometimes-restrictive and pretentious nature of minimalism and its advocates. The reactionary turn to maximalist allows for more flexibility when it comes to home design. ## The consumer insight behind the Reactive Maximalism trend The growing discourse against minimalism has pointed out that this design and lifestyle preference is often exclusionary--particularly when it comes to accessibility--as minimalism often advocates for a small number of costly investment pieces. In addition, many consumers don't feel that this design preference is flexible enough to adapt to their lifestyles. Thus, more consumers are following alternative design trends that give them more room to explore and be creative. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 27, 2017 to Sep 27, 2018 - Published: Nov 21, 2018 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Reactive Maximalism trend ### Maximalism as a response to Minimalism The growing discourse against minimalism has pointed out that this design and lifestyle preference is often exclusionary, thus more consumers are following alternative design trends that give them more room to explore and be creative. ### Maximalist Aesthetic Shift IKEA's shift to a maximalist aesthetic suggests a shift in the industry as a whole. ### Artistic Quality of Maximalism The maximalist aesthetic brings about a new approach to design with an irresistible challenge. ## What the Reactive Maximalism trend means for industry ### For Furniture Industry As IKEA shifts towards maximalist furniture designs, other companies in the furniture industry may follow suit with their collections and adapt to the changing consumer preferences. ### For Interior Design Industry Design studios may use the maximalist aesthetic to create unique and expressive home interiors that embrace maximalism in a new way. ### For Art and Decor Industry The maximalist aesthetic could be used in the creation of new art and decor pieces, offering whimsical and artful options for consumers. ## Workshop question How could your brand incorporate maximalist aesthetics into its product, service, campaign, or office design? ## Trend signals for Reactive Maximalism Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Reactive Maximalism trend 4 featured examples from Jul 27, 2017 to Sep 27, 2018. - [Maximalist Furniture Catalogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maximalist-aesthetic): IKEA's Newest Catalog Fully Embraces a Maximalist Aesthetic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Furniture manufacturers can tap into the maximalist movement and produce unique and eclectic designs to cater to the growing demand for luxurious and exotic furniture pieces. - [Artistically Decorated Industrial Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maximalist-aesthetics): Studio Job's Headquarters Draws on a Maximalist Aesthetic (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Interior design professionals can capitalize on the demand for maximalist aesthetics by incorporating bold, artistic elements into their designs. - [Artistic Maximalist Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maximalist-decor): IKEA's FÖREMÅL Shares the "Rough and Burlesque" Works of Per B Sundberg (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture industry can explore ways to incorporate more maximalist and playful pieces into their designs. - [Engaging Impressionist Home Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impressionist-home): Brani & Desi's Approach to Design is Ultra-Colorful & Busy (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Innovative designers and architects can incorporate various art movements and bold, contrasting elements into their designs, providing unique and innovative home interior solution… ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)