“More is more and less is a bore.” The late Iris Apfel’s signature catchphrase perfectly describes the maximalist interior design viewpoint — and if there is one person who personified maximalism, it was Iris. The quick-witted New Yorker who lived to age 102 was marked throughout the decades by her aesthetic of carefully-curated excess. Her love of texture, color, and pattern, with the fearlessness to combine them all together, has inspired countless fans to follow in her footsteps of eclectic maximalist style. And if you’re here, you’re probably amongst us. So to get you on your way to interior icon status, we’re digging into the basics of Iris’ maximalist interior design and how to bring the decadent style to life in your spaces — starting with a Ruggable x Iris Apfel rug, of course. 

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What is Maximalist Interior Design?

Bold, full of life, and over-the-top. The maximalist interior design style often layers diverse color palettes, patterns, and textures with a curated display of personal items. While it’s a sharp 180 from the neutral-laden minimalist style that’s found popularity in recent decades, maximalism has quite the history. The “more is more” philosophy can be seen through the centuries — from ornate baroque and Rococo styles to the gilded Victorian era and modern Hollywood Regency period. These days, the Iris brand of maximalist interior design is an aesthetic of joy that comes with a lesson in confidence. To create a maximalist space that feels like you, there’s an element of learning what you love and unapologetically turning that style dial up to 10. As Iris told us in a 2022 interview: “You’ve got to know who you are. Don’t listen to the experts, listen to yourself. Listen to what you love.”

Ruggable x Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel’s Maximalist Interior Design 

Iris grew up exploring Greenwich Village antique shops and was heavily influenced by her mother’s New York fashion boutique. It led to a lifelong love of textiles, fabric, and embellishments that developed into her core style tenets. We’re breaking down Iris’ m.o. for maximalist interior design, but since Iris doesn’t believe in rules (they’re for breaking after all), what we’re offering up are merely suggestions. Follow if they feel good, fuhgeddaboudit if they don’t — it’s the Iris way. 

Embrace Color

Born to be bold, Iris was never one to play it safe with neutrals. Opt for colors that are saturated, high contrast, or varied in temperature — like pink and green, black and white, cool and warm palettes. It’s a theme that can be seen in every Ruggable x Iris Apfel design. 

Add Patterns

Combining patterns helps to create synergy and movement. Iris would often mix prints and patterns like florals, geometric designs, stripes, and animal prints. While a healthy amount of editing can help keep your surroundings from feeling overwhelming, the idea is to start big before you pare down. 

Vary Your Textures

Iris understood that texture not only plays a major role in adding visual interest, but also comfort. Plush velvets, smooth silks, and sturdy leathers all help enhance the tactile experience. Choosing a thicker, tufted rug cover can 

Learn to Layer

Now that you’ve got a grasp on her color, pattern, and texture, it’s time to put them all together. Iris’ version of layering involved more than just physical depth (and there’s a lot of that), but emotional too. Perhaps it’s a fun juxtaposition of personal and irreverent items, or telling your own story through decor. 

Accessorize 

Like a cherry on top of all her work, Iris adored ornamentation — on herself and in her spaces. Incorporate accessories (like mirrors, chandeliers, coffee table books) to add a touch of luxury.

In the end, bringing Iris’ version of maximalist interior design should be equal parts introspective and joyful. Add and edit thoughtfully; giving consideration to each layer, color, pattern, accessory you bring into the mix. Building the perfect-for-you maximalist home might take significantly more time and effort than other design styles, but the payoff is well worth it. 

“You start with the rug. The rug is pregnant with possibilities—you can do so many different things. That’s the logical place to start.”

Iris Apfel, 1921–2024