Popularized through social media apps like Pinterest and TikTok, Maximalism became a massive trend among Gen Z in 2024. Embracing the “more is more” mentality, young adults showed off their whimsy by playing with mismatched patterns, large accessories, and bright colors. Maximalism even became a trend for home decor, with people embracing trinkets and tchotchkes from mounted wall records to Calico Critters and Sonny Angels on display.
Though making a major comeback in 2024 and with no signs of slowing down in 2025, maximalism is not a new trend. Dating as far back as the 16th century, it has been used by the wealthy to show off their opulence by wearing as much as possible and placing unique—and expensive—items on display in their homes.
The modern maximalism trend tends to lean toward the traditional opulence of the 16th century. Design artists noticed that minimalist trends became widely popular in the wake of the 2008 recession as a way to make the most of very little. In many regards, maximalism reflects the fact that younger people have more access to disposable income—but not enough to invest in luxurious properties.
The trend also emphasizes personal style. People wear clothing that reflects their personality, combining favorite colors, patterns, or souvenirs into their wardrobe. In-home decor, the maximalist design allows people to display their favorite items, from the incredibly popular jellycat stuffed animals to favorite books to plants.
The trend allows people to be playful with their wardrobes. Messiness, disorder, and even clutter are embraced under maximalism. For many who grew up during the recession, the trend can feel like an act of rebellion. One of the central aspects of maximalism is finding pieces that spark joy. For children of the 2000s and 2010s, this can mean embracing their inner child and saying “yes” to the knick-knacks, gaudy outfits, and trendy accessories they were denied in favor of order and frugality.
