Home Trends: Gen Z and Maximalism in 2025

In 2025, home design is all about making a statement — and no one is embracing this more boldly than Gen Z. This generation, known for challenging the norms and celebrating individuality, has fully adopted the maximalism movement. Forget minimalist, neutral spaces. Gen Z is bringing back the "more is more" mindset, and it’s making homes look more vibrant, eclectic, and unapologetically full of personality.

What Is Maximalism?

Maximalism is all about breaking the rules of traditional design. Instead of sticking to muted tones and minimalist furniture, maximalism celebrates abundance. Picture a room where every inch tells a story, with bold colors, flashy decor, and layers upon layers of visual interest. This style brings an explosion of creativity into living spaces, reflecting the eclectic mix of influences that make up Gen Z's world — from TikTok trends to vintage nostalgia.

Maximalism is the complete opposite of the streamlined, “everything in its place” minimalism that dominated much of the 2010s. Now, it's about curating a space that’s completely your own, where chaos and cohesion can live harmoniously. For Gen Z, this design approach feels personal and liberating — it's a reflection of their wide-ranging interests and unique personalities.

Key Features of Maximalism for 2025

Maximalist homes are unmistakable in their intensity. These are the standout features that define the trend:

1. Bold, Vibrant Colors Gen Z is ditching the monochromatic palettes in favor of bold, saturated hues. Walls are often painted in jewel tones like emerald green, cobalt blue, or rich burgundy. Accent colors, from neon pinks to mustard yellows, add a daring contrast, often all in the same space.

2. Flashy and Eye-Catching Decor When it comes to decor, Gen Z maximalists don’t shy away from a little glitz. Metallic finishes, reflective surfaces, and art deco-inspired pieces give spaces an unapologetically flashy vibe. It's not about blending in — it's about standing out.

3. Knick-Knacks and Collectibles Maximalism encourages filling your home with things you love, and for Gen Z, that often means collectibles, vintage finds, and quirky knick-knacks. Whether it’s vinyl records, vintage cameras, or eccentric sculptures, this generation is making every surface count.

4. Heavy, Eclectic Furniture Forget sleek, modern lines — the furniture in maximalist spaces is heavy, layered, and often has a story behind it. From antique wooden dressers to oversized velvet armchairs, the pieces are large, comfortable, and mix different design styles. Each item in a room stands alone as a statement piece, but they somehow come together to create a cohesive (and comfortable) chaos.

5. Busy and Expressive Art Gallery walls are a huge feature in maximalist homes. Gen Z is adorning their walls with large, colorful paintings, mixed media pieces, and personal photography. The art is loud, expressive, and varied, turning every wall into a canvas of personality.

Why Gen Z Loves Maximalism

For Gen Z, maximalism feels like a rejection of the overly curated, "Instagram-perfect" homes that have defined interior design over the past decade. It’s an embrace of imperfection, where their personalities can shine through every cluttered corner and contrasting color palette.

This generation grew up in a world filled with diverse media, global influences, and constant visual stimuli. Their homes reflect that same cultural mash-up, where there’s no pressure to conform to one aesthetic. Instead, maximalism gives them the freedom to pull from vintage pieces, thrift store finds, pop culture memorabilia, and high-end decor all at once. The result? Homes that feel deeply personal and uniquely tailored to the homeowner’s tastes.

How to Incorporate Maximalism Into Your Home

If you're ready to embrace the maximalist trend, start with what you love! Here’s how to begin:

• Start with Color: Pick a bold color for one of your walls or a major piece of furniture, then build around it by layering different tones and textures.
• Mix and Match Styles: Don’t feel pressured to stick to one era or style. Blend modern, vintage, and eclectic pieces to create a collected look.
• Fill Your Space: Don't shy away from filling shelves, walls, and corners with items that speak to you. Think of your home as a gallery of your personality.

Looking for inspiration? Our experience as lifestyle experts can help you find the perfect pieces to craft a home that’s uniquely yours. Start your search for a home that fits your style or connect with one of our agents to explore your options.

Maximalism’s Influence on Home Buying in 2025

As we head into 2025, Gen Z’s embrace of maximalism is influencing more than just interior design — it's impacting the way homes are bought and sold. Buyers are no longer seeking cookie-cutter homes. Instead, they’re looking for spaces that allow for customization and self-expression.

If you're in the market for a home, consider how the space can serve as a canvas for your maximalist vision. Open floor plans, abundant wall space, and unique architectural features can be the perfect foundation for bold decor choices. And remember, whether you're shopping for a cozy condo or a sprawling suburban home, it's all about finding a space that lets your personality shine through.

Start your home search today to find a place where your design dreams can come to life, or connect with one of our expert agents to get started.

Maximalism isn’t just a trend — it’s a movement. And as lifestyle experts, we know just how to help you bring that movement into your home. Let your space tell your story.