The Ultimate Maximalist Color Playbook: Bright, Bold, & Beautiful
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Maximalism isn’t just about filling a room with layers of pattern and texture — it’s about embracing color as an expressive, joyful design tool.
Bold colors can completely transform a room, bringing depth, personality, and a curated sense of drama. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant brights or moody jewel tones, this guide walks you through how each color family works in maximalist design and how to bring it into your home beautifully.
Below, you’ll find seven essential Maximalist color families and color palettes, complete with styling tips, paint recommendations, inspiration pics to inspire your next project.
Bold Pinks: Raspberry, Fuchsia & Deep Rose
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Bold pinks deliver energy, romance, and playful sophistication. They pair beautifully with jewel tones, metallics, and eclectic artwork, making them perfect for maximalist bedrooms, offices, and creative spaces.
How to Use This Color Palette
- Paint an accent wall in raspberry or fuchsia for instant impact
- Pair with emerald, navy, or plum for dramatic contrast
- Use gold lighting or décor pieces to warm the palette
- Add velvet textures and layered throw pillows
- Incorporate patterned rugs with magenta or berry tones
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 6850 Raspberry
• SW 6860 Eros Pink
• SW 6317 Gracious Rose
• SW 6837 Grandview
Benjamin Moore:
• 2077-30 Raspberry Blush
• 2077-20 Eros Pink
• 2081-10 Dinner Party
• 2008-30 Red Grapefruit
Jewel-Tone Purples: Plum, Eggplant & Aubergine
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Purple brings richness, depth, and dramatic sophistication — especially in moody maximalist rooms filled with metallics and ornate details.
How to Use It
- Paint walls in deep plum or eggplant for dramatic flair
- Combine with gold frames and abstract artwork
- Add velvet bedding in navy or emerald
- Incorporate layered Persian rugs
- Use sculptural lighting to enhance the mood
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 6419 Deep Aubergine
• SW 6832 Impulsive Purple
• SW 2648 Plum Brown
• SW 0067 Serengeti Grass
Benjamin Moore:
• 2073-10 Black Raspberry
• 2072-20 Shadow
• 2071-10 Bewitched
• AF-650 Caponata
Teals & Turquoises
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Teal is energetic, artistic, and incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with global patterns, boho textures, and eclectic artwork.
How to Use this Maximalist Color Palette
- Paint walls rich teal
- Mix patterned pillows and bedding – from fuchsia to goldenrod, anything goes!
- Add rattan and woven boho textures
- Incorporate mixed-media abstract art and add in a few vintage mirrors
- Style with plants for vibrancy
PRO TIP: Whatever you add to your maximalist room, make sure it is something you love and brings you joy when you see it. It could be a stack of good books, a vase or trinket from a fabulous vacation, a meaningful gift from a friend, you get the idea!
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 0064 Blue Peacock
• SW 6941 Teal Stencil
• SW 6942 Splashy
• SW 6992 In the Navy
Benjamin Moore:
• 2055-10 Deep Teal
• 2048-30 Teal Ocean
• 2052-20 Majestic Blue
• HC-159 Philipsburg Blue
Warm Mustards & Goldenrod
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Mustard is warm, vibrant, and grounding — ideal for creating retro, vintage-inspired maximalist spaces with lots of personality.
How to Use It
- Use mustard walls or wallpaper
- Add jewel-toned bedding
- Mix in brass and warm wood
- Display retro abstract art
- Use patterned rugs for visual depth
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 6695 Midday
• SW 6685 Butter Up
• SW 6910 Goldenrod
• SW 6383 Golden Fleece
Benjamin Moore:
• 2165-30 Spicy Mustard
• 2154-10 Stuart Gold
• 349 Golden Nugget
• HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow
Electric Blues: Cobalt & Indigo
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Cobalt is electric and modern, perfect for bold maximalists who love strong lines, high saturation, and punchy contrast.
How to Enhance This Color Palette
- Paint walls cobalt for maximum impact
- Pair with mustard and/or magenta
- Use bold geometric prints and abstract art
- Add chrome or gold lighting
- Layer rugs to soften the boldness
Maximalist Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 6967 Frank Blue
• SW 6807 Danube
• SW 6966 Blueblood
• SW 6531 Indigo
Benjamin Moore:
• 2066-40 Brilliant Blue
• 2069-10 Old Navy
• 2065-10 Admiral Blue
• 2064-40 Blueberry
Earthy Reds & Terracotta
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Terracotta brings warmth and grounding energy to maximalist spaces, especially when paired with globally inspired patterns and carved wood textures.
How to Use It
- Paint walls terracotta or adobe
- Mix global-inspired bedding
- Incorporate woven baskets + carved wood
- Add Turkish or Moroccan rugs
- Use greenery to balance warmth
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 2803 Rookwood Terra Cotta
• SW 0040 Roycroft Adobe
• SW 6321 Red Bay
• SW 6327 Peppery
Benjamin Moore:
• 2170-30 Rust
• 1208 Spanish Red
• 2090-30 Terra Mauve
• 1209 Harvest Brown
Deep Greens: Emerald, Hunter & Moss
Why This Color Works in Maximalism
Deep greens are dramatic, lush, and grounding — perfect for creating moody maximalist spaces filled with velvet, gold accents, and warm wood details.
How to Use It
- Paint walls hunter or emerald green
- Layer velvet textiles and dramatic lighting
- Use metals like brass or antique gold
- Incorporate Persian rugs with green undertones
- Add moody botanical art
Paint Color Recommendations
Sherwin-Williams:
• SW 0062 Rock Garden
• SW 6991 Black Magic Green
• SW 7747 Cascade Green
• SW 0065 Sage Green Light
Benjamin Moore:
• 2037-10 Essex Green
• 2050-20 Hunter Green
• 2035-10 Emerald Isle
• HC-133 Yorktowne Green
Final Thoughts
Color is the heartbeat of maximalism — bold, expressive, joyful, and deeply personal. Whether you’re painting walls in saturated hues, layering patterns, or adding dramatic artwork, each color family creates its own story.
The beauty of maximalist design lies in its freedom: mix bright shades with moody tones, pair unexpected patterns, and embrace texture without hesitation. With this guide, you can approach color confidently and design rooms full of personality and delightful visual richness.
You may also like: The Designer-Approved Color Palettes That Always Work (And Never Go Out of Style)
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