Maximalism is backābut not in the way you might remember it. Forget the heavy, Victorian-inspired rooms stuffed with antiques and tassels. Gen Z has grabbed hold of the maximalist movement and flipped it on its head. Theyāre rewriting the rules, injecting bold personality, playfulness, and a whole lot of colour into their interiors. The result? A fresh, joyful approach thatās less aboutĀ more for the sake of more and more about curating your chaos.
Jungle Paradise Navy WallpaperĀ is a strong contender ā the deep indigo background with lush tropical foliage screams maximalist energy.
Maximalism With Meaning
Unlike older versions of maximalism, which often leaned into collecting for abundanceās sake, Gen Z takes a more intentional approach. Every pieceāwhether itās a quirky lamp found in a thrift shop or a wallpaper mural of jungle palmsāhas to mean something. Interiors become a canvas for self-expression rather than just decoration.
Itās not about showing wealth or taste in a traditional sense. Itās about storytelling. That gallery wall isnāt just artāitās prints from small creators, a vintage poster from a trip abroad, and maybe even a framed meme. Maximalism becomes personal, inclusive, and democratic.
Vintage Peacock Multi WallpaperĀ works nicely ā the peacock motif has symbolism, the layered detail makes the wall feel like a story in itself.
Bold Colour and Pattern Play
Gen Z loves colour. Think dopamine brights, clashing prints, and unexpected combinations. A neon green cushion might sit happily against a zebra-stripe rug, with floral wallpaper wrapping the walls. Rules about what āgoesā together? Tossed out the window.
This fearless layering of colour and pattern speaks to the generationās rejection of minimalismās beige box aesthetic. Theyāre not afraid to make bold choices, whether itās mixing geometrics with botanicals or throwing metallic wallpapers into the mix for extra punch.
Oria Hex Yellow/Grey WallpaperĀ is a great pick ā the geometric hexagon pattern plus mustard/yellow tones will illustrate the mix of bold geometry and colour.
Digital Culture in Design
TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram are the new mood boards. Trends like ācluttercore,ā ācottagecore,ā and ādark academiaā feed directly into how Gen Z shapes their spaces. Maximalist interiors become a living reflection of digital cultureāmemes, aesthetics, and viral design moments all get a place in the room.
Whatās exciting is that Gen Z doesnāt see a line between high design and internet culture. A designer wallpaper can live happily alongside DIY furniture hacks or second-hand treasures found through a Facebook Marketplace scroll.
Geo Trellis Grey/Silver WallpaperĀ is interesting ā the geometric trellis has a modern, structured look that can echo digital grids or pixel-style repetition.
Sustainability Meets Statement
Gen Z is also deeply eco-conscious. Their version of maximalism isnāt about constant consumerism. Instead, itās about reusing, repurposing, and rescuing. Vintage and second-hand finds are celebrated, not hidden. Maximalism becomes sustainable by defaultārescuing furniture, thrifting fabrics, and mixing them with statement wallpapers and bold soft furnishings.
Itās maximalism that feels authentic, not wasteful.
Lush Forest Teal Wallpaper is perfect ā it brings in forest imagery and deep green tones, emphasizing the eco / natural side of maximalism.
The Future of Maximalist Interiors
Gen Zās take on maximalism is shaping the next big wave of interiors. Itās playful, personal, and purposeful. The design world is already catching onājust look at the explosion of wallpapers featuring bold botanicals, jungle themes, or metallic accents. These arenāt just backdrops; theyāre central characters in the story of a room.
Maximalism is no longer about impressing othersāitās about creating spaces that feel unapologetically āyou.ā And thatās exactly why this Gen Z reinvention is here to stay.