Maximalism or minimalism? Everyone used to want neutral schemes and clean lines –but the new looks are bold, colourful and full of pattern

For many years, the world of interiors was seduced by the cult of minimalism. It’s easy to understand why: there’s something undeniably appealing about swathes of uncluttered white space punctuated only by single, carefully chosen items of unembellished, architecty funiture. Abandoning doorknobs, light switches and skirting boards to create uninterrupted lines everywhere is the pursuit of the dedicated minimalist, and hiding all traces of life behind meticulously crafted storage solutions is the holy grail of minimalism. Granted, this looks good in photographs, and an orderly home suggests an uncluttered mind, which we might all aspire to. But isn’t it a bit boring? And why claim to such an ascetic life anyway? Increasingly, interiors trends are now moving away from Scandi monotones and towards a maximalist explosion of print, pattern and colour. This might alarm people who have become used to a simple palette and clean Nordic lines – but others will welcome some new visual interest. But what does it all actually mean in practice?

To start, walls are shunning neutral shades, neurotic whites and the ubiquitous, datedlooking greys in favour of inky dark blues, or plaster-inspired pinks, or warm greens, all trimmed with bright contrasting woodwork. Try yellow doors with pink walls, say – or dark brown walls with red window frames. Colour is not something to be afraid of – walls can be repainted and numerous new paint shades are launched every season. Also, chintz is back, though not in its 1980s pastel incarnation –instead there are bold, dark colours and big, blousy florals and paisleys. With wallpaper, a new rule is: the bolder, the better. Look at House of Hackney’s room schemes and consider whether you’re brave enough to choose wallpapers, curtains, carpets and upholstery fabrics in contrasting prints – a floral wall and a stripe sofa, for example – or even to repeat the same strong pattern across walls and curtains. Change is certainly afoot, and period properties with contemporary interiors are always desirable. “In Bath there are large numbers of Georgian Townhouses which have been converted into apartments. The interior trend is certainly moving away from the traditional interior approach and creating a more a modern feel to a period property,” says Matthew Leonard of Winkworth in Bath.

For floors, we’re seeing a resurgence of fitted carpets. All those years of rustic stripped floorboards dotted with a few rugs are giving way to a whole new luxe look and feel, with thick, velvety carpets in dark rust colours or deep blues, or even deep pile patterns. Suddenly, exposed floorboards are beginning to feel spartan, uncomfortable and draughty in comparison.

And then there are the objects. While a minimalist aesthetic requires all unnecessary objects to be binned – or at least hidden in cupboards – the new, relaxed look is a fine environment for decorative accessories. The brilliantly named ‘cluttercore’ is a license to indulge all your favourite antique shop finds, holiday souvenirs and eclectic collectibles.

Paintings, lamps, vases, pot plants, candlesticks, mismatched ceramics and ornaments are all part of the new aesthetic, along with books on shelves, multiple cushions and throws and signs of life everywhere.

Of course, the look to aspire to is bohemian and stylish rather than simply messy and overwhelming. The key to achieving this is to display items in considered groups, so for example, take three items of different sizes and place them together. Make sure that while surfaces aren’t empty, they’re also not unconsidered – so think about themes or temperatures when displaying pieces. Mix textures, colours and periods, but retain a common thread and don’t be shy. The maximalist look is forgiving and doesn’t mind a bit of inconsistency.

Kitchens and bathrooms are also experiencing a change in aesthetic. Stylish bathrooms aren’t simple and neutral any more – today’s desirable bathroom offers spa-quality luxury in its fittings and functions, with a focus on design details. Whether your taste is for a Moroccan hammam-style space with mosaic tiling, or for an Art Deco theme with wall lights and decorative mirrors, or for an industrial space with dark walls and brass fittings, your bathroom should definitely not be boring. Likewise for kitchens: the ubiquitous white gloss fitted units and shiny metro tile look is very much over. In its place are a variety of deliberately mismatched styles, with lots of open shelving displaying vintage crockery collections, cookbooks, plants and curiousities. Kitchen cupboards might be free-standing and painted in vibrant colours; islands will have dramatic pendant lights above them and floors are tiles in patterned encaustic tiles. Vintage glass-fronted cabinets are popular choices instead of MDF units, and reclaimed worktops are everywhere.

So if you're ready for a new look, there are lots of things to consider – but the main point is, anything goes. Be brave and make your mark.

£1,500,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: E

• Detached cottage

• Stunning location

• Rural outlook

• Plot in excess of 0.5 acre

• Double carport

In a tranquil setting in the heart of West Harting, a pretty detached cottage in grounds of approximately 0.56 acre. Of particular note is the main double aspect reception room with doors leading to a conservatory with underfloor heating. The partially vaulted, triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with matching floor and wall mounted units. Stairs rise to the first floor landing, off which are three double bedrooms, a family bathroom and separate steam/shower room. The gardens are on all sides of the house and are predominantly laid to lawn with a variety of mature borders, hedging, two ponds and an orchard of more than fifty mature fruit trees. EPC: E

WINKWORTH PETERSFIELD: 01730 267274 | petersfield@winkworth.co.uk | www.winkworth.co.uk/petersfield

Guide Price £1,850,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Elegant country house

• Self-contained annex accommodation

• Set in grounds approaching 1/2 acre

• Gated driveway with large double garage and outbuildings

WINKWORTH BEACONSFIELD

01494 677978 beaconsfield@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/beaconsfield

Nestled in just under ½ acre of grounds, Mount Farm House is set behind a gated entrance in a central but tucked away location in Farnham Common. Behind the impressive façade, the property is elegantly presented, offering an abundance of well-proportioned living and bedroom accommodation. There is also the benefit of an attached one bedroom annex with private entrance; ideal for a relative or au-pair. EPC: E

• Council tax band: E

• Lease length: 999 yrs left

• Private under cover parking space

• Fabulous reception room with bay fronted windows

• Sea views

• Period feature throughout

• High ceilings with cornicing

Grand bay windows in the reception room allow the whole room to bask in ambient natural light and double door lead to your very own balcony looking down to the sea. The reception room is large enough to accommodate the grandest of parties. Beautiful Victorian features have been subtly highlighted, culminating in a fresh but elegant feel. With the reception room leading into the newly fitted kitchen, you are provided with a free flowing and convenient space, making this property perfect for entertaining. The kitchen itself is spacious and opulent with all appliances built in. EPC: C

WINKWORTH BRIGHTON AND HOVE: 01273 772175 | tpowell@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove

Guide Price £2,395,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Heated swimming pool

• Spectacular orangery

• Remotely operated gated entrance

• Timeless and elegant framed kitchen

• Attractive rendered oak façades

Behind the handsome rendered oak and old stock brick façade is around 5000 sq.ft. of immaculate living space successfully combining traditional styling with a contemporary twist. The Orangery wows with an uninterrupted view to the secluded landscaped gardens and heated swimming pool and the kitchen/ breakfast room is finished to an incredible standard. The generous bedroom suites and second floor apartment further enhance the accommodation. The property also enjoys substantial parking along with car port and garaging. EPC: B

WINKWORTH WOKINGHAM: 0118 9072777 | wokingham@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/wokingham

Guide Price £2,250,000 FREEHOLD

• Council tax band: G

• Grand Victorian mansion conversion

• Impressive 37ft galleried reception room

• 26ft kitchen breakfast room

• Double garage and dedicated parking

• Lawned garden and two courtyard garden areas

This luxurious home is presented in immaculate condition and features a remarkable double height reception, a beautiful family kitchen living, dining room and separate study along with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Its grounds include front, side and rear gardens along with gated parking and double garage. Set within the original manor house on the sought after Queen Elizabeth Crescent, the property enjoys a private exclusive location yet easy access to local amenities of Beaconsfield’s Old and New Towns. EPC: C

WINKWORTH BEACONSFIELD: 01494 677978 | beaconsfield@winkworth.co.uk | winkworth.co.uk/beaconsfield

£875,000

FREEHOLD

• Five bedrooms

• Workshop with cloakroom/former double garage

• Secluded plot in excess of 0.5 Of an acre

• Master with walk in wardrobe & en-suite

• Fantastic annex potential

• No onward chain

WINKWORTH FERNDOWN 01202 434365 ferndown@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk/ferndown

Council tax band: