Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki is a fan of eclectic interior design, maximalism, and bold color choices, and none more so than in his larger-than-life sitting room.
Eye-catching, expressive, and enchanting in every way, his maximalist living room is one of the most irresistible spaces in his Nashville home. Designed by interior design firm Pierce & Ward, maximalism is the decor trend of choice.
Maximalist decor ideas are about embracing excess. Think large doses of color, exuberant pattern, and plenty of textural elements. While 'more might be more', the current interior design trend for maximalism doesn’t equal mess. Think of your space as a carefully curated Aladdin’s 'cave of wonders', with each item on display even more fascinating than the last.
The way we decorate our homes defines our personalities. While we’ll always need to furnish our rooms with practical pieces, how they look will always play a huge part in why we choose them, going for designs that reflect our personalities and make our hearts sing. And if there is only one space in your home that will benefit from being bold, it is the living room.
Channelling an on-trend maximalist aesthetic, packed with statement, feel-good pieces, Johnny's home is a unique masterpiece. However, despite the eccentric look, the overall scheme is cohesive. The bold red walls work wonderfully with the gentle pink soft furnishings and reddish wood tones elsewhere, for example. It is a well-curated design, with an exceptional use of room color ideas.
If you wish to replicate a similar look, I always advise readers to start with the color palette. The right color trends are key to our mood and how likely we are to feel connected with our homes. If you’re unsure, start by looking at your closet, as we’re usually better at expressing ourselves with fashion choices than our homes. Is it a riot of color and pattern? Then you’re probably something of a maximalist, and your home should reflect that aesthetic.
When it comes to the decor, simply start with a strong base, such as large pieces of furniture and flooring, as the anchor for your scheme. You can use both patterns or plains, provided you space them out and limit the color palette to two to three shades; this way, they’ll create the ideal background for your accessories.
Then, when choosing smaller pieces to finish off, look for unusual shapes and pops of colour – try eye-catching statement designs, while avoiding anything too matchy-matchy. And above all, have fun with it.
Maximalist design has been a part of the design world for centuries, but now it has manifested in our homes and has evolved into 'curated chaos' as I like to call it. With proper curation, the rules for decorating with maximalism are easy to follow – and quite honestly, anything goes.
Shop the maximalist edit
With an antiqued texture, the Demetria Terracotta Vase has a distinctive rustic feel that shows off its material. The vase is hand-thrown with terracotta clay and hand-painted to highlight its earthy tones. With intriguing detail, the terracotta vase is a classic addition to a console or shelving display.
Velvet with a ruffled flange? Yes, ruffles are back for 2025, and I am desperate to include them in my home. A solid design balances Lulu and Georgia's exclusive Mauree pillow for a glamorous yet refined accent. This tactile throw pillow is a rich addition to thoughtfully layered spaces.
Joanna Gaines x Loloi rugs are the best for a reason. They are machine washable, affordable, and timeless. I have one in almost every room in my house, and I can't see myself shopping elsewhere for them. I would argue that a rug is the most defining feature in a room – it can make or break a space.
