The Chairish Podcast: Are We Maxed Out on Maximalism?

Episode Release Date: October 11, 2023
Host: Michael Boudreau
Guests: Matthew Carter, Hillary Taylor, Alexander Dougherty

Introduction to Maximalism

In the October 11, 2023 episode of The Chairish Podcast, host Michael Boudreau delves into the vibrant and intricate world of maximalism in interior design. Maximalism, characterized by richly layered spaces adorned with bold colors, diverse patterns, and an abundance of decorative elements, has gained significant traction in recent years. Drawing inspiration from two newly released books—Maximalism by the editors at Phaidon and More is More: Today's Maximalist Interiors by Carl Delatorre—Boudreau explores whether the interior design world has reached its zenith with this exuberant style or if there's room for evolution.

Guest Introductions

Michael welcomes three esteemed designers to discuss the current state and future of maximalism:

• Matthew Carter: Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Matthew is renowned for blending historical elements with contemporary aesthetics, incorporating antiques and heirlooms into his designs across various locales, including Napa Valley, Vail, Charleston, New York, Palm Beach, and Lyford Cay in the Bahamas.

• Hillary Taylor: Operating out of Utah, Hillary infuses casual elegance into neo-traditional designs, influenced by her California roots and years in Paris. Her interiors are classic, refined, yet always comfortable and bright.

• Alexander Dougherty: A Manhattan-based designer educated in England, France, and Italy, Alexander's work is marked by lush, layered rooms influenced by his extensive global travels. His sophisticated and elegant spaces reflect a worldly perspective.

Understanding Maximalism Today

Boudreau initiates the discussion by clarifying that while his guests may incorporate maximalist elements, they do not identify strictly as maximalist designers. He probes whether clients are increasingly seeking maximalist designs and if social media trends are pressuring designers to adopt bolder aesthetics.

Hillary Taylor shares her perspective on maximalism's appeal:
"For my clients, those layers add texture. It just kind of tells more of a story of their life... It can be much more personal that way." [04:16]

Matthew Carter distinguishes between layering and maximalism, emphasizing that layering adds depth without necessarily being over the top:
"I tend to stay away from anything that has, like, a tagline on it or gets overpublicized... if things are getting overwrought, then I tend to really pull back quite a bit." [04:30]

Alexander Dougherty concurs, expressing concern over labeling his approach as maximalist:
"Calling that maximalism is not perhaps the right way about... All it means is surrounding yourself by things which mean something." [07:03]

The Evolution of Maximalism

Boudreau reflects on maximalism's transformation from the 1980s, marked by paisley fabrics, heavy drapes, and opulent decorations, to its current form influenced by modern design publications and social media. He questions whether maximalism has peaked or if it will continue to evolve.

Hillary Taylor anticipates a shift away from maximalism, stating:
"I think we'll pull back... There will always be a client who does want more and wants you to take risks." [09:11]

Matthew Carter agrees, noting the inevitability of design trends ebbing and flowing:
"I just think that once whatever it is becomes so saturated, it's inevitable it's just going to happen." [25:16]

Alexander Dougherty emphasizes that maximalism isn't a fleeting trend but a continual practice of collecting meaningful objects:
"Maximalism will have its day. Absolutely. Whether that day is tomorrow or in one year or 10 years." [22:41]

Social Media's Impact on Design Choices

The discussion turns to the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where vivid and colorful rooms are prominently showcased. This visibility can lead clients to request similar bold designs.

Matthew Carter recounts being pigeonholed after a brightly chartreuse room gained attention:
"And all of a sudden, I became known for this... it's like a room that got a lot of attention." [12:29]

Hillary Taylor observes that while bold projects attract attention, clients often seek a cohesive aesthetic that reflects the designer's overall style:
"People jive with your personality and your whole aesthetic in terms of lifestyle more than they do one room, I would think." [14:45]

Alexander Dougherty notes that despite active social media presence, he hasn't directly received client requests based solely on his online posts:
"If you want somebody who's going to be making things in concrete and steel and glass, you're not going to come to me." [14:51]

Inspiration from Past and Present Designers

Boudreau prompts the guests to share designers they admire and how these influences shape their work.

Hillary Taylor praises pioneers like Delatorre and Nash, acknowledging their foundational role in maximalism:
"Laveau and Nash are my favorites. They did it first in many ways." [16:33]

Matthew Carter draws inspiration from traditional figures such as Albert Hadley and Sister Parrish, appreciating their restrained approach to maximalism:
"I love that sort of maximalism and that sort of layering rather than a lot of... Extremely maximalist." [17:20]

Alexander Dougherty highlights Robert Keim, celebrating his lifelong passion for collecting and integrating meaningful artifacts into his designs:
"Robert Keim... infused his interiors with those things... Maximalism to me is just surrounding yourself by things which mean something." [18:42]

The Timelessness of Design

The conversation explores whether maximalist designs can achieve timelessness—a desirable yet elusive goal.

Matthew Carter emphasizes the importance of timelessness in design:
"Things really should be timeless and they should stand the test of time because decorating is expensive." [20:54]

Alexander Dougherty believes that while colors and fabrics may evolve, the core principles of his style remain consistent:
"I can't really imagine my style changing that much... It's very difficult for me to say what's gonna happen because I just don't care about trend." [28:30]

Balancing Personal Style with Trends

Boudreau raises the challenge designers face in merging their personal styles with prevailing trends without compromising their vision.

Matthew Carter strives for designs that appeal across generations, balancing modernity with classic elements:
"I want someone that's 25 years old to walk in a room and love it. And I want someone that's 75 years old to walk in the same room and love it." [31:18]

Alexander Dougherty continues to focus on timeless elements, ensuring that each piece serves a purpose and resonates with the clients' lifestyles:
"If you can reuse things that they already have in a completely new and fresh way... They mean so much to me." [10:18]

Hillary Taylor underscores the importance of enhancing clients' lifestyles while respecting their existing possessions:
"I'm trying to give you what you want... I do think that whether maximalism passes or comes back through, we'll always look at it as an art form that will come and go." [33:29]

Anticipating the Future of Maximalism

As the episode draws to a close, the guests reflect on the potential future trajectories of maximalism.

Alexander Dougherty predicts a cyclical nature to maximalism, suggesting that after its peak, the style will give way to something softer:
"I think that maximalism will be replaced... with something much soother, much more soft, much more calm." [22:41]

Matthew Carter echoes this sentiment, advocating for a return to more organic and less forced design elements:
"I just want something to feel a little less effortful." [32:10]

Hillary Taylor envisions a balance where texture and subtle color blocking replace overwhelming patterns, creating serene yet layered spaces:
"There will be some little more color blocking or using a few more neutrals... texture is important either way." [26:40]

Conclusion: Embracing Evolution in Design

Michael Boudreau wraps up the discussion by acknowledging that while maximalism remains a significant force in interior design, the industry must look forward to new trends that emphasize serenity and softness. He thanks his guests—Hillary Taylor, Alexander Dougherty, and Matthew Carter—for their insightful contributions and encourages listeners to embrace both the richness of maximalism and the promise of future design innovations.

Notable Quotes:

• Hillary Taylor [04:16]: "For my clients, those layers add texture. It just kind of tells more of a story of their life... It can be much more personal that way."

• Matthew Carter [04:30]: "I tend to stay away from anything that has, like, a tagline on it or gets overpublicized... if things are getting overwrought, then I tend to really pull back quite a bit."

• Alexander Dougherty [07:03]: "Calling that maximalism is not perhaps the right way about... All it means is surrounding yourself by things which mean something."

• Matthew Carter [12:29]: "And all of a sudden, I became known for this... it's like a room that got a lot of attention."

• Hillary Taylor [14:45]: "People jive with your personality and your whole aesthetic in terms of lifestyle more than they do one room, I would think."

• Alexander Dougherty [18:42]: "Maximalism will have its day. Absolutely. Whether that day is tomorrow or in one year or 10 years."

• Matthew Carter [25:16]: "I just think that once whatever it is becomes so saturated, it's inevitable it's just going to happen."

• Hillary Taylor [33:29]: "I'm trying to give you what you want... I do think that whether maximalism passes or comes back through, we'll always look at it as an art form that will come and go."

This episode of The Chairish Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of maximalism in interior design, highlighting its current prominence, the influence of social media, and the inevitable evolution towards more subdued and serene aesthetics. Through the expertise of Matthew Carter, Hillary Taylor, and Alexander Dougherty, listeners gain valuable insights into balancing personal style with emerging trends, ensuring that interior spaces remain both meaningful and timeless.