Bohemian Maximalism: Living Rooms

For preppies and Sloanes, the Aesthetic Movement never went out of style, and Maximalism is a natural evolution after generations of collecting.

Start your own collection at home with these colorful, atmospheric finds.

Layered Iberian Textiles Create Preppy Elegance, curated comfort and saturated color. Hand-blocked botanical textiles, vibrant window shades, and jade green gourd lamps illuminate a lifetime of collectables. A bohemian approach to preppy style is timeless and inviting.

Getting the vibrant green right is so important, I found a good match for these lamps:
Dark Green Speckled Double Gourd Ceramic Table Lamp by Penny Morrison, Newport
And another option:
Robert Abbey Peacock Glazed Ceramic Gourd Lamp, Amazon

The most beautiful shades:
Pink Pleated Ikat Lampshade, Amazon
Pink Saree Cotton Lampshade, Hill Haus Interiors (Speak to them about sizing.)

Designer Alessandro Michele's home in Rome is a aesthete's dream. The quiet, saturated green of the chandelier, sofa, and ottomans unites a room full of treasures. Artful hanging on the gallery wall (see how tidy the edges are?) showcases an eclectic, thoughtful collection. Photo: French Vogue.

Here are two green chandeliers for a similarly tranquil note:
20th Century French Metal Chandelier With Green Leaves and Five Arms, 1stDibs
Crystorama Broche 5 Light Champagne Green Tea Chandelier, Amazon

The opulent saffron yellow of this brocade silk jacquard wall covering gives the room's occupants an otherworldly glow. Like living in a John Singer Sargent portrait. Image: Rose & David Cholmondeley at Houghton Hall in the FT

Carved Louis XVI sofas like this can be rare. I found my own midcentury ochre-yellow velvet version at auction a few years ago. Here are a few options in blue:

Louis XVI Style Settee With Ram's Head Arms And Carved Bird Crest - For Restoration, Black Rock Galleries
Intricately Carved Louis XV Style Cane Settee With Custom Cushion, Black Rock Galleries
Carved Birch Wood Loveseat in Light Gray, Wayfair

A daybed in the same silhouette you could augment with colorful pillows. (I might even carefully use gilding wax on the wood to get that glow):
Fabric Upholstered DayBed in Light Beige, Wayfair

And speaking of yellow wall hangings:
Soicher Marin Antique Birds And Flower Design Giclee Print, Perigold

For preppies and Sloanes, the Aesthetic Movement never went out of style. This living room layers a Persian rug, chintz curtains, ikat pillows, and collected artwork with the confidence that comes from knowing beauty and comfort matter more than coordination.

Here are some similar burgundy and beige pillow covers for instant warmth:
Floral Umber Burgundy Linen Pillow Cover, Amazon
Burgundy and Deep Green Floral Block Print Pillow Cover, Amazon
Beige Tatami Pillow Cover, Amazon

Built-in bookshelves create a stunning backdrop for this authentic maximalist living room, where layered textile patterns and vintage artwork reflect decades of thoughtful collecting. The rich tapestry of Persian rugs, quilted throws, and curated art transforms this space into a sanctuary.

I love the simplicity and substance of the antique gilt frames in this home. Here are two I use for framing at home. The first is a museum frame, ie: you’ll choose your own glass and backing, any framer will cut glass to order for you if you need it.
Gold Leaf Plein Aire Picture Frame, Amazon
Arcadia Gothic Aged Gold Frame, Amazon

Amanda Cutter Brooks's English Country Living Room

A master class in preppy/ sloane style. This American girl in England blends antique furniture pieces with oversized, cushion-laden sofas that invite you to sink right in. Layer in patterned rugs, soft lampshades, and floral elements from both garden plants and botanical artwork. Mix in vintage fabrics, a touch of contemporary, and pieces from your travels. The beauty of English country decorating lies in its relaxed approach, embracing lived-in charm and a love for color over pristine perfection, with a cheerful disregard for being too precious about any single piece. Photo by Owen Gale for House & Garden.

To recreate the beautiful holiday decorations on the mantel and console:
The best hedgerow-inspired garland around the mirror, Citizenry
Handblown German glass pomegranate ornaments (See them hung in the garland?), Amazon
Old world apple and pear glass ornaments would also be beautiful, Amazon
The best faux holly branches, arranged in the vase on the left, Amazon

A collection of French confit pots tops the built-in shelves and kilim upholstery in a renovated bothy by John Tanner. Preppies and Sloanes live with their books and collections on view. This reminds me of rooms I grew up with in Scotland—collected, not decorated.

Georgian Chair with fixed seat in Red, Orange & Brown Kilim, George Smith

And to recreate the rustic bookshelf display:
Classic two-handled confit pots, Amazon
Antique confit pots, 1stDibs

Intricate paisley wallpaper creates a tranquil backdrop for this carefully curated living room, where layered fabrics and an antique map demonstrate subtle maximalism at its finest. The mix of a kilim slipper chair, blockprint pillows, and a classical bust shows how authentic collecting can be serene too.

Linking to a beautiful pink ikat lampshade I've been watching on Amazon. They’re hard to find.
Medium Standard Arm Signature Chair in Pink, Lilac & Ochre Kilim, George Smith
Kelm Dhurrie Handcrafted Rustic Jute Accent Chair, Wayfair

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