Josh Brolin’s living room makes a case for the return of maximalism
American actor Josh Brolin is best known for his role as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but outside of his tough man silver screen persona, the actor has a unique style and eccentricity, one which also extends to his maximalist Californian home.
Decorated with vintage furniture, seemingly ad hoc furnishings, and a gorgeous butter yellow color scheme, it’s a space that looks more like an Aladdin’s cave of treasures than a run-of-the-mill home. Unsurprisingly, maximalist decor ideas are back for 2025. But how simple is this interior design trend to achieve?
Where minimalism champions stripped-back design, the philosophy behind maximalism is that less really isn’t more; in fact, the busier the better. The aesthetic of excess, decorating with maximalism, has found favor among interior brands and designers, but the principle is nothing new. If you want to express your personality in your home, maximalist decor is the way to do just that.
The actor tapped interior design firm Pierce & Ward to transform his maximalist living room into a treasure trove of eclectic colors, mismatched furniture, offbeat accessories, and one of the most impressive gallery wall ideas I’ve ever seen. The final result is truly triumphant and individual.
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, pattern, and a mix of styles? Then you’re probably something of a maximalist.
‘If in doubt, be bold,’ advises Tiffany Duggan, founder and director of Studio Duggan. ‘Clients hardly ever regret strong color and bold pattern choices, but I am forever being asked how to rectify and inject personality into rather dull characterless spaces,’ she says.
Recreating a maximalist look in your own home is easier than you think. ‘There are no formal rules to pattern or color mixing,’ says interior designer Anna Spiro. The more eclectic the collection, the more interesting and fabulous it will be. Select a range of different textiles, patterns, and colors. Put into the mix, for instance, a large floral fabric, a small floral, a stripe, and a geometric textile or two.’
Ann Grafton, creative and managing director of GP&J Baker, says layerism is the new way to do maximalism for the year ahead.
‘Layering pattern on pattern creates a rich, maximalist look. Maximalism tends to be most successful when the patterns used share a color palette. Try using several designs in a similar tone but vary the scales of the patterns by combining large statement prints with smaller block prints, to create a layered scheme.’
The varying tones of yellow in Josh Brolin’s home add dimension but don’t jar, and are perfect for this look. Decorating with yellow is having somewhat of a renaissance, and is a worthy candidate for maximal layering.
Finally, while ‘more might be more’, the current trend for maximalism doesn’t equal mess. Think of your space as a carefully curated Aladdin’s cave of treasures, with each item on display even more fascinating than the last.
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Crafted from soft slub velvet, this throw pillow is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury to any seat. If this gorgeous golden yellow color is not to your taste, the pillow is also available in seven other equally sophisticated colorways.
Ceramic Rustic Farmhouse Vase
Bold vases are the simplest way to add a fresh splash of color to an otherwise plain or dull living space. This rustic ceramic piece would look beautiful when dressed with dried flowers of bunny tails, eucalyptus, baby’s breath, cotton stems and pampas grass.
Fashions in flooring come and go, but few coverings can match the vast choice of color, pattern, and texture offered by a living room rug. This seventies-inspired design is just the piece your space needs for a bold, maximalist look. You won’t regret it.
Preserved Summer Bunch Wreath
Infuse your maximalist living space with the colors and texture of nature during summer. This wreath is long-lasting (I’ve had mine for years now), and is handcrafted with preserved integrifolia leaves, ammobium, flax pods, and crespedias for the pop of yellow and natural dried strawflowers.
Fringe trims are back, or did they ever really leave? The Alair ottoman lets you bring some flair to your living room with tassels so we say, bring it. This round ottoman features a fringe trim for a chic look that’s set for charm.
Vintage-inspired
Vintage Wood Finish Am/fm Radio and Bluetooth Speaker
This vintage-inspired AM/FM radio is the final finishing touch to your maximalist living room. If you wish to invite a flourish of nostalgia into your home, this is the perfect way to do it. I get compliments on mine every time I have guests over.
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