4 Ways to Embrace the Maximalist Flooring Trend in Your Home

Add bold patterns and vibrant colors to any space of your home by upgrading your floors.

With its vibrant colors and bold motifs, the maximalist flooring trend can instantly energize any space, no matter its size or shape. But while the trend’s captivating imagery is sweeping through decorating scenes right now, the thought of actually installing a hot pink tile in your kitchen might have you feeling a bit uneasy.

Since flooring is a long-term investment, it’s not something you’ll want to have to redo a year later—so if you’re contemplating jumping into this trend, making a calculated risk is essential. So how do you embrace the maximalist flooring look in a way that reflects your style and respects your budget, without going too overboard? To help you decide, Diane Rath, interior designer and founder of The Rath Project, shares her best tips for incorporating this trend at home in a bold, but timeless way.

What Is the Maximalist Flooring Trend?

“Maximalist flooring is one that incorporates either a bold use of color or pattern or both,” Rath says. “This can be accomplished with tile, paint applications, strategic use of wood flooring products, or even carpeting.”

With a surge of confidence in self-expression through personal spaces, Rath says it’s not surprising this trend is quickly gaining popularity. “Designers and the industry as whole, especially recently, have been encouraging the use of all surfaces to help highlight one’s personality,” she says. “And since we have become comfortable with painting and papering walls and ceilings, the floor is the next best option to further push your vision forward.”

1. Dip Your Toes Into the Trend with Rugs

If you’re nervous about swapping out your current flooring with something bold or playful, Rath suggests trying vibrant runners or beautiful area rugs first. “Even statement-making wall-to-wall carpets are seeing a comeback,” she says. “But if that sounds too permanent or traditional, try commercial or residential carpet tiles, where no adhesive is required. Each square is laid individually, and customization of size and room shape is easy, and doesn’t require professional assistance.”

This design approach is an easy way to add the feeling of a maximalist flooring without committing to something permanent.

2. Pick Jewel Box Spaces for More Permanent Choices

Rath suggests being strategic with location. She recommends incorporating maximalist patterns and colors in the spaces that can stand on their own, separate from the larger rooms in a home. Powder rooms, mudrooms, guest bathrooms, and playrooms are all great candidates for exciting flooring choices. “[These spaces] are the easiest to test your willingness to be vibrant [and can] handle a graphic pattern or a saturated color as they are almost expected to hold a bit of whimsy,” Rath says.

3. Look to History for More Inspiration

If you want to update your floors but aren’t sure where to start, Rath suggests looking to historical structures or iconic locations. “The easiest thing to do is look back through the history book: think about your favorite travel destinations, museums and historical homes that you’ve visited and pull inspiration from there,” she says. “Chances are you have a multitude of iPhone photos that capture the essence of what you’re drawn to and often these are materials, patterns, colors and specific applications that were used for hundreds of years.”

For example, any type of marble or natural stone designs will always feel elevated, because these products have been used in interiors for centuries. The same is true of painted wood floors. However, Rath also encourages ditching your reservations and trying a new pattern or color if it speaks to you. Stepping outside of your typical favorites may lead to an unique design that still uplifts you in the long run.

4. Don’t Force It

In any case, it’s best to not force a color or pattern that isn’t your typical style, even if it’s on-trend. Rath suggests choosing motifs and cheery hues that speak to you as a starting point. “If you’ve always gravitated towards florals or stripes, or greens and blues, then those are likely going to be the types of flooring choices that will feel timeless in your home,” she says.

Staying true to your personal preferences ensures your space will feel authentic, even if you’re stepping outside of your design comfort zone. Flooring is a long-term investment, so selecting a design that resonates with your taste will help you enjoy it for years to come.