Maximalism has been providing homeowners and designers a way to go big with their decor for the last few years—and for the more-is-more crowd, this look isn't just a fad. If you're looking to explore or expand upon this aesthetic, it's time to try layerism.
This technique builds colors, textures, and patterns on top of one another for the end result of an intriguing, unique, and personalized home. The secret to layerism is taking your time to slowly gather pieces that reflect your personality and bring you joy. If it truly calls to you, it's worth investing in—you’ll soon find a spot for it in your house.
If you’re ready to layer your way to a home you love, here are stylist-approved tips on designing a dynamic dream space that speaks to you.
What Is Layerism, and Why Is It on the Rise Now?
“Layerism is about layering patterns, colors, textures, and, most importantly, meaningful objects into your space and life—ones that inspire, evoke memories, or just things that make you beam with happiness," says Marc Sievers, a creative stylist, cookbook author, and entertaining expert. "It is about mixing styles, genres—the opposite of what is 'trending' (which in my opinion is not worth the investment)."
There’s an authenticity to layerism that can be lost when adhering to other specific aesthetics. At its heart, this style is about taking your time to create something you love—and this philosophy doesn’t only apply to design. Incorporating layerism across different parts of your life can help you express your personality in the way you present yourself to the world.
"The term can be interpreted in interior design, how you dress, when setting a table, or even [in] food," Sievers says. "Everyday life, in every aspect, should feel like you and not the 'you' that appeals to the masses. Be the you that appeals to you.”
It also makes a more sustainable option, because you're not left chasing ever-changing trends.
"Because I don’t consider this a trend, you don’t need to run out and buy the latest 'thing,'" Sievers says. "Chances are if you take your time and buy something that really speaks to you and your personal style, you’ll enjoy it for years versus just buying the latest 'it' things to fill your space that, inevitably, you’ll feel the need to replace when something new becomes the latest fad."
How Can You Try Layerism in Your Home?
The trick to layerism is that there's no one-size-fits-all formula. The design style is very personal, so you'll want to start by introducing the colors and textures you love. Take your time, so it doesn't feel rushed or contrived—it's not about trying to achieve a specific look. It's all about building a home you love by collecting things that appeal to you, even if they seem unrelated.
Luckily, Sievers has some tips for putting together items that don't immediately seem as if they'll go together. He suggests organizing small objects on a tray—a hack that makes your items look curated, and works well in a small space.
"Layering different objects can be tough, especially when everything is different in color, size, texture," Sievers says. "Don't think of your things as 'things'—think of them as your collections."
If you're just starting to wade into maximalism and don't know where to begin, try organizing items around a loose theme or color scheme. Afterward, you can start to introduce more items and colors as you branch out, but these guidelines will give you an anchor to start designing around.
The other rule to remember about layerism, according to Sievers, is that you can never have too many treasured objects.
"You should surround yourself with as many items as you want," Sievers says. "I collect seashells; I live on Cape Cod, and I have them everywhere: on the table, in bowls, in the windowsills, and even in the fireplace in the summer when I am not using it."
When adopting this style, it's also important to keep scale in mind.
"Scale is the practice of understanding how the size of one object in a space relates to the size of the other objects in the space, as well as the size of the space itself," Sievers says. "Once you understand the meaning of scale—trust me, it is worth reading about—layering in objects will be more fun, and you will feel more creative, confident, and inspired. Mixing patterns, textures, colors—it will all work when scale is the motivating factor."
Remember that creating your home and your life is all about joy. Local flea markets and thrift shops are great places to visit if you're in need of extra pieces. Plus, keep in mind the very important fact that your home is where you and your family live—not a magazine spread.
"Don't think of layerism as a trend—think of it as the 'art of living,'" Sievers says. "Your space, and everything in it, is meant to ebb and flow—don't be shy about late-night rearranging, trying new layouts, and grouping objects you've never thought of grouping before."