As an artist and visual storyteller, I often reflect on not just how a space feels—but why. Why do we gravitate toward certain aesthetics? Why do some rooms feel like home and others feel like theater? For many of us, two styles keep emerging in moodboards and on our walls: bohemian and maximalist.
Both are expressive, deeply personal, and visually rich—but they come from very different places, and they say different things. In this post, I’ll break down these styles from both a contemporary and historical perspective, to help you decide which vibe truly reflects you.
Bohemian Art: Roots in Rebellion and Soulful Simplicity
Historical Background:
The term “bohemian” originally referred to artists, writers, and travelers in 19th-century France who rejected bourgeois norms and embraced an unconventional lifestyle. Many were inspired by Romani people, who were (inaccurately) thought to have come from the Bohemia region—hence the name.
Bohemianism became a countercultural movement tied to freedom, nature, and non-materialism. In art, it favored handmade textures, folklore motifs, mysticism, and emotional honesty. From the Pre-Raphaelites to 1970s hippie culture, this aesthetic has always been about rejecting industrial coldness in favor of warmth, softness, and soul.
Modern Bohemian Wall Art:
Today, bohemian art lives on through earthy palettes, floral elements, moon symbolism, and spiritual or mythic imagery. It often embraces imperfection, tenderness, and ritual.
Browse the complete gallery of bohemian posters.
Maximalist Art: Drama, Identity, and “More is More”
Historical Background:
Maximalism emerged in response to minimalism. While minimalism focused on reduction, clarity, and calm (often associated with modernist architecture and design in the mid-20th century), maximalism said: “Let’s fill the space with meaning.”
But its roots go deeper. From the Baroque period to Victorian salons, maximalism has always existed in some form—especially where art met status, opulence, or self-expression. Think gold frames, layered textures, rich colors, and eclectic collections.
In the 1980s, postmodern designers revived maximalism with clashing colors and wild prints. Today, it’s not about wealth—it’s about personality, contradiction, and unapologetic storytelling.
Modern Maximalist Wall Art:
Maximalist art is loud, rich, and emotional. It plays with scale, symbolism, layering, and sometimes even chaos. It’s not afraid to be too much.
Discover the full range of maximalist wall decor ideas.
What Speaks to You?
Ask yourself:
Do you want your space to feel healing or provocative?
Are you seeking harmony or tension?
Do you respond more to natural softness or theatrical contrast?
Neither style is better. It’s about emotional resonance. You can even blend the two—think boho textures with maximalist color. Or curate a gallery wall where each print has its own vibe but shares your story.
Tips for Styling Each Aesthetic
Bohemian Tips:
Use neutral or earthy walls to let soft colors breathe
Incorporate dried flowers, candles, organic shapes
Choose art with floral, mythic, or handwritten elements
Maximalist Tips:
Use contrasting frames or metallic accents
Lean into gallery walls, layering 4–6 pieces
Combine abstract, figurative, and text-based prints for punch
Bohemian and maximalist aesthetics both invite us to live more intentionally through the objects and images we surround ourselves with. Whether you gravitate to softness or saturation, the key is to let your walls reflect your emotions, beliefs, and contradictions.
That’s what I try to do with each piece I create—and what I hope you feel when you bring them into your space.
