What Inspired a Fabric Collection in the Curated Maximalism™ Style

Par Bari Ackerman

Above: An inspiration board that mixes photos that inspired my latest collections, Anthology, Storied Stripes and Legacy Essentials mixed with the actual fabrics.

I’ve been a quilter for 20 years now. Quilting and sewing is why I started designing fabric. I wanted designs in my home that reflected who I am. In recent years we’ve seen an enormous rise in Maximalism especially in home decor which, as you may know, I’m very involved in.

Home decor is a true love and I couldn’t be more excited to see Maximalist design that throws back to my childhood and teen years in the 70s and 80s become popular once again. Intertwined with the rise of Maximalism, there’s been a trend of interior designers bringing quilts into the forefront of design. We are seeing quilts used as upholstery, layers of quilts on beds, quilts as wall art, quilt blocks framed and hung in kitchens. I’d describe it as an English Cottage Maximalist feel.

The renewed "trend" of English Cottage Maximalism is deeply in line with my point of view when it comes to home decor and with my love of handmade.

On top of quilts we are seeing mixing and matching of patterns, stripes on stripes and rooms absolutely and beautifully drenched in pattern. This is a look that harkens back to my own bedroom as a teen which was wallpapered in a chintz all around and even on the ceiling. In the same room I had chintz bedding that made the room joyful, cozy and warm.

So while the design world sees a “return of Maximalism” I see what I’ve always seen. The beauty of mixing and matching gorgeous pattern … not with wild abandon … but with true intention.

My newest fabric collections, Anthology, Storied Stripes and Legacy are not so much a return to my roots of Maximalism as it is a love letter to the style I’ve always been happiest in and truly lacing that style with quilting and handmade home decor.

For all of the following project details and more please see our Anthology and Legacy Lookbook. HERE.