'Kim Kardashian decor' is cringe. Now trend followers pay the price
Just like Kanye West, minimalism is canceled. Now someone needs to tell Kim Kardashian.Now, more is more, and the maximalist aesthetic is on trend. Back when Kardashian was married to West, the two designed a Los Angeles mansion together that was, according to Architectural Digest, 'one of the most fascinating, otherworldly and strange pieces of domestic architecture on the planet.'West himself described the house, filled with bare white walls, white floors, white countertops, white furniture and an all-white fireplace, as a 'futuristic Belgian monastery.' The project took several years to complete while they worked alongside famed architect Axel Vervoordt on the space. Kardashian now lives in the gated Hidden Hills community with her four children North, Saint, Psalm, and Chicago, following her divorce from West.She feels strongly about her taste, often defending her bland decor choices on social media, posting 'things at home that make me happy.'Online critics have called it 'depressing,' 'a morgue,' and 'cold.' Worse, experts say if your home is totally devoid of any signs of life you may not be able to sell it quickly and be forced to sell it at a loss.Soulless, blank spaces like theirs, devoid of visible art, books, and color are now officially out of style, experts say. More is more. 'People are craving connection and meaning right now,' interior designer Michelle Gage told the Daily Mail. Kanye West described the minimalist home he designed with ex-wife Kim Kardashian as a 'futuristic Belgian monastery.' It has white walls, white floors and white furniture When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were married they worked with a designer to create calm, minimalist interiors devoid of any color or personality Interior design expert Amanda Lantz specializes in maximalism. Her work, shown here, highlights bright pops of color, bold pieces of art and velvety texturesGage specializes in maximalist design, and said you can find both 'from who and what you surround yourself with.''In the case of home, designing a space that is a true reflection of you provides a sense of comfort to the homeowner,' she said.Maximalism can take on many forms, Gage said.'To me, maximalism is all about layers. Layers of color, pattern, texture.'It's creating a home that feels warm and not sterile.'Kardashian designed her home around 2020, when minimalism dominated the interior design world and West lived by its rules of less is more. Since first appearing in the 1950s in the US as an interior trend, maximalism has made a few comebacks over the decades. Its biggest resurgence happened in 2025, when it was determined by experts to be the interior trend of the year. A Maximalist living room done by Michelle Gage, using bright colors, patterned curtains and expertly placed pops of color A perfect example of a maximalist bedroom, designed by Michelle gage, featuring a cocoon of patterned wallpaper and patterned curtains with a colorful bed Maximalism celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and bold art and tends to resurface in uncertain times as a personal escape Kim Kardashian and Kanye West worked alongside famed architect Axel Vervoordt on the space, a study in minimalism and blank space Kim Kardashian and Kanye West set aside several years to complete the interiors while they worked alongside famed architect Axel Vervoordt on the space, which is all white Kim Kardashian like to keep her home as bare as her bikinis. She still lives in the home, filled with all white walls, light wood floors and gray concrete The maximalist style celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and bold art and tends to resurface in uncertain times as a personal escape Interior designer Amanda Lantz has been inundated with maximalist requests from clientsIt celebrates vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and bold art and tends to resurface in uncertain times as a personal escape.'People are coming back to color,' Gage said.'Our firm is designing a lot of homes to include walls with deep shades of paint. Rich navy tones are timeless and are a good antidote to white walls.' Interior designer Francesco Bilotto said a completely empty home may even be a turn off for buyers. 'Minimalism has officially crossed over from high end chic into emotionally empty,' he said. 'Homes that feel too sparse don’t invite connection, and without connection, buyers don’t want to stay there let alone purchase.'When it comes to selling your home, it’s more than your walls and flooring choices, you’re selling a vibe, a lifestyle. Most buyers want to feel warmth, personality, and a sense of life when searching for a home.'This is where thoughtful maximalism comes in. While minimal spaces photograph beautifully, they don’t always connect emotionally.'In recent months, interior designer Amanda Lantz has been inundated with maximalist requests from clients looking for more warmth at home.'People have a renewed appreciation for spaces that show a life well-lived, rather than a rinse and repeat. Flat white walls just don't feel as compelling anymore,' Lantz said.'The key is not to simply buy more stuff. It is about being intentional with your home.'Your favorite wallpaper, pottery pieces you found on a trip abroad, a vintage quilt, framed pictures on the wall - the list goes on. The more, the better, especially with items that evoke memories of cherished people and places.'
