A maximalist dining room with a table surrounded by orange chairs in a geometric pattern

March 17, 2023

Words: Carlene Olsen

Photography: Juan Pablo Castro

More is More in This Maximalist Miami Abode

When a young family tasked Alex Alonso, founder of Mr. Alex TATE Design, with transforming a mid-century Miami home into a space that’s “eclectic and funky with some unexpected moments,” he most definitely delivered. As London transplants, the homeowners were eager to embrace the city’s warmth and lifestyle, and they wanted their 5-bedroom, 4.5 bath home to reflect that—and their bold personalities.

“They specifically didn’t want what we call the 3 M’s—Modern, Minimalist and Monochromatic. I loved that they had an appreciation for vintage pieces, and for good design,” shares Alonso. “They really let us run free with the design, which was a true treat.” Drawing on vintage finds and modern pieces alike, Alonso approached the home as a curation. “For me, maximalism is about editing. When I look at a space, I think of what’s missing. So, I’m constantly filling and adding. I appreciate spaces that look and feel busy,” he added.

The kitchen of the home features a floor-to-ceiling palm tree
The maximalist decor in the kitchen features a lush palm that stretches toward the ceiling.

The dining room, with its layers of color, texture, and geometries, exemplifies this approach. The table by William Earle features clean lines and an air of simplicity that references Japanese design, which is surrounded by bright ochre velvet chairs from TRNK-NYC and a chandelier by Allison Berger. “It adds a certain femininity to the space that was needed to balance the design,” says Alonso of the lighting element that seems to float from above.

As for the walls, they tell a story of their own. “For me, the most unexpected elements are the various textures on the walls,” Alonso shares. “We did a paper-backed fabric in one room, drapery walls in another, a full wall out of end-grain cubes, and textural wallpaper. They all really complement the design differently, but add to the experience in each room.” The home’s 4.5 baths also feature eclectic wallcoverings, from painterly splotches of blue and black in one to pops of red in another.

So what’s the secret to Alonso’s restrained yet striking maximalist decor, where surprising pairings appear intentional? “I start with the core things that need to be there from a functional side—lighting, seating, casegoods, rugs…and then, I edit. I add, I subtract. It’s a bit reactive, really,” he notes. “I keep playing until I get to a point where the end result is a mix of function, form, and unexpectedness.”

Maximalist Decor Meets Clean Lines in This Home

The foyer of the home is surrounded by curtains with a vivid print and a bronze table with flowers
Vibrant colors and patterns throughout reflect the warmth of Miami.
Maximalist decor includes a black bookshelf with curved shelves and a plush cream armless chair.
Vintage pieces compliment modern furnishings throughout the home.
Plush orange chairs in a T-shape surround a dining table with large balls as a centerpiece
The maximalist dining room features a table by William Earle and chairs from TRNK-NYC.
A four-post bed in the primary bedroom with multi-colored pillows and are that references travels
Silk crane artwork over the primary bed nods to the couple’s love for Japanese culture.
A white bathtub by a wall of red mosaic tile opens to an office area
Pops of red enliven this bath area that opens to a sitting room.
Splotches of blue and black line the wall of this bathroom
The vanity mirror seems to disappear into the blue and black wallcovering, which it reflects.
A mosaic pattern adds visual intrigue above a vanity with clean lines.
A mosaic pattern adds visual intrigue above a vanity with clean lines.

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