Artist Genn Franks’ Home Is A Maximalist Millennial’s Dream - Home & Texture
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House Tours: Artist Genn Franks’ Home Is A Maximalist Millennial’s Dream

April 11, 2023 at 7:54 PM PST

If you enjoyed the first episode of Home & Texture’s House Tours, you’re in for a treat with episode two. In this episode, we’re welcomed into the home of Memphis-based artist Genn Franks. Step inside Franks’ home, and you’ll be transported to a visual feast of Black art, texture, and bold colors.

The self-described maximalist describes her design style: “I consider myself a maximalist — I love, love texture, I love Black film, I love Black music.” Life imitates art in Franks’ home. She says, “I think a lot of the texture in my space has to do with me being an artist and a visual person.”

When she first moved into her space, Franks’ was a recent graduate and was experiencing anxiety. Painting her walls was a creative release that helped her mental health and contributed to her maximalist design aesthetic. She loves filling every wall with art; if there’s a blank wall in her space, it’s because she hasn’t figured out what to put there yet.

A huge part of Franks’ design style is honoring the Black experience through art. She explains, “I need to see that [Black art] around my home because it reminds me who I am. It reminds me where I come from, and that’s very important to me.”

Inspired? Here’s how you can execute a maximalist space like Genn Franks:

Have Fun With Texture

If you’re not having fun styling and decorating your space, then you’re doing something wrong. Don’t shy away from mixing and matching textures when designing a maximalist space. Incorporate textures like faux fur, leather, velvet, metals, and wood to create depth and dimension. Rules are meant to be broken, which should be the motto when curating a maximalist space.

Be BOLD

Creating a maximalist and captivating space is all about using bold colors, mixing patterns, textures, and prints, and not being afraid to play around with different styles. Your interior should be a reflection of your personality. If something feels right to you, go for it.

Make A Statement

Investing in statement pieces is key when curating a maximalist space. Whether it’s furniture, artwork, rugs, or decor, choose pieces that reflect your personal style and make a statement. A great way to find statement pieces is while traveling. Curating books, artwork, rugs, and knick-knacks make for a visually captivating space and conversation starter when hosting guests.

Jump to Products

Perfect Items For A Maximalist Home

Hand-Tufted Aguirre Multi-Colored Rug

Rugs are a sure way to complete a room. Choosing the right rug can add a cohesive finishing touch to your space. This hand-tufted Aguirre multi-colored rug is perfect for a maximalist home with its beautiful bold colors and geometric design. The rug is made from 100% wool in India and is an investment piece that will last for years. This rug is a great starting point if you’re easing into a maximalist look for your home. You can add it to an otherwise minimalist room with neutral colors to give the room a pop of color and maximalist flair. If your goal is to go all in as a maximalist, pair this rug with statement furniture and abstract artwork that complements the colors and pattern in the rug.

Patterned Swivel Chair

One of the keys to designing a maximalist space is to not be afraid to play with color, patterns, and textures. Patterns, in particular, can be mixed and matched to create a space that is unique to you and highlights your personal design style. This patterned swivel chair is a fantastic addition to a maximalist office space. Not only is it comfortable and chic, but it is also fun to look at and will spark joy and get your creative juices flowing. Curating a maximalist office is about using your creativity and designing a space from which you’ll want to work daily. This chair would look great against a gallery wall filled with abstract art, portraits, and pieces collected during your travels. Add a bookshelf in your office with books reflecting your experiences, goals, and interests for more character.

Free-Floating Printed Tempered Art Glass Beveled Mirror

Having a mirror in your entryway is a sure way to ensure you’re on point before leaving the house. Mirrors also are great for making a space feel brighter and more spacious. This artfully designed mirror is ideal for a maximalist home and will surely surprise and delight your guests. With a beautiful abstract art piece made up of shades of red, pink, and green as the frame, this free-floating mirror was inspired by the French design theme verse églomisé. Four steel hangers are attached to the back of the mirror so you can hang it vertically or horizontally, depending on your design needs.

Rivington Throw Pillow

Boring couch? A couple of throw pillows will do the trick. Throw pillows are necessary, especially when your couch is regularly used for lounging. They provide comfort and support for your neck when watching TV. In addition to providing comfort, throw pillows are visually appealing and can take a seating area from drab to fab. This Rivington throw pillow is perfect for a maximalist home with its abstract and colorful design. It’s the perfect pillow for your sofa, chair, or bed. This throw pillow adds personality and flair and is soft, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention each purchase of this pillow supports the artist who created the abstract art.

‘Obsidian And Sage’ Mixed Medium Artwork

Artwork is integral when curating a maximalist space. When choosing art for your space, choose work that makes you feel inspired. The work in your home should reflect your personal style, interests, and experiences. In this mixed media piece ‘Obsidian And Sage,’ New York City artist Keren Toledano explores geometric shapes, chalkboard scratches, and fabric scraps. This reproduction is made to be identical to the original piece. CB2’s Art Patron collection features work from contemporary working artists and archival pieces. According to its site, “The Art Patron collection uses groundbreaking proprietary technology to bring fine art beyond the gallery.”

Formosa Stone Table Lamp

It’s all about the drama when designing a maximalist home. When it comes to table lamps, what’s more dramatic than this abstract, modern piece of art? With a burnished brass shade floating over a handmade marble base, we’re in awe of this lighting creation. This asymmetrical table lamp is a Crate and Barrel exclusive. Every lamp is unique because of the natural material it’s made with. To bring this lamp alive in your space, add textured and patterned wallpaper, a sofa in a bold color, and a unique coffee table to tie everything together. We're all about making statements when it comes to maximalist design, and this lamp definitely has a lot to say.

Abstract Collage Framed Wall Canvas

If Genn’s artfully designed space inspires you, consider this abstract piece for your home. Art is a great way to fill the walls of your home, adding personality, color, and style. With bold shades of orange, yellow, and blue, this piece is an excellent addition to any home office space, bedroom, or hallway. It adds dimension and, of course, sparks joy. The abstract collage comes with a solid frame that has a natural finish. It’s easy to hang and can transform a minimalist space into a maximalist haven. Embrace experimentation in your design and mix and match this piece with other abstract pieces or artwork with a similar color palette.

Rainbow-Colored Striped Doormat

From the moment guests arrive, they must know that they’re about to enter a maximalist’s paradise. Welcome your guests with a colorful doormat that speaks for you. This multi-colored stripe doormat greets guests and encourages them to wipe their feet before entering your home. Made with 100% coir fiber, this mat is long-lasting and terrific for keeping your doorway clean. To preserve the life of this doormat, clean it periodically with mild detergent and water. This mat can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you're new to maximalist design and want to start slow, adding this doormat to your home is a great way to ease into embracing a maximalist lifestyle.

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