Maximal Maximalism!
I was very fortunate to spend some time over the holidays in our second-favourite corner of New Zealand, Queenstown! I know this tourist mecca isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I get it. We often don’t even venture into the town itself when visiting as it’s the landscapes and climate of the wider Central Otago region that are the features that keep pulling us back.
A good friend had given us a voucher for Billy’s Restaurant, the newest addition to the beautifully over-the-top Ayrburn precinct. We’d heard glowing reviews of the food, but what I wasn’t quite prepared for was the visual feast that awaited inside. Every surface seemed to invite closer inspection. In fact, I became so distracted photographing details on a quick trip to the bathroom that Jason started to worry about my whereabouts.
Our experience at Billy’s got me thinking about how elements of very maximal maximalism might translate into a domestic setting and in reflecting on that, I realised we’d already borrowed a few of these ideas in our own home, perhaps without fully appreciating it at the time.
These were the standout themes that stayed with me…
01 - Texture
Billy’s Version
At Billy’s, texture is everywhere. From the metallic ceiling installation to fabric light shades, velvet chairs, natural stone, tufted rugs and layered soft furnishings, every opportunity to introduce texture has been taken.
Home Version
To soften our living room, we introduced textured walls through a grasscloth wallpaper in a warm golden tone, which immediately made the space feel more luxurious and inviting. That single decision lifted the room immeasurably. We’ve layered this with a velvet sofa, an Ethnicraft mineral coffee table and a wool rug (and of course, plants) to create a space that feels both rich and relaxing.
02 - Plants
Billy’s Version
We dined in the Orangerie, a space where greenery feels entirely expected and Billy’s certainly delivered. Plants hung, climbed and crept throughout the room, even weaving their way between tables. As plant lovers, we felt instantly at home.
Home Version
At last count, we have around 24 plants in our house. While we don’t have an actual Orangerie, we’ve created pockets where you feel gently enveloped by greenery. Plants make the air feel fresher and a home feel healthier and at our home, all members of the human family are firm fans, so I suspect our plant family will continue to grow.
03 - Lighting
Billy’s Version
The lighting at Billy’s is wonderfully eclectic. Different colours, shapes, heights and purposes sit side by side, with no obvious concern for uniformity. Instead, each light does exactly what it needs to do and somehow the whole scheme still feels cohesive and beautifully curated.
Home Version
We invested in a handful of key lighting pieces to highlight areas that needed a little extra attention, and we were fortunate that the previous owners had also thought carefully about this. The result is a series of spaces that invite you to pause, each with its own mood and purpose. Good lighting is often overlooked, yet it plays such a crucial role in how a home feels.
04 - Colour
Billy’s Version
Colour is everywhere at Billy’s. If it exists, chances are it appears somewhere, from cushions and tiles to rugs and even the coffee machines. The way so many bold, clashing tones sit together so comfortably is genuinely impressive, and endlessly inspiring.
Home Version
Encouraged largely by Jason (I tend to be a little more conservative with colour), we leaned into colour across our connected living spaces at home. With clear sightlines from kitchen to dining to living, it was important that everything worked together while still allowing each area to feel distinct. Who knew pink, green and gold could be such good friends?
Colour remains one of the simplest ways to transform a space. A fresh coat of paint can completely change how you feel the moment you walk through the door. Add a splash of colour, thoughtful lighting, a few lush plants and a generous dose of texture — and suddenly, you’re living with a little bit of Billy’s every day.