I Pledge Allegiance to Minimalism, but I’d Trade Living Rooms with Johnny Galecki in a Heartbeat – His 'Treasure Trove' Style Is Replicable from $20

Designed by maximalist masters Pierce & Ward, the actor's layered living room has made me question my love for minimalism (against all odds)

Johnny Galecki
(Image credit: Brian Putnam/FilmMagic via GettyImages)

There's something about minimalism that's always spoken to me in ways that never felt possible in louder, bolder spaces. Incorrectly, I often tied maximalism with trends (such as cluttercore) or audacious color pairings that felt far too experimental for my small home. Then I saw Johnny Galecki's living room, designed by the eminent design duo Pierce & Ward, and it changed everything.

Johnny's home proves that the term 'maximalism' doesn't equate to something that feels overwhelming.

The olive-green paint, paired with the deep blue sofa and patterned rug, creates a bold – but not overpowering – canvas for his artworks and accessories to shine. I'll admit, I never thought I would feel content in a maximalist living room, but Johnny's space is one of the dreamiest I've ever seen.

When creating a maximalist home that feels as curated as Johnny's, laying textures strategically is key. Abigail Ball, the marketing and brand manager at Bisley, has some advice on mastering this tricky aesthetic.

At Bisley, we believe the art of styling a maximalist living room is all about self-expression – curating colour, pattern, and personality to create a space that tells your unique story,' Abigail comments.

'This eclectic aesthetic invites you to be bold, layering textures, mixing vintage and modern pieces, and showcasing everything from artwork to treasured keepsakes. It’s not about following rules, but about creating a home that feels joyful, lived-in, and unmistakably yours.'


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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