Featuring Senior Landscape Designer Becca Bastyr

Looking for a bold, luxurious, and uniquely personal outdoor space? If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and create a one-of-a-kind backyard that tells a story—this is for you.

In this article, you’ll discover what maximalism in landscape design really means—and why it’s gaining popularity in luxury landscaping across Minnesota. You’ll learn how to create a bold, expressive garden that thrives in a four-season climate, explore the key elements that define a maximalist landscape, and get expert tips on balancing color, texture, and structure to achieve a look that’s vibrant, not chaotic.

Maximalism in Garden Design MN: It’s All About More

If minimalism whispers, maximalism sings. It’s bold, rich, colorful—and it’s taking over the outdoor living scene in Minnesota.

“Maximalism is like having a three-tiered cake with decorative frosting, sprinkles, complimentary but different flavors, etc., instead of a white sheet cake,” says Becca Bastyr, Senior Landscape Designer at Mom’s Design Build. “You’re maximalizing the use of the space.”

In the world of Minnesota landscape design trends, maximalism stands out by layering textures, patterns, colors, sensory experiences, objects, and plantings to create a rich and dramatic outdoor space. This style embraces the concept of abundant planting, overflowing with diverse greenery and foliage. Think: lush plantings, bold hardscape materials, cozy garden nooks, and statement outdoor features that all play together—beautifully.

What Is Maximalist Landscape Design?

At its core, maximalist landscaping is about abundance—abundant plantings, colors, shapes, and textures. But don’t mistake it for chaos.

“If it’s done wrong, it’s chaos. If it’s done right, it’s effortless,” Becca explains.

Maximalism has formality to avoid chaos. It doesn’t just pile on elements; it layers and mixes them with purpose and personality. This style of landscape design features a mix of patterns, with several repeated throughout the entire space to create a cohesive yet dynamic look. Whether it’s patterned patios, dramatic lighting, or multiple focal points, every detail has its place.

Signature Elements of a Maximalist Landscape

Here’s how you bring bold garden ideas to life in Minnesota:

Layered Planting Beds in a Unified Color Palette

Create visual depth and rhythm by combining short, medium, and tall plants in repeating waves of color in foliage and blossoms, as well as texture. A popular palette includes soft pinks, crisp whites, and rich purples—but you can tailor the theme to suit your personal style or the surrounding architecture.

Mix-and-Match Hardscapes

Combine materials like porcelain, natural stone, concrete, and patterns like ashler, harlequin, herringbone, and basketweave to add visual interest. The patterns don’t have to match, but they should complement each other and be repeated throughout the space to bring cohesion. This is applicable when designing not only patio spaces but vertical elements such as walls, boulders, or specialty stone items, in conjunction with stone on the house.

Defined Areas 

“Separate spaces, organized by function, can bring purpose to the outdoor living space,” says Becca. Think outdoor kitchens, pergolas, or cozy reading nooks—intentionally defined areas that create balance within an otherwise freeform layout. It’s about crafting smaller, purposeful zones rather than relying solely on an open-concept design.

Vertical Impact

 Sculptural plants, trellises, and statues introduce vertical interest and artistic flair, adding depth and movement to the landscape. These elements break up the visual plane, guiding the eye upward and around the space to prevent it from feeling static or one-dimensional.

Textures and Contrast

Mix stone, wood, metal, and greenery for tactile richness. “It’s the little details, like a bespoke Artist-made water feature, or the addition of soft ambient lighting, for example, that bring this style together,” says Becca.

Luxury Outdoor Features

There are so many elements that can be sprinkled throughout a maximalist design. Water features, pizza ovens, trellis’s, saunas, pergolas, cold plunges, unique walkways, outdoor kitchen and bars, and sound systems are all welcome! The more elements you incorporate, the bolder the design becomes—but with intentional placement, each one can feel balanced and harmonious.

Bold… in a Cold Climate? Absolutely.

Wondering how to pull off a maximalist garden in a place like Minnesota, where winters are long and dramatic? Maximalism isn’t just for tropical climates—it’s remarkably adaptable to all four seasons.

In winter, layered plantings reveal their architectural beauty through striking textures, sculptural silhouettes, and seed heads dusted with snow, or bright red berries peeking through winter’s gloom. Bold evergreens, ornamental grasses, and thoughtfully placed structural elements—like trellises, urns, or garden sculptures—ensure the space stays visually rich even in the quietest months.

Come spring, the landscape transforms. As the snow melts, perennials bursts into bloom, bringing waves of color, fragrance, and movement. Maximalism in a cold climate is about planning with intention so your garden surprises and delights, no matter the season.

Maximalist vs. Minimalist: A Minnesota Perspective

While minimalism appeals to those who love simplicity, maximalism is for the homeowner who wants to celebrate every inch of their outdoor space.

Maximalist landscapes are designed for clients who say, “I want a beautiful space, and I’m willing to put the work into it.” But if you love the look and prefer to enjoy it without the upkeep, Mom’s Fine Gardening team can handle the heavy lifting—so your landscape stays lush, layered, and luxurious all season long.

This style is a little romantic, a little old-world European, and a lot of personality. With an art history background, Becca draws inspiration from historical gardens and modern art, creating spaces that are both nostalgic and contemporary.

“Maximalism is telling a story of who you are, unapologetically,” Becca says. “It’s rich.”

Custom Landscaping in Minneapolis: Why Maximalist Design Matters

When you’re investing in custom landscaping in the greater Twin Cities area, you’re not just upgrading your outdoor space—you’re creating a personal sanctuary. Maximalist design gives you the freedom to make your yard truly yours.

Every detail becomes a reflection of your personality: a handcrafted trellis that nods to your love of European gardens, a mosaic tile path inspired by your travels, or a layered planting bed filled with your favorite colors and textures. It’s about more than just curb appeal—it’s storytelling through design.

With maximalism, your landscape becomes a curated collection of beauty, meaning, and memory—crafted just for you.

Mom’s Design Build is the most awarded landscape design firm in the Midwest, bringing #casualluxury for over 30 years. Let’s chat about your yard!