Here on the celebrity style team, we love nothing more than when a space sparks a design debate. Most recently, this was the case with Josh Brolin’s living room, created by the acclaimed design duo Pierce & Ward.
To many, Josh Brolin's maximalist living room is a blueprint for experimenting with butter yellow. It's filled with eclectic vintage pieces, vibrant artworks, and rattan, all of which contribute to a warm, retro aesthetic that our editor, Jennifer Ebert, first described as an 'Aladdin's cave'. Since maximalist decor ideas are back in a big way for 2025, we covered the actor's living space as the perfect inspiration point, and our readers were divided.
While some commented on their uncertainty about the room's brave colors and varied furniture, others praised its celebration of this year's most popular hue. Other readers also discussed its 'lived-in' feel, noting it's 'homey and welcoming' despite being filled with luxurious goods.
Shop the look
Whether you're a maximalist or a minimalist, these butter yellow buys deserve a place in your living room.
As we enjoy spring, we naturally want to introduce more fresh flowers into our homes. This is where the perfect butter yellow vase comes into play. This rustic ceramic piece looks just as perfect with dried flowers or eucalyptus as it does with fresh tulips from your local nursery. With this vase, there's no wrong way to style.
Offering luxurious comfort in a versatile yellow colorway, this throw is a must-have for every sofa or accent chair. It's the perfect combination of durability and softness (with a blend of 30% polyester and 70% acrylic), ensuring lasting quality and a plush feel.
Nothing feels quite as retro as this print, which combines classic floral imagery with inspirational words. A pattern of tiny pale yellow flowers printed on natural canvas translates to every kind of room, but we think it has a particularly perfect place in a yellow living room, just like Josh Brolin’s.
As the debate among our readers emphasises, maximalism is undoubtedly controversial. However, those who love the look take pride in their affection for bold colors and unique, one-of-a-kind furnishings. The idea of 'maximalism' can also mean something different for everyone, as Lucy St George, the co-founder of Rockett St George (and famous maximalist enthusiast), explains.
'Maximalism means something slightly different to everyone. I tend to go for a block colour on the walls and then add brighter colours, textures, and drama to my living spaces with the use of lighting and accessories – but a bold approach with statement wallpaper and clashing patterns also looks incredible in a living room.'
When it comes to accessorizing (and decorating with art), Josh Brolin's space continues to serve as the perfect example for maximalist lovers.
'Artwork and accessories offer an opportunity to play around with your style and express your individuality. It's a great way to experiment with maximalism, by matching or clashing patterns and embracing bold colours on a smaller scale. Art is uniquely personal, and any curation of your favourite pieces will help perfect a maximalist feel in your living room,' Lucy explains.
'The beauty of maximalism is that every space is different – there are no rules, and the more creative, crazy, and colourful your home is, the better. As long as you choose pieces you love, then you can't go far wrong!'
Love it or hate it, Josh Brolin’s living room is among the most debated spaces we've seen so far in 2025. How do you feel about it? Let us know in the comments below, as we're eager to hear your thoughts, and keep this design discussion alive.
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