Michael Satterfield
James Kivior lives in Brooklyn, New York, working as an educational manager for the cosmetic division of a French pharmaceutical company, but his real passion has been turning his 550 square foot apartment into more than just a place to live, but a statement to maximalism. Four years ago he began sharing his amazing apartment with the world via his Instagram page, The Pretentious Home. I had a chance to interview James about his design philosophy and how he has created what he describes as an anti-Rae Dunn apartment.
TGR: What sparked your interest in maximalist design?
James: I think it was the fact that I love decorating and using color and patterns and texture that drew me to maximalism. It was when I was introduced to the work of designers like Tony Duquette that I realized I am a maximalist. Also, I have this thing where I like to show off ALL of the beautiful things I own. I don’t like hiding things in cabinets or closets.
TGR: How long did it take you to get the space to this point?
James: I’ve been living in my apartment for 8 years it’s still a work in progress. I have so many things I’d like to do here.
TGR: Your style seems to be very period-specific, what era do you draw your inspiration from?
James: I like to pull from various eras. Because I don’t shop from big box stores it gives my home a sense of “timelessness” Looking at a picture of my living room you would never know what year it was taken as nothing dates it.
TGR: Did you have a theme or place in mind that guides your design?
James: I’m really inspired by the designer Jacques Garcia and always think about the hotels he designs. That has really guided my design in my home as I want my place to be an experience (like a hotel) you may not want to live in it but hanging out and having a drink would be fun.
TGR: What are some of your favorite things in the apartment?
James: I have a pair of Bergere chairs upholstered in a beautiful Scalamandre tiger silk velvet and all of my taxidermy collection.
TGR: Where do you find most of your décor?
James: I shop from estate sales, auction houses, flea markets, Chairish, eBay, 1st Dibs, antique shops, and malls. Anything but Ikea, Homegoods, and Target.
TGR: What is something that people get wrong about maximalist?
James: They think we’re hoarders and messy. Maximalist design is very hard to do. More is more but you still have to edit…and dust.
TGR: What is next for your space?
James: I’m locked into my lease for 2 more years. In a perfect world, I will buy a home by then. If not I think I will wallpaper my bedroom and I have some upholstering projects planned for some of my furniture.
You can follow James @thepretentioushome
