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Mar 16, 2025
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The Pretentious Home

4 years ago
2 mins read

The Pretentious Home

by 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.

The Pretentious Home

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. 

The Pretentious Home

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.  

The Pretentious Home

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. 

The Pretentious Home

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. 

The Pretentious Home

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.

The Pretentious Home

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

Michael Satterfield

Michael Satterfield, founder of The Gentleman Racer, is a storyteller, adventurer, and automotive expert whose work blends cars, travel, and culture. As a member of The Explorers Club, he brings a spirit of discovery to his work, whether uncovering forgotten racing history or embarking on global expeditions. His site has become a go-to destination for car enthusiasts and style aficionados, known for its compelling storytelling and unique perspective. A Texan with a passion for classic cars and motorsports, Michael is also a hands-on restorer, currently working on a 1960s SCCA-spec Formula Super Vee and other project cars. As the head of the Satterfield Group, he consults on branding and marketing for top automotive and lifestyle brands, bringing his deep industry knowledge to every project.

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