Some people decorate their homes. Others create a universe.
And then there’s James Kivior, the creative force behind The Pretentious Home—an Instagram phenomenon that has transformed maximalist interiors into an art form. This account isn’t just about decor; it’s about indulgence, storytelling, and a wink of irreverence.
From Gucci ice cube trays to Christian Dior tableware, from Scalamandre Tiger Velvet chairs to taxidermy as high art—this is not your average “minimalist chic” influencer.
We sat down with James Kivior to chat about the origins of his maximalist kingdom, the best luxury shopping in NYC, and why hoarding is a crime against design.
From Gucci Ice Cube Trays to Instagram Stardom
Some people start an Instagram for fun. Others, by accident. James Kivior? It all began with an absurd, over-the-top purchase.
“Five years ago, I bought a set of Gucci ice cube trays. A friend thought it was ridiculous and told me, ‘You should start an account called The Pretentious Home.’ Five years later, here we are!”
Here we are, indeed. What started as a joke is now an empire. The Pretentious Home is a cult favorite for design lovers, maximalist collectors, and those who believe more is, in fact, more.
Living in New York City: Where to Shop Like a Maximalist
Maximalism is all about curation—choosing pieces that tell a story. And where better to curate than New York City?
Creel and Gow – A haven for the eccentric collector. Rare objects, unexpected treasures, and the kind of pieces that whisper, I have a story to tell.
John Derian – If you dream in antique-inspired charm and old-world elegance, this store is a must.
The Top Floor of Bergdorf Goodman – Because, let’s be honest, luxury always lives on the upper levels.
These spots aren’t just stores—they’re experiences. And they define the very essence of The Pretentious Home aesthetic: opulence, intrigue, and just a little bit of attitude.
The Art of Maximalism: It’s Not Hoarding, It’s Editing
“I’m a traditionalist—but a maximalist one. My style has evolved, and now in my 40s, I’ve finally found my decor identity.”
Maximalism isn’t about shoving everything you own into a room and hoping for the best. It’s about intention, balance, and knowing when to stop.
Golden Rule of Maximalism: “Edit, and then edit some more. Maximalism does not equal hoarding.”
Instead, it’s about layering rich textures, playing with color, and choosing pieces that feel both personal and powerful.
For those eager to dabble in maximalism, start with statement pieces. A bold velvet sofa, an ornate gold mirror, a table dripping in antique crystal. Let the objects tell the story—you just set the stage.
The Emotional Connection to Maximalism
For James Kivior, maximalism isn’t just about objects—it’s about feeling enveloped in a world that reflects his soul. Every collected piece, every layered textile, and every ornate detail is a sensory experience, a memory woven into the fabric of his space. Some walk into a home and feel peace in emptiness; for maximalists, comfort is found in the stories, the history, and the interplay of opulence and eccentricity.
Design Icons Who Inspire The Pretentious Home
No great designer works in a vacuum. Inspiration comes from those who dared to dream in bold strokes.
Jacques Garcia, Tony Duquette, Mary McDonald, Mario Buatta, Miles Redd, Nick Olsen, Sig Bergamin, Lorenzo Castillo, Ken Fulk.
And, thanks to Instagram, James Kivior has discovered new design visionaries, including:
Garrow Kedigian – Architectural elegance meets color obsession.
Mike Alvares (Brazil) – A maximalist genius redefining interiors.
Brett Leemkuil (NYC) – Because there’s a fine art to balancing luxury with livability.
Maximalism isn’t about trend-chasing—it’s about building a world, one collected treasure at a time.
The Love of Collecting: A Cabinet of Curiosities
To a maximalist, a home is not simply a space to live in—it’s a collection of stories, an ever-evolving museum of beauty, history, and personal obsession.
Each item, carefully chosen or serendipitously found, carries a whisper of the past and a promise for the future. Some pieces are inherited, carrying the weight of family history. Others are stumbled upon in a dusty antique shop, waiting for the right person to recognize their forgotten grandeur.
But for collectors like James Kivior, it’s never just about owning things—it’s about curating a world where every object holds meaning, mystery, and magnificence.
The Art of Collecting: What Makes a Treasure?
What makes one piece worthy of display while another is discarded? To the untrained eye, maximalism might appear as an extravagant overflow, but in reality, it is an exercise in curation—a delicate balance between grandeur and restraint.
A cabinet of curiosities is not clutter—it is an autobiography, written in velvet, porcelain, and gold leaf.
Taxidermy – A misunderstood art form that blurs the line between nature and design. Once seen as eccentric, it now holds an air of old-world sophistication, evoking the grandeur of European manor houses and Parisian salons.
Velvet Furniture & Luxe Details – The Scalamandre Tiger Velvet chairs that everyone wants to steal are more than just seating; they are statements, a nod to the bold, unapologetic glamour of maximalism.
Hermès Framed Scarves – Because fashion belongs on walls, too. The soft drape of silk, the intricate designs, the insignia of a heritage brand—all encased in glass, turning a wardrobe staple into fine art.
Christian Dior China – “I almost have the full Gaudron collection in malachite and the Casablanca collection.” Collecting fine china is an ode to tradition, a reverence for craftsmanship. These aren’t just dishes; they are legacies, passed down or painstakingly acquired piece by piece.
The Collector’s Philosophy: More Than Just Things
There’s a difference between owning objects and being their caretaker. A true collector is not simply a buyer—they are a steward of history, an archivist of the beautiful and the bizarre.
Some collect out of nostalgia, others out of aesthetic devotion. But for those who understand the art of maximalism, each item in their home represents a moment, a memory, an idea brought to life in material form.
It’s about the thrill of the hunt—the moment of discovery when you spot something rare, something perfect, something that feels like it was meant to find you.
And in the end, a home built on collections isn’t just aesthetic—it’s personal. It’s a space filled not just with luxury but with character, depth, and emotion.
A maximalist home is never truly “finished”—because the best collections never stop growing.
The Art of Acquiring Luxury: Planned vs. Spontaneous
Maximalists aren’t impulse shoppers. They’re strategic collectors, curators of a world that unfolds piece by piece.
“I usually make a list at the beginning of the year of things to purchase or reupholster, and I give myself 12 months to get everything on the list.”
It’s a process—a dance between precision and fate. There’s a thrill in tracking down the perfect antique armoire or waiting for the right shade of velvet to reupholster a cherished chair. It’s not just about buying luxury; it’s about acquiring meaning.
Luxury, after all, is not about instant gratification. It’s about the anticipation, the ritual of the hunt, and the satisfaction of placing an item that truly belongs.
The Balance Between Planning & Discovery
Some pieces are preordained, meticulously researched, and patiently pursued. A Scalamandre-covered sofa, a rare piece of Dior china, or an original Tony Duquette design—these are investments, thought out and sought after.
But then, there are the unexpected finds. A flea market in Paris. A hidden antiques dealer in upstate New York. A spontaneous scroll through an auction house catalog that turns into a moment of destiny.
Because while maximalists plan their world, they also leave space for magic.
Luxury as a Slow Art
Unlike the fast-moving, trend-chasing world of minimalist decor, maximalism is about layering a space over time. It’s about stories—about what each piece represents, who owned it before, and how it fits into the ever-evolving narrative of a home.
A well-curated home is not a one-time purchase—it’s a lifetime of acquisitions, revisions, and discoveries.
And in the end, it’s not just about what you own. It’s about what each piece says about you.
The Future of Maximalism in Interior Design
Design is cyclical, and while minimalism dominated interiors for years, there’s an undeniable shift happening. People crave warmth, depth, and personality in their spaces. James Kivior believes maximalism is more than just a passing trend—it’s a rebellion against the sterile, cookie-cutter interiors that have flooded social media.
In a world of minimalist interiors, there’s a growing desire for homes that exude personality and tell a story. Maximalism, with its rich layers and curated collections, is proving to be more than just a trend—it’s a movement that continues to evolve and captivate.
The Joy of Living & The Thrill of Collecting
When asked if designing a world of luxury has led to self-connection, James Kivior’s answer was refreshingly candid:
“No, it has not. When should I expect that to happen?”
And honestly? Relatable. Because for some, the joy isn’t in the perfectly curated space—it’s in the thrill of the hunt. The satisfaction of discovering a rare piece, layering textures, and building a collection over time is what makes maximalism more than just a style—it’s a way of life.
The Pretentious Home: A Masterclass in Luxury, Eccentricity & Maximalist Magic
Some homes are just places to live. Others are living works of art.
James Kivior’s The Pretentious Home isn’t just aesthetic goals—it’s a philosophy. It’s about curating a world that is bold, whimsical, and steeped in story.
From Dior china to taxidermy, from maximalist philosophy to dream shopping destinations, The Pretentious Home is a testament to the idea that more isn’t just more—it’s magnificent.
Follow James Kivior and The Pretentious Home on Instagram (@thepretentioushome) for daily inspiration, maximalist magic, and interiors that redefine luxury with bold storytelling.
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