Embracing Abundance: The Joys of Being a Classic Maximalist

It's interesting that I'm only beginning to write this article on this topic now, as I've been a maximalist for many years. Currently maximalism has become a trend and rightfully so. I've never been fond of the minimalist style, whether it's following to the 10 capsule wardrobe trend, having modern basic furniture, or the simple cuts and colors of clothing ensembles. Ever since I was a young girl, I absolutely loved old architecture, exquisite antique paintings, and timeless classic furniture; particularly Victorian furniture that remains current.

I remember when I was teaching Pilates full time, the owner of one of the studios I was working at saw photos of my apartment and he noticed that I had classic brass and ivory lamps, white Victorian tufted-buttons canapes with beautiful handcrafted carved designs in the wood frames, various oil paintings etc., and he told me that he thought I was from a different era as my place reminded him a scene from the 1930's film 'Gone With The Wind', and also from the black and white film 'Casablanca'. I smiled at the comment and even chuckled a bit, as I realized that he was right, my husband and I are old souls.

The studio owner then proceeded to ask me where I had bought my furniture, to which I responded that I have furnished my home by purchasing items at different places overtime and that each sale comes with a unique story to tell. Whether I negotiated with a multi-millionaire at his Villa for my dining room table and remain friends with them today, or the winning bid on beautiful lamps at an auction, or practically racing to an estate sale to convince the seller to sell me a the Victorian white couches at a great price before the next person made an offer, and lastly just simple garage sales and flea markets to find some of my oil paintings and chandeliers.... it's all just the hunt and the thrill of looking, finding, negotiating, purchasing and selling older items to replace and renew the style of your home.

The studio owner then told me that "I was a real artist", and although he respected my passion, he then proceeded to tell me that most people weren't into that style anymore

as less is more, and simplistic modern styles were the way of the future. It didn't bother me, my husband and I continued doing what we've always done and would go for walks in the cool neighborhoods of Montreal and enjoyed looking and searching for pretty items for our home. It was then and still is one of our favourite past-times.

( My daughters playing on our baby grand piano)\

Being a maximalist doesn't only bring me joy for the rich history and beautiful craftmanship of home furnishings, but I also am a lover of classic elegant fashion . I always have been since I was a little girl. The nostalgic warm feeling that overcomes me when I remember my mom when she was young, wearing her pink cashmere sweater, wool skirts and beret hats that her older sister shipped to her from Italy, and how effortlessly elegant and modest she looked just by dressing in them. They were clothes made out of quality materials and timeless styles. My mother's example is one of the main reasons why I love beautiful vintage items that are not outdated. Dressing myself in quality materials is one of the standards in which I dress myself as it corresponds with my inner soul, values, the kind of beauty I miss and admire very much that is lacking in today's modern times. It's only when I go for walks through neighbourhoods with century old buildings and stop by antique stores is when I feel connected with a deep part of myself.

(My two youngest daughters in the mini library of our home)

Looking even further back, when I was in sixth grade, I was teased for wearing a traditional school-girl outfit that my Nonna had brought me from Italy while visiting us in Canada. At the time, the trend was not classic attire but rather bright neon colors, basic t-shirts, and ripped jeans—the time that Spice Girls were popular , which I also was a big fan of. However, the wool plaid skirts, white collared dress shirt, knee-high stockings, and classic black leather Mary Jane shoes resonated with me more, so I still continued on with wearing my gifted European gems for the remainder of that school year despite being the only odd-one out.

Being fortunate now having four daughters, I dress them in the same modest, elegant style that remains timeless. I sincerely hope that they will continue on with this manner of dressing as they grow older...

To each their own, of course, but what I find unfortunate with modern homes and minimalist styles is that despite the motivation to create an uncluttered and serene environment often times leaves the space feeling less of a comforting cozy home but rather cold and impersonal. I believe styling your home and the way you dress yourself shouldn't only be aesthetically pleasing but also should reflect your life, values and personality.

Whether it was through decorating our home together as a family, discussing where and how to style it, or reliving nostalgia as my husband and I recreated styles from our childhood to incorporate into our family lifestyle, every aspect was intentional. The vibrant and expressive designs in the various patterns and rich materials around our home reflect our unique personalities and experiences. Each detail was a spontaneous purchase that allowed us to gradually decorate our Victorian home with unique pieces, creating a harmonious and warm feeling that brings parts of the past that I cherish into the present.

" More is more, and less is a bore" - architect Robert Venturi