HOUSE TOUR | Inside a Maximalist and Moody 600 Square-Foot NYC Apartment

On today’s episode of Homeworthy, we’re bringing you inside former beauty executive James Kivior’s 600 sq-ft apartment in Queens, New York. For more amazing homes, visit homeworthy.com/
An unapologetic maximalist, James’ apartment incorporates elements of Hollywood Regency and Art Deco design styles to achieve a highly dramatic and chic vibe throughout each space. Inside you’ll find bold jewel-tones, an eccentric mix of patterns and amazing wallpapers that are anything but boring. Enjoy!
#hometour #interiordesign #homedecor
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Homeworthy's KZbin channel for more home tours and design content
Be sure to visit www.homeworthy... to discover amazing furniture, art, and accessories handpicked by our editors to help transform your house into a home - all of the items are inspired by the episodes you see here on this channel!
Follow us on Instagram: / homeworthy
Follow us on TikTok: / homeworthy
Follow James on Instagram: / thepretentioushome

[@forestfields]

As someone who lives in a NYC apartment, I am really in awe of people who can take these small spaces and turn them into little jewel boxes.

[@yvonnegrant3736]

❤❤❤❤I want to move in there !

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I have a question why is New York rent so expensive? Just curious.😊

[@evelucky5539]

I know right. Every square inch counts

[@forestfields]

@@tiffanycurtis4794 It basically comes down to the high demand coupled with the high costs a landlord faces to maintain the building and pay real estate taxes, etc. It's the same in many other popular big cities, such as London, Paris, Hong Kong, etc.

[@4seasons546]

So true he’s 🙌 done such a great transformation of a tiny no interest box into a magical intriguing space

[@44alwaysrightjlp]

I too am an unapologetic maximalist. I am 77 and still collecting and displaying everything I love.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

With everything going on in this world you gotta👏🏾👏🏾

[@susannjarvis5587]

Adore this apartment. The red everywhere. The incredible art pieces. His furniture and fabric choices. To my eye, it all adds up to a fantasy fin de siècle Paris apartment, a stunningly extravagant over-the-top style that never gets boring.

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

So strongly agree with everything you wrote about his apartment.

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you for watching

[@gremlin5622]

Yes! Beautifully described.

[@gozio]

Yessss

[@nmj2411]

I love how New Yorkers are so appreciative for the things that they do have in small apartments! Sometimes seeing huge homes with tons of expensive furniture can feel so out of reach & discouraging. This home is an example of what can be done in a small space. It’s the love that’s put into your home. Beautiful! Thank you James & Homeworthy for sharing

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

So well written.

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

More to your statement of big homes with expensive furniture.... When you wake up in the morning, where would you most enjoy having your coffee? In James' living room or big room with expensive furniture? ☕

[@roar5853]

this is lovely!!!! he is like a cuddly bear living in a jewel box😂❤

[@yvonnegrant3736]

❤😊

[@latinwaterpoloperez]

Not appropriate to call him a bear!

[@spacetraveller9399]

@@latinwaterpoloperez It's not appropriate to decide for other people what is appropriate towards them and what is not.

[@mikeylorene]

@@latinwaterpoloperez It's only a slipped typo, dear- left out the word "teddy."

[@boyroyboy226]

I so enjoyed this worthy home tour led by it’s dweller/decorator, James! Mad respect for you, James! Committed to creating a space that brings you joy! So authentic and unapologetic in your journey-Yes, hire out the work if you can’t DYI! Yes to, “To Me From Me” gifts! Yes to, obsessive collecting (and rescuing/saving) an obscure china pattern, no matter your 19 dinner plates in and counting! Yes to, “this room is private/not camera ready” ! Yes to, “He persisted” and scored that Tony Duquette for Baker, chandelier, dammit! Much continued joy and much continued success.

[@4seasons546]

💯 % 👍

[@reka3627]

What he said!!! Pure Happiness 🤗

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Yes!! And I love that his personal fragrance is Baraonda by Nasomatto. I love that one too. It smells like a rowdy gentleman's club of the Edwardian era full of great tailoring but much ribaldry (in a more ethically settled alternate universe of course 😉) , or a pirate ship on the high seas with whiskey and rum sloshing about everywhere...wooden barrels rolling to and fro. Perfect for James! Sumptuous but hinting at adventure and culture.😄✌

[@n7y8c7]

@@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293 Lol! I was hooked as soon as he said Halfeti! MMMMMMMMMM

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

@@n7y8c7 Haha, same! I have the body wash, it's so heavily scented and worth every penny.

[@PossumLady8262]

Warm, cozy with fun filled rooms! I love his home!

[@jeanross2034]

This is all so BEAUTIFUL!! I’m sure you’ve been told this many times, but you are a very gifted designer/decorator!!

[@cavgrey8]

He has the best taste!

[@kristofermanogora8749]

I have so much respect for maximalists because i appreciate the beauty and i get the high one derived from surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. I'd like to think i'm a minimalist in practice but maximalist by heart.

[@mysweetestdays]

He treats himself, gets a little out of hand, and hits the hot glue gun - MY MAN!! Absolutely adore your home, James, and your wonderful approach to decorating and life

[@kathyestes6577]

This tour was just fun. I love the idea of giving yourself a treat every year! Each home gives me inspiration in one way or another. ❤️

[@sueorosz8886]

We all know that animal print is a neutral! ❤ what an explosion of creativity! And everything has a story! Gorgeous apartment! And the scarves! Omg !❤ Scorpio here too ! Happy birthday!

[@charlesdavid81]

You are EVERYTHING! The CD plates, the daily blue & whites for Burger KIng. Your apartment is STUNNING! And you were a delight to watch.

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you 🥰

[@mchoff603]

I spent years looking for Dior Casablanca dishes and finally found tea cups and saucers...leopards and palm trees...fantastic!!!

[@ashkgo8]

This apt tour really delivered. James's personality shines through everywhere... SO fun! ❤🐅

[@BarbHayes-zn7fi]

This apartment is spectacular! I love it when people have balls when decorating their homes! It makes for the best outcomes!

[@TheLoveweaver]

He opened the door and im already inlove!❤

[@Beautiful131313]

Luv his Dior plates, the framed Hermes scarfs and All the leopard 🐆 anything goes with animal prints. 😍💜💜💜💜💜

[@domn415]

James, Your apartment is absolutely...positively...STUNNING ! I love what you have done with a small space!!

[@maddiek1980]

He’s not wrong that he loves pretty things. Everything is stunning. Plus he’s very honest about how he lives, which I always love. Such a beautiful home.

[@patriciadewit]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! I am so in love with this style, and so glad he mentioned cleaning!

[@gozio]

One of the most interesting, unique and stylish spaces I've seen. Exquisitely done! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@jillaplecove]

What a tribute to eclecticism and function, what a generous tenant

[@anttoronto3202]

New York homes never disappoint. Thanks for sharing this WOW apartment!!

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

My 350 sq ft studio in Hell's Kitchen is begging me to duplicate as much as possible everything that James has done. So rich, velvety, dreamy, glamorous and on and on and on...... just love his taste. Thanks, James, for sharing

[@jameskivior6062]

Book me for a design consult LOL

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

@@jameskivior6062 deal!

[@BetsyMagee-f4z]

Basically, the genius of James is the extraordinary beauty of things he collects. His taste and embrace of fabric, wood and metal, color and art objects. And he assembled so perfectly.

[@raquelduquedeestrada1129]

Love your apt. Lots of people do not appreciate this style, because its crowded, and dark, but I appreciate all the pieces and color and displays. Reminds me of CoCo Chanel, her apt in Paris above her shop was also full of collectibles and in fine taste!!!

[@susanmark2000]

I love red and this is very beautiful. I wish we could have met his cat!

[@wednesdaytheblackcat7385]

The story behind each piece is what elevates them. We all have a story, and it’s great to surround ourselves with our best memories and moments.

[@heidir6715]

I'm grinning ear to ear watching this video. Thanks to you and James for sharing these spaces with us. I love the intensity and thoughtfulness of every single item...and the notion of scent being part of the experience as well.

[@bereatha1]

I love the way you "skirt" your drawers. I love Fireball shots and Yes, I have a jungle print chaise lounge.

[@azurea0587]

Wabi sabi! I love that. Bravo, James!

[@awake2truth511]

I love the truth of beautiful things always go with beautiful things. It is clear he has an eye for beauty.

[@traceye.6428]

Haha, your description of your “dusting” routine! I love that this small apartment is a true reflection of its owner! You’ve done what you love ! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@markcampbell369]

I really, really enjoyed this tour! Such a fun apartment and host. Thank you for opening up your home to us.

[@BrownyBird]

More is more, that's me! Out of control! All over the place! Everything at once! That's also me! But three colours together is the most I can stand!

[@pamelabryer9744]

I LOVE this apartment soooo much❤ So many interesting pieces... mix and layer!

[@marjoriestrong5703]

Homeworthy, I love that you are an equal opportunity videographer. I love the authentic, the quirky, and the ecclectic homes and apartments you feature. A case in point would be the apartment featured today. Some of the homes featured are so grand with no expense spared, and to my mind lacking a bit of soul. I'm sure these homes appeal to a portion of your audience also. Please continue to mix it up and include all the styles that encompass interior design.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Magnificent apartment! I really love it. So many beautiful touches! I smiled when he addressed the cleaning issue! I always wonder who cleans these sorts of homes!!! 😜. Thank you for the video.

[@debrahayes3778]

Unique, but oh those candles!! So many with such potential for fire. Truly scary!

[@romancemoderne1705]

Such an humble person, very refreshing, especially in these businesses. Giving true value to things and not being stupid by being proud about paying the maximum... All of this mixed with fantastic and personal taste its a 20/10

[@ramonazwolinski743]

I love his eclectic designs. It's not boring❤

[@TheMaiah13]

I am a kid in a candy shop in someone’s maximalist house! Love them and the layers of gorgeous mystery that continues to amaze.

[@cooperwesley1536]

As a resident of the South, we typically don't find ourselves living in 600 square ft homes, but if I did, it would look A LOT like this one. He's done an amazing job... the blending of a dark, masculine aesthetic with all of those beautiful neo-classical elements is perfect. Bravo!

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you 🥰

[@cooperwesley1536]

@@jameskivior6062 Much deserved!

[@happyhollee596]

Omgosh just love James’s Apartment!!!

[@elsao1690]

I just love this little jewel box.Its like a little playhouse for the senses.

[@jameskivior6062]

That’s exactly what I was going for

[@2juicy830]

Wonderful! It's like a tiny museum. It's a treat to see a space that so uniquely and unapologetically reflects the owner's personality. Clearly, every article is cherished and intentional; it imbues the space with a magical quality.

[@annwallace1438]

thanks for showing your home. Fun and exciting.

[@annaalpes]

A beautiful jewel box of a home! Love Love his home!

[@elizabeths4371]

A skillfully creative mix with LOTS of interesting patterns, prints and accessories layered one on top of the other which doesn't feel oppressive.

[@almabahena7210]

Loved this tour. He designed a place for himself, to please himself, that works for him. I love it when people march to the best of their own drum. And he's even honest about the dust 😂😂😂 for all those people who inevitably comment on maximalists' apartment "who does all the dusting?"

[@cheryldover8944]

Love his place soooo much. This is one of the best Homeworthy shows I've seen! Thank you.

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you so much

[@danielraul1295]

Wow I love what he has done which such a small space ! So glamorous and well thought out 🎯👏🏼👏🏼

[@ShellyBomb]

What an enchanting tiny jewel box of a castle 🏰 ... Simply gorgeous ❤❤❤

[@nicolaf5484]

Had a smile on my face throughout the tour. Love love how much everything is complimentary. Make your space your own it's your space. 😍😍😍

[@GarmentofPraiseSewing]

❤Love the lavender drapes in the kitchen ❤

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

It’s incredible. Just everything. I watched it three times.

[@CookieZ3353]

Now this guy can decorate! He needs to go to that home in New Canaan, CT and show that woman how to make her huge house more fun! "Pretty goes with pretty." Thank you for that because I love wallpaper, and color, and fabric with texture. I never know how to bring it all together, but you have just let me release what I need to do and put pretty with pretty. Thank you for being SO colorful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@katie8325]

I love this guys house, but why do you feel the need to criticise someone else? Maximalism isn’t for everyone. No need to be rude when people are graciously letting you into their home. Why not put your place on the internet for strangers to criticise.

[@CookieZ3353]

You are under the age of 35. Am I right? The younger generations are canceling criticism because it will make someone feel uncomfortable. Poor you! Without criticism how are you going to see the things that you cannot see because you have blinders on?!? Criticism pushes us into new territory. But, you stay put, OK? Never try new things that someone else has pointed out. Anything on social media is open to our freedom of speech. Have you not learned that by now? Do you continue to watch a movie if you are completely bored by it? Do you hang around with boring people?? Don't throw stones, young'n. I'll bet you have skeletons in your closet!

[@michellejolly7325]

I absolutely agree! He certainly can teach a lot of these homeowners how its really done…. ❤

[@almabahena7210]

It's a shame this video was only half as long as the CT one

[@shaneh734]

I love the darkness and mood of your apartment! I would love to see an entire house or mansion decorated in this style 💯

[@tonyworrall7379]

I really love that home. The colours are fabulous.Maximum is definitely me!

[@chrisweber2552]

LOVE his style!!!

[@annjohnson8437]

This apartment is extremely unique and beautiful! ❤

[@brendanbang6636]

Such a pleasure place, conversation and champagne… yes please! Such gorgeous vibe.

[@nancysalerno7036]

I am so inspired by this apartment. Going to start on a room and try to take back my love of my treasures . Life events exploded things out of focus quite a while ago. Thanks for showing the beauty and joy of passion for your treasures here. ❤

[@Redpill1962]

At last , the cleaning is addressed ! I always think about the cleaning of these homes with lots of stuff

[@l.merkel2148]

As a realtor in the neighborhood in which this property is located, I can appreciate how he utilized the space. The building which he lives in is close to 100 years old. He skillfully disgusted the physical flaws of the apartment and its layout. I especially appreciated the use of wallpaper flowing from the walls onto the built-in storage cabinets (which are original). Love love love the use of wallpaper on the ceiling. The railroad style is most common in the neighborhood, and there is little privacy for a family, but for someone living alone, it's a perfect flow. Bravo for his impeccable taste and the way he showcases his incredible finds.

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you! The one good thing about these old rail road apartments is that the ceilings are high and the windows are large. As long as I have that I can really design anything LOL it’s also great to see this neighborhood change so much over the past decade. As a Ridgewood realtor I’m sure you’re very busy with listings as so many people are moving here and new businesses are constantly opening.

[@andreabenson2491]

I adore your home..walking through it is a journey of discovery ❤️the colors, the chandeliers, the candles, the animal prints.... awesome 👍👏😊

[@evelynzlon9492]

Somehow the intaglios glued onto the obelisks really takes the cake for me. Throughout the video you keep asking yourself, what is the meaning of his decorating genius? And there's a concise answer, right there.

[@sandraborneclairelovestrea2641]

Such a fun tour, and I love the homeowner! Red is my favorite color!

[@violettalagreca1970]

Beautiful❤ and I love your love for the cat as well!

[@glorialewis3484]

Your home brings my heart joy! Thank you for sharing.

[@slowvintagedays5963]

Leopard and liquor. I love it! ❤

[@peggytaylor8333]

What a interesting space I love the color. Finally a space with a personality ,no white on white on white

[@rebekahdavis5935]

It would be lovely to have dinner in a space like that with close friends. So interesting and rich cozy atmosphere.

[@AngelaPaulina1989]

A few year ago I was moving and was inspired by Tony Duquette’s home and was looking on Pinterest for similar type living room ideas and this man’s place came up! I was so inspired by the framed Hermes scarfs and many other things in his apartment. It’s so neat to be getting the complete tour now.

[@Gibbonomics]

James.....ooo la la!! Love your place❤ Super fun, classy and whimsical. That's not easy to pull off well....kudos!!

[@christinecassidy2689]

Never heard of Armenian burning papers. Just purchased some and can't wait to try them!

[@acarpio3]

This apartment has so much personality.

[@kaitjackson2288]

Esquite taste. It’s in the little details. Love it

[@ninakerstetter579]

LOVE using the Hermes scarfs on the wall. Stunning! And the red, oh that red! ❤️❤️❤️

[@violetmartha916]

Oh my word! This apartment has my heart! I recently visited Florence, Italy and there was an opulent "red room" in the Uffizzi gallery that took my breath away. James's home reminds me of it. From one Scorpio to another, you have amazing taste James. ❤️

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you so much 🦂

[@marycollins7058]

l love this apartment because he turned it into his own space. l agree with his matching fabrics, since l decorate with things l love and that's how l view decorating "Pretty will always match up with pretty" unquote and he is right. For some reason when l look around my house it seems that everything fits each other. l believe that you should live and surround yourself with things you love, because that's who you are "one of a kind".

[@naomiweaver1855]

I loved this one! I love maximalist interiors and he has done such a gorgeous job in making the spaces feel large, elegant and home-y glamorous. Diana Vreeland would be completely at home here! I’m a maximalist, but I don’t think I layer as well as he does, so I learned a lot!

[@debbyL2210]

Love love love the apartment! If you live somewhere, then let yourself shine through. This is truly his home. Fun and beautiful! 600 square feet...wow!

[@kathleenherzik9858]

This is probably my very favorite home, and very favorite tour guide. James is so talented and feels so kind, and definitely has exquisite taste. ❤❤❤

[@jacklynnmjackson2383]

Framed scarves! Wow

[@ThePearlsofGray]

I'm loving the closet turned cabinet of curiosities👍

[@askmamalouise7605]

I loved this episode so very much! I love this tour because this apartment home artist really put his heart and soul into each piece! I love his kindness in gifting the landlord the appliances after he leaves this apartment so he can have what he truly wants while he lives in this luscious apartment! The wall art of framing the scarves is divine! He has made me fall in love with the red paint color! I loved the entire tour! Great selection, Homeworthy! 💖

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@minniegirl175]

Wow!! This is really taking me back to my grandmother's railroad apartment in Williamsburg! It's the exact same layout. Great memories ❤

[@mizzmolly7649]

The Hermes scarves! ❤❤❤

[@eeverett2]

What a cozy and lively apartment! Just sitting on that couch and looking at everything would be entertainment enough. You've somehow done maximalism without making your apartment look cluttered. It looks like everything belongs right where it is.

[@jameskivior6062]

Thank you so much

[@toosense]

What a cool guy.

[@chrisogrady4956]

What a fabulous apartment you have created! I love everything about it. Thx for sharing your talent with us.

[@Tuckerz5d]

So much fun, thanks for the tour!

[@lorenwil]

How absolutely charming. What a romantic way to live in NYC.

[@starveartist]

Love Maximalism!!!

[@Done832]

It's refreshing to me to see someone who is not a minimalist. Even though I totally get the concept, there is no creativity.

[@albertawalters3731]

House (apartment) of magic🧚

[@dianemorgan600]

He has amazing taste, I loved most of everything, and own some similar pieces. His place rocks maximalism, great job decorating!!

[@dolcevitausa6448]

As a fellow maximalist, I love it. The only change I would make is to remove the taxidermy...other than that love it all...

[@professorbaine7140]

I love every inch of this apt. He uses all the colors I like so much, fabrics, and patterns, sigh. Malachite, malachite, malachite!

[@JL-su9ss]

Love this space! 🥰