This Maximalist’s House Is a “Thrifted Rainbow Fun Time”

Name: Sara Rothwell, my husband, Peter, and our two cats, Heaney and Yeats
Location: Maplewood, New Jersey
Type of home: House
Size: 2,000 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, own

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband, Peter, and I moved to the United States in 2015 from Dublin, Ireland. We lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn for five years and then headed out to the Maplewood suburbs when the area was highly recommended by friends. Our colonial home is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom. On the ground floor we have a living room, dining room, kitchen, parlor, and powder room. Upstairs we have our main bedroom, main bathroom, and then the remaining two bedrooms are used as an office each for Peter and I. I work as a video producer in the video games industry and Peter works for a Marketing and PR Agency.

I identify as a maximalist magpie. I cannot resist a pretty little shiny accent, whether that be clothing or home furnishings. I adore dressing up and feel energized when I’m wearing a fun outfit. My mostly thrifted wardrobe is bursting with lots of color and texture, and that definitely carries over into the home. We have decorated our home in large part via local Swap Meet pages, estate sales, online auctions, thrift, and vintage stores. I love that each piece has history to it. Our aim was to create a cozy, warm, vibrant, and unique space that guests feel at home in. We always have music playing, candles burning, and snacks at the ready! I like to engage all five senses where possible.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: A thrifted rainbow fun time!

What is your favorite room and why? My favorite room (right now) would be the dining room. I adore having dinner parties that last into the evening; tasty food, delicious cocktails, and excellent company. What more could you want? Our dining room has comfortable seating and I enjoy that the chandelier can be adjusted per the lighting needs. I always keep a box of fuchsia tapered candles on hand should the occasion call for it. I always wanted to use a traditional toile pattern on the walls and found the most amazing Marfa, cowboy, cacti toile wallpaper for the space. We painted the wainscoting and ceiling in the same rich blue shade. This room makes me smile every time I step into it.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I picked up a 1960s bamboo etagere from a local lady last week. It is rather large so we needed to remove a couple of doors from hinges to get it into the home. But it was worth it. I feel it works in the dining room quite well. And provides a nice perch for the two cats.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Do what makes YOU happy. You will not regret it. You’ll wake up every single day to a space that generates pure joy. And that goes very nicely with a coffee!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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