In a world where minimalism has become the norm, a growing number of individuals are bucking the trend and embracing a more sentimental approach to their living spaces. Eleanor Burnard, a self-proclaimed “insufferably sentimental person,” shares her personal journey into the realm of “sentimental maximalism,” where nostalgic trinkets and mementos take centre stage.
Burnard’s apartment is a veritable treasure trove of memories, from old birthday cards and faded stuffed toys to handmade gifts from long-lost friends. Each item, she explains, is a tangible link to her past, a physical manifestation of the people and experiences that have shaped her life. “If you’ve ever mattered to me at any time in my life, odds are a part of you will always have a place in my home,” she declares.
The era of trinket collecting, Burnard notes, is experiencing a resurgence within her generation, driven by economic instability and the looming prospect of “proper” adulthood. “It’s impossible to be sad when your home is filled with so much saccharine!” she exclaims, describing her interior design choices as a lifeline against the realities of modern life.
While some may label Burnard’s attachment to her possessions as a hoarding problem, she sees it as a sentimental maximalism – a celebration of the tangible connections that enrich her life. “They represent the always-growing mosaic of our lives, and all the people we have ever loved during it,” she explains.
Burnard’s grandmother’s ceramic ram and a coffee-stained print of Matisse’s “Blue Nude II” found with her first roommate are just a few examples of the treasures that adorn her home. Even the cringe-worthy items, such as dusty anime figurines and melodramatic diaries, hold a special place in her heart, serving as reminders of the person she once was.
The power of these physical mementos, Burnard believes, lies in their ability to transport her back in time and keep the memories of loved ones alive. She recounts the story of her mother’s amber-coloured glass bird, a gift from a friend who passed away, which serves as a tether to the past and a means of preserving the memory of that cherished friendship.
In a world that increasingly prioritises digital connections, Burnard’s embrace of sentimental maximalism is a poignant reminder of the enduring value of tangible, physical connections. Her collection of trinkets, she argues, is not merely a collection of dust-collecting novelties, but a living, breathing tapestry of her life’s journey – a testament to the people, experiences, and emotions that have shaped her into the person she is today.
