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For some, a refined space with clean lines and muted tones is the ultimate sanctuary. Shelves are sparsely styled, countertops are clear, and every item has its dedicated place neatly tucked away out of sight. In these homes, anything left on display can quickly be deemed "clutter." Minimalism is certainly alive and well and enjoyed by many, but alongside it are those who have wholeheartedly embraced the joys of maximalism.
With little regard for the idea that "less is more," maximalists have transformed what was once dismissed as "tacky" into a playful and highly expressive aesthetic. From fashion to home décor, kitsch has become a celebration of colour, nostalgia, humour, and individuality. Singapore Vogue even published an article titled "Plunge into the Delightful and Quirky Chaos of Kitsch Fashion." More recently, the meteoric rise of Labubu has shown just how enthusiastically people are embracing the quirky, collectible, and delightfully unconventional.
Kitsch thrives on irony, nostalgia, and maximalism, turning a once-pejorative label into a badge of creative self-expression. In the auction world, this playful spirit has always existed, but in recent years demand for pieces such as flatback Staffordshire dogs, novelty ceramics, and boldly coloured decorative objects has noticeably grown.
Most of us probably fall somewhere between the minimalist and maximalist ends of the spectrum. I must admit, however, that I find myself increasingly drawn towards the kitsch side of things.
Life is short, and your home is one of the few spaces where you can express your personality entirely on your own terms. So why not have a little fun with it?
With that in mind, I have selected a few 'kitsch' pieces from the At Home auction that are sure to bring some colour and whimsy into your home.
The At Home auction is on view at 26 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2.
Today, Sunday 23rd August 1 - 5pm
Tomorrow Monday 24th August 10am - 5pm
Bidding closes Tuesday 25th August from 11am.
Browse, Bid and Buy from the comfort of home - www.adams.ie
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John ffrench was an instrumental figure in the design industry in Ireland and a distinguished pioneer of Irish studio pottery.
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"I should declare my hand. I have a weakness for pictures that punch above their physical weight, and for artists who have been quietly underrated for too long. This pair is both. They are intimate enough to live with at close quarters and serious enough to repay any amount of looking. If the market has lately shown signs of catching up with eighteenth-century Irish painting and I think it has, these two small panels feel, to me, like exactly the sort of thing that will look obvious in twenty years’ time."
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
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Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
