By David Braselton
Quote: "Whoever said less is more was sorely mistaken, more is more. It always has been." — Diana Vreeland
At Future Forward Vintage, we operate by a simple, guiding principle: Good goes with good. But if we were to choose a single motto that defines the joy of collecting, decorating, and living, it would be this iconic declaration from the high priestess of style, Diana Vreeland.
Vreeland, the legendary editor of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, didn't just dress the world; she showed us how to live with audacity, color, and drama. And for vintage lovers, her maxim—"More is more. It always has been"—is less a style tip and more a profound permission slip.Here is why this philosophy is the true foundation of a well-curated, conscious, and captivating home.
1. The Power of Layering and Provenance
The greatest challenge of minimalist design is that it often forces you to strip away the story. But Vreeland’s approach celebrates it.For us, "more is more" isn't about clutter; it’s about layering provenance and texture.
- Layering Eras: It means pairing a sleek Mid-Century Modern teak tray with an ornate, Victorian-style silver pitcher. The contrast of the 1950s functionality against the 1890s formality creates a richer, more interesting dialogue than either piece could alone.
- Layering Texture: It allows you to place a heavy, asymmetrical Wabi-Sabi ceramic vase trio (your gorgeous gray and white pieces!) right next to a brilliant, mirror-polished Italian steel creamer. The simplicity of the material stays, but the texture and form multiply the visual interest.
Maximalism is simply the recognition that every single object you own has a history, and those histories belong together.
2. Rejection of the Fleeting Trend
Minimalism, for all its popularity, can often be driven by fleeting trends (think: one specific shade of beige or a single, approved furniture silhouette). Vreeland rejected anything dull or ordinary.Her "more is more" philosophy encourages the collection of unique pieces that defy quick classification.
This is exactly why we search for items like the vibrant green Blenko glass bowl or the ruby red Viking Decanter Bottle. They are pieces so bold, so unique, and so saturated in color that they refuse to disappear into the background.
When you fill your home with objects of inherent quality and strong design, you stop chasing trends. You are simply curating your own museum, where every piece is deserving of attention.
3. More Is More Is Sustainable
In a modern context, embracing "more is more" is also an inherently conscious and sustainable act.The opposite of "more is more" is "buy new, throw away." By collecting vintage and secondhand items, we are choosing objects with built-in history and durability.
- When we find a rare Jens Harald Quistgaard teak board, we are choosing the warmth of solid wood over cheap composites.
- When we find a functional Apilco porcelain cup set, we are choosing French quality made to last decades of microwaving, dishwashing, and freezing.
Vreeland championed extravagance, but for us, extravagance is expressed through lasting quality and intentional selection, not waste.
How to Live the Vreeland Maxim
Vreeland taught us that style is personal drama. To bring "more is more" into your own life:
- Don't Be Afraid of the Grouping: Stop spacing out your accessories. Group your most interesting pieces together. Stack your books, layer your art, cluster your vases.
- Celebrate Color and Contrast: Let the emerald green next to the ruby red, and the black next to the powder blue (like your Coach wallet), create sparks. Color is energy!
- Find the Story: Every item in your home should have a great provenance. That cheap, charming 1970s yellow-and-white ashtray has just as much of a story to tell as a piece of Baccarat crystal.
At the end of the day, Vreeland’s quote reminds us that a home should be an abundant reflection of curiosity, history, and personality. Never settle for less than the extraordinary.
Shop the Vision
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