‘Philly maximalism’ in Center City
With quirky Ben Franklin wallpaper, personal touches, and original details, Jessica Maiuro quickly made a home of the two-bedroom apartment.
In Jessica Maiuro’s two-bedroom Center City apartment, “Every corner tells a story,” she said.
She describes her home as an art deco gem that exudes a retro vibe, creative flair, and a cozy and warm style. Located near the Kimmel Center, the apartment boasts vintage treasures, family antiques, Maiuro’s original artwork, as well as creative works from others.
In the foyer, the gateway to the apartment’s memorable creative scheme, a whimsical and unconventional tribute to Benjamin Franklin sets the tone.
“I added wallpaper in the foyer that showcases a bold print of Benjamin Franklin blowing bubble gum surrounded by flowers and tigers to pay homage to this city I love,” Maiuro said. “I dub it Philly maximalism. It’s the showstopper.”
Maiuro has a fondness for all things Philly. She gushes about “the historic architecture, the food scene, the diversity, how musical and creative of a city it is, and how accessible and walkable it is.”
Her apartment’s location allows her to enjoy those perks.
“I can walk a few blocks to Rittenhouse Park, which always has something interesting happening — swing dancing, musicians performing, farmer’s markets, and festivals,” continued Maiuro. “The people-watching is stellar, and it feels like such a central community hub. I’m so fortunate to live nearby this park.”
Or she strolls a bit farther for more urban inspiration.
“I can walk 15 minutes to South Street to grab some delicious Afghan food or Chinatown for Peking duck and bubble tea, or Queen Village to peruse an indie bookshop,” she continued.
Maiuro has dual careers in marketing and performing arts. She’s a community relations director for a healthcare center that helps seniors. Apart from her full-time job, she’s also a creative marketing consultant.
She has also been a professional voice-over artist for about 13 years. “Chances are, if you’ve ever listened to a podcast or TV commercial, you’ve probably heard my voice,” she said.
Maiuro has lived in the apartment for 1½ years, with her husband, John, and two cats.
Most of the furniture and decor in Maiuro’s space is personal, including her own original artwork and photography, artwork from loved ones or local artists, and family antiques.
“I like to joke that my favorite place to shop is my parents’ and grandmom’s houses,” she said. “I’m a storyteller at heart, so I love having family antiques out on display that tell a story and act as great conversation starters. I have such an affinity to anything vintage.”
Maiuro created sketches when she was younger, she said, but then paused for several years to focus on other creative endeavors. But she started drawing again since she moved into her Philly apartment, “for enjoyment’s sake,” noting that it also relieves stress.
“This is the first home where I’ve decided to hang my own original artwork and that of my loved ones, and that may be why it feels like the truest expression of my personal style thus far,” she continued.
One favorite item that pays homage to her family is her Grandmom Ide’s mirror, which is in the dining area.
“She and my grandpop purchased it during their honeymoon in Italy,” she said.
Her Grandmom Boss’ original Sears record player console from the 1960s is a standout in the foyer. Another special heirloom is a framed Mario’s Restaurant basketball jersey that hangs in her kitchen, which brings back endearing memories.
“It’s from the ’80s when my parents and grandparents owned an Italian restaurant in New Jersey and sponsored a basketball league,” recalled Maiuro. “I have so many fond memories of being a kid at the restaurant — from climbing up on the barstool to order a fountain soda and do my English homework, to being a little waitress and delivering people their salads to get a 50-cent tip, to chowing down on chicken fingers, which were my favorite thing that my dad made.”
The apartment has two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom that connects them. The spacious main bedroom welcomes in natural light from two bay windows. Original wood floors are a special design feature, she said.
“The floors are amazing — if you look closely, you’ll see they’re the thinner wooden floorboards, which to me indicates a very skilled artisan made these back in the building’s heyday, and they’re still in perfect condition,” Maiuro pointed out.
With its practicality and surroundings, the apartment resonated quickly with Maiuro as the place to call home.
“From the moment I first opened the door, what immediately swept me away was how grand this space feels,” she said.
She noted the high ceilings, double French doors, and stained-glass kitchen pantry, as well as the subtler, smaller details, like the original glass doorknobs and a wall safe in the guest room.
“It’s been a running tradition to show it to guests and see if anyone can figure out the winning combination. No luck yet, but I have faith.”
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