Confessions of an Art Collector

Author's note: Tom attended our recent "Arthaus" event where we focus on promoting local Tulsa artist and their work.
I am impressed with his enthusiasm for collecting art and asked him to share a few words to new collectors.

Because of clients like Tom, EA&I now has a growing collection of artists that will be presenting their work year round. I agree wholeheartedly with his comments presented below....

“Confessions of an Art Collector” by Tom Rink

To be totally honest, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I actually considered myself a “collector.” I have always enjoyed art and would definitely classify myself as an “enthusiast,” but a collector? Collectors had money and tended to buy the expensive “works of the Masters” that I can only dream about (Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Dali, Moran, . . . to name a few of my favorites). The bottom line: I appreciate art, it moves me, and I keep buying more. Therefore, “I am an art collector!”

Now, to the burning question I’ve been asked to answer: “What do I look for when buying/collecting art?” First and foremost (Rule #1), “do I like it?” If I don’t like it, I don’t buy it! Let me repeat this, if I don’t like it, I don’t buy it! This is critical. You don’t want to collect anything that does not bring you joy or pleasure. I never buy art solely for investment purposes.

After that,
I look at the medium being used. Oil? Watercolor? Pastel? Pen and Ink? Pencil? Bronze? Crayon?
I look at the type of art it is. Painting? Glass? Sculpture? Photograph? (Oh yeah, did I mention that I collect more than just paintings?)
I look at the style. Modern? Impressionistic? Realistic? Surreal?
I look at the artist’s origin. Native American? Chinese? Russian? American? European?
I look at the theme. Landscape? Portrait? Animals/Nature? Still Life?
I look at the colors. Bright? B&W? Shading? Pastel? Muted?
I look at the size. Miniatures? Small? Medium? Large? I never worry about “where am I going to hang this one?” I’ve collected a variety of shapes and sizes.
I look for the unique!
And finally, I consider the price.

Last but not least (Rule #2), if I can’t afford it, I won’t buy it. Let me repeat this, if I can’t afford it, I won’t buy it. Ultimately, only you can decide what your comfort level is regarding your disposable income and what you can afford.

Let me leave you with some parting words. None of this happens overnight. You’ve got to get out there and visit galleries, museums, art fairs, etc. Everywhere I go I always find myself looking at what they have on the walls. I am constantly looking for the next acquisition, some new artist to discover. And, I do my homework. I read books or magazines about art, educate myself about the artists and their techniques, I ask questions (of the artists as well as other collectors), and the rest takes care of itself.

Alas, so much art, so little wall space . . . Please feel free to visit my blog to view my growing art collection (http://guncarryinglibrarian.wordpress.com/). I post a few new pieces from my collection each month; eventually I will just have to post the new acquisitions. Until then . . . go forth and start collecting!

Why I believe in promoting local artists

ArtHaus 2008 has been a wonderful experience for me. In addition to getting some much needed painting and repairs done around the shop, I found myself surrounded by beautiful works of art and meeting new creative friends that have both inspired and challenged me.

So now, in addition to my journal and colorful sharpies, I'm equipped with my new (small) set of watercolors and paper as Renee Dotson has encouraged me to do so. I remember now why I first picked up those colorful pencils and pens...I find myself lost in the process of creating, no matter what the outcome may be.

Watch for additional dates for Arthaus 2009 coming this January 1 to EA&I along with a Summer Arthaus that promises to be bigger and even more fun. Here's a blog from one of the clients that came and participated.

http://guncarryinglibrarian.wordpress.com/

Supporting local artist just makes good sense. First, it allows you to find your own unique art work that can be purchased and signed by the artist. You can then have your own story to share with those that visit your office or home and be on your way to collecting art. Collecting art is like collecting anything - you find what you like and you make room for it, much like Tom suggests in his blog (above).

Next, it does a lot of good for a local artist who is pursuing his or her own creative life to create things of beauty to be admired by someone. And finally, it saves a ton of packaging and waste to pick up your own artwork through local artists.

But mostly, it allows you to be a part of a creative process that is uniquely your own and therefore nurturing and sustaining.

Arthaus 2008

Set your calendars for Arthaus 2008, an event to be held at EA&I Interiors Dec 4 - 7. Over 20 local fine artists will be displaying and promoting their work during this holiday arts festival. Hours are 1 - 6 PM each day and there is no charge to attend.

For those who may want assistance in developing their own personal art collection, art.com has the following suggestions:

Art Collecting Tips

Tips for beginning art collectors as well as for experienced art collectors.Good reminders for anyone interested in art or already collecting art.

Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it willenhance your life.

Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.

Visit and join your local art museums and non profit art centers.Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.

Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos whenever possible.

If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and whatthey've learned about collecting art.

Read books on art history and books about collecting art.

Subscribe to a few art magazines.

Read reviews by local and national art critics, keeping in mind that reviewsusually just reflect one persons opinion.

Working with a professional art advisor / art consultant is a good way to learn about art

collecting, and they will guide you through the process of purchasing art.

Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art,buy it, take it home and enjoy it.

Weekend of Arts

I spent the weekend immersed in art of all kinds.

First, a trip with my daughter to the Wichita Art Museum where I

was comforted and intrigued by some of my favorite artists. Did you know

that the Art Museum has FREE admission on Saturdays? What a great way

to invest an afternoon. It boasts one of the best - if not THE best - collection

of American Art with artists such as Robert Henri, Carol Wuermer, John Koch,

and of course, Mary Cassatt. I do not know why, but everytime I see the "Mother

and Child" I weep with emotion, so clear is the message of safety and nurturing.

It's difficult, though, to not exclaim when you see Dale Chihuly's Confetti Chandelier.

Go to his web site for an amazing tour de force of one of America's most enigmatic

and creative artists (www.Chihuly.com).

As October's warm weather turns decisively to cooler fall weather, I'll be holed up

with several at the upstairs loft of the shop with Nanowrimo 08. I won the event

two years ago, which means that I completed 50,000 words (novel length) in one

month. This year, I'm taking it a step further and encouraging others to join in the fun of creating their own novel in one month. Nanowrimo boasts several published authors but the

real goal of Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) is to encourage "lots of bad writing" so the good stuff can emerge. One well known book, "Water for Elephants" was written (at least the first draft or so) during an installment of this caffeine heavy event.

Go to Nanowrimo.org for more information. I am planning some "write-ins" for other aspiring wrimos so see you in November.

Home and what it means to us

Today's New York Times aptly focuses upon the idea of "home" at a time when so many are threatened with the loss that may incur during the financial chaos on Wall Street. Today's style magazine has a brilliant article by Miranda Seymour which defines home in a way that resonates with me. Seymour quotes from Marjorie Garber:


"...our relationships with our houses are as charged as our relationships with our loved ones. The house we adore, she writes, can represent lover, mother, body or self, fantasy, trophy, history and escape. Lover because a new house suggests "beginning life over again with a younger, more beautiful partner. Mother because a house makes you feel salfe. It contains ou, nurtures you and prepares you for the world outside.."

This week I opted to have a spur of the moment sale at our little shop inspired in part by some of my client's who were wanting a jump start on their gift giving season. I reluctantly arrived at the shop early Saturday morning and was busy cleaning up the garden and generally tidying up when a large car filled with people parked outside. We are busy with many clients so I didn't notice much about the group that arrived until it became apparent that they were more interested in the house than they were anything in it. They approached me and one of the women, Lisa, shared that this was her grandmother and the house was actually her mother's when she was a child. At that moment, I knew that me being at the shop on Saturday was more than about business. I was so honored to see the woman who had grown up at the shop and I was even more excited to hear some of the stories that she could share.

Over the next few weeks, I hope to post some pictures and some stories about one of the oldest existing homes in the Tulsa area and what it may have been..and meant...to a family. I think this is one of the greatest treasures of being able to design spaces -- finding meaning in the environements in which we inhabit.

Color 2009

I have a professional friend - a plumber - -who can walk into a plumbing supply store and become so excited at the simplest things. Plumbing parts that look like alien creatures to me are things of beauty to him and as he picks them up, he speaks of them reverently as if they are
holy creatures.

I have the same response to color, so when this year's color focus arrived from various sources I holed up for a couple of hours and enjoyed the reverie.

As much fun as it is to explore the new colors, I have a firm belief that the right color for a space is determined not so much by fad or fashion but by the intrinsic light and design for that space and of course, the client or those that are using the space. However, here is a brief review of what's new for 2009...

Color is definately on the move. Bold, saturated hutes that have been at the forefront of design now give way to a more complex, toned-down shades. This may be a result of a more somber attitude from consumers due to economic issues and uncertainty in the market. I think it is a nice shift and one that can produce elegant and understated elegance.

Look for more orange in '09 but less of the crayon-bright to more restrained shades, due in large part to global influences. For a punch, try adding bright fuschia or soft raspberry shades in small doses.

Blue continues to dominate yet you'll see more of the plums and purples and deep indigos. Again, color changes by what it is paired with, so look for neon greens, pinks, blacks to coordinate.

Greens still emerge as favorites and they become more elegant and sophisticated with muddier and more yellow bases. One trend that comes on strong in '09: pairing different greens (lime green wtih army green) to create an exciting, fresh palette.

The big news - netural greys starts taking center stage. Look for colors that are prevelent in stone and natural fibers and as always, play these up with strong yellows, blues, greens.

Color is the most magical, the most exciting force in any design. Remember the fun of a box of crayons and throw out the rules, color outside the lines and have fun. It's only color, it's only paint....explore and create with it.

I have been recuperating at home following a long week of illness. I have deposited my children at their respective colleges, made the long -- and yes, tearful - ride home and upon my return home, I found myself sick, sick, sick.

The weeks leading up to my kids' departure were hurried and frantic. I asked a million questions, got the requisite "eye ball" rolls, was assured at every turn that "yeah, mom, I got it handled.." only to get to their campuses and have to make the trips that I knew I'd make to department stores and discount stores. Where is the cable for the computer? Why is there no toilet paper in the bathroom? Where are the 'thingamagingys" that hold up the shower curtain?

I was able (thanks to my friends who have college kids) to know when to turn and softly leave my daughter's dorm room. I sensed the right time to not go back into my son's new apartment home, allowing him to make the trek away from me on his own. There are times when being a parent is all fun and games and there are times when being a parent is just plain hard -- and for me, the watching of my kids turning into their own lives was just plain hard. They are eager and ready and oh-so-independent and this is both a victory and a realization: If the role of being a parent is to make oneself not needed, then perhaps I have done my job too well. I guess I've always been an overachiever. For no matter how you parse it, children leaving home is an ending, a death in a sense, of what has been so that what can be can start. I believe in the power of good endings so that good beginnings can follow. I'm OK with the tears that puddle up when I see the kindergarteners in tow with their moms at Staples. And yeah, that box of bouncy balls on my desk are there because they are my daughter's and no, they aren't going anywhere for awhile. Their brightness and resilience speak to me of her and no other desk adornment could be any more appropriate right now.

When I returned home with empty rooms and heavy heart I took sick with a terrible sore throat (strep) and stayed down for a good three days. And again, learned that the world can operate without me at the helm which was both reassuring and somewhat terrifying.

All this to say a simple design principle that I relearned during this chaotic and meaningful time: make sure during times of transition and stress that there is at least one place in your home or space that is yours and yours alone. I made sure before all this change that I took the time (and money!!!) to redo my bathroom and bedroom and it is in these rooms where I have found comfort and peace as my kids have texted me about the joys of their new life.

"You must have a place to which you can go in your heart, your mind, or your house, almost every day, where you do not owe anyone and where no one owes you--a place that simply allows for the blossoming of something new and promising."---- Joseph Campbell

Tulsa's New BOK Center

I spent a good chunk of my holiday weekend visiting the new BOK Center of Tulsa. I watched groups perform, kids dance, people smile and "ahhh" at the 565,000 square feet building. I forked over $1 for concessions that will cost four times as much in upcoming weeks and shook my head again at how I missed out on getting Eagles tickets (the first of many venues coming to the show).

The space interests me primarily because of the architect, Cesar Pelli who at the young age of 81 designed the space even though he had never designed an arena before. Anyone that can tackle a new challenge like that has my vote. (Pelli has many beautiful buildings to his name, including Petronas Towers in Malaysia, the US Embassy in Tokyo, the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. My personal favorite - the renovation of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, a place where I often hung out when I lived on the East Coast.)

I have to admit I did tour the facility somewhat grudgingly. I am glad that T Town may be emerging into the 21 century with a facility such as this for sports and concerts. I have attended far too many events in some of the current venues and we are way past due on this type of facility. Still, though, I would enjoy driving to the new center on roads that don't threaten my car rims, and it is for that reason that I admired the now 32 million $ overbudget icon with some skepticism. If it brings in money to Tulsa and the current city administration can properly manage it and IF we can get new roads built, then I'll be grateful. To me, building a facility such as this without proper access is like building a new home without streets to the subdivision.

Nonetheless, the facility is beautiful - all gleaming and clean with a ribbon display around the center that has over 300,000 indivdual LEDS. I especially like the entrance which opens up to you as you walk into it, unlike the Ford Center in OKC which is like a fortress. The BOK center has for its inspiration The River, the shape of a circle (known in American Indian cultures as a spiritual sign) and of course the city's art deco culture. Read more about this
new member of the Tulsa community www.tulsworld.com/bokcenter.

Designing from inside out

I have that morning sluggishness which means only one thing: I've spent yet another night staying up way past my bedtime watching the 2008 Olympics. This year, the olympics has been an athletic treat while also providing amazing visual feasts.

I watched the opening ceremonies and was moved by the intricacy of the production. As I researched the creative minds that envisioned the production, I learned an interesting fact: the Olympic stadium was designed AFTER the opening ceremonies had been created. The stadium was created FOR the opening ceremonies, not the other way around.

I believe this approach gives voice to a design philosophy that I embrace: design around what is going on in the space, not around gadgets, furniture, or technology. While often flying in the face of vapid consumerism, I find that keeping what's important -- often people and their needs -- is at the heart of what good design, good art is all about.

No doubt, designing a multi media, diverse production such as the opening ceremonies of the olympics is a design project beyond any scale that I may ever do, I have to applaud the simplicity of approach that is universal: knowing who is using the space determines the course of the design.

The Mamma Mia Factor

I escaped the heat by ducking into my local theater to watch the movie version that features songs from my high school days. "ABBA" provided the background beat that my generation listened to as we "drug main" and other quaint rituals that no longer exist. (By the way, "dragging main" meant that you started at the A&W Root Beer Restaurant and then turned around and drove all the way down to the Sonic Drive In, got a coke and hung out with your friends, then repeated this until after midnight.)

This was before IPODS and downloadable music, when we would have to make a financial obligation to our music -- we'd have to purchase the entire album (CD's didn't exist) so when we made a committment with our music we were "all in". An entire paycheck would be spent to pick up the latest Fleetwood Mac, Eagles or Bee Gees tunes.

As I watched the movie, I became aware again of one truth: Music has the power to transport and transform in remarkable ways. The move is poorly acted, the editing is sub-part, the scenes agonizing. Still, I could not leave the theater when the music started: it had the power to concrete me to my seat and make me stay, no matter how badly Pierce Brosnan mucked up my favorite song.

Flat pictures in magazines and renovation design books can be beautiful but I often look at a design photo andand ask, "what music is being played in this space?" Few homes or businesses are devoid of music and I believe it is a strong influence in the overall way a space is inhabited. Music soothes and comforts, it energizes and revitalizes. It provides the space for grieving tears or celebratory shouts. It is an artform that is fluid, rich and alive.

It even provides a sacred space in a dingy neighborhood theater on a hot sultry day.

Disney's Future Home

Wanna see the future of the Great American Home?

Check out http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/07/09/style/disney-multimedia/index.html

David Rakoff's view of Disney's "Tomorrow" Home. Four years in the making, here is one rendition of the home for the future.

Colors of 2008

Looking for inspiration on color? Visit Sherwin Williams www.colororinspiration.com and enjoy personalized journeys in the magic of color. At this site, you can select images that appeal to you and voila, a personalized analysis of a palette will emerge. Even if you may not see the colors on the walls of your space, you can use those colors in other applications such as furniture, flooring and artwork.

Please note! EA&I will be closed during the week of June 30 - July 5 for summer inventory. We are also getting ready to unveil some big new enhancements for you including a signature furniture resource, new artists loft for local artists and much more! Make sure you visit us in July and watch for more exciting news!

Stuff and more stuff

When you look at the Haas-Lilienthal House (www.sfheritage.org), you might not think about the basement as the most interesting part. But as Gallagher points out in Chapter 10 of "House Thinking" the basement of this house marks a fundamental shift in the way that the original owners thought about their home. It was, in effect, the first "rec" room where the owners entertained, played and celebrated their family. (p192). This room was created in renovation where the house was planned around the family, a concept that I wholeheartedly endorse.

Thinking about one's environment, especially one as personal as their home, requires a steady focus, I think, on what is important and what is necessary. Designing a space requires understanding what, and who, is important and how these two components will live, quite literally, together.

For many of us, including myself, the summer is a time to stop and reflect. This is a great time to go through your space and try the following simple tasks:

1 - Find a storage area where you can make 4 piles. Use boxes or plastic organizers. 1 for "keeping" , 1 for giving away, 1 for "throwing away" and 1 for "not sure". This exercise is one of the first lists I give clients at the beginning of a renovation because renovation means to "innovate again". The first goal in doing that is to see the things and the space in a new light. As mentioned in previous posts, this takes guts and courage.

2 - If your space and "stuff" are large and the task is intimidating, call in reinforcements. Ask a friend to stop by, play some music, make it fun. As you wade through the space ask yourself these questions:

a - what item is meaningful to me? Even if it isn't the latest trend, your mother's box of treasures is something that needs to be kept and perhaps celebrated in your new space.

b - what item(s) need to go? If it is broken, not useable or simply just something you no longer value, put it in either the "give away" pile or the "throw away" pile. Most important: make a deadline or date that you will take that pile to the charity of your choice or to the dump. And keep that date, it's important!!

As you make space from these questions, you will find the space enlarges and gives way to a new function or a new ideas. It is an exercise that while challenging, can produce freeing and fun results.

By the way, "stuffing" stuff in a garage or closet until you "get around to it" will only detain the process and keep you stuck. Our garages and utility rooms have become the place where we dumps stuff that we no longer really want but can't yet part with. They are the transition spaces that can signal to us that the use for these items may be gone but we may still be holding on.

New Bathroom

The world's ugliest bathroom is now a beautiful oasis.

I can say that because the bathroom is my own. After years of thinking about it and planning it, I am now enjoying what I hope my clients enjoy -- a space that is uniquely their own and one that they look forward to inhabiting each day.

Although trendspotting is a part of a design, this bathroom is a good reason I recommend to avoid trends. I think fashion is one thing -- whereas style is quite another. At some point this "interesting" cultured marble was probably all the rage but it quickly became dated and after over 8 years was in dire need of an update.

In the photo at the left, there is still work to be done -- lighting needs installing and mirror needs hanging, but the progress is clear. Even cabinetry that needs a bit of color looks far better with a new counter top than the old.

I took the opportunity to do a complete clean out of closets and organizing and now a space that I dreaded to use is my favorite spot to visit.

House Thinking (4)

I have a confluence of ideas running through my head regarding this next entry. Maybe it is because I spent the weekend with many artists friends and that always inspires and excites. And the spring weather is in full swing and I've had several lovely evenings in my garden proving once again to me that yes, environments greatly impact how we think, feel, act.

And then there was this spot on article in Sunday's NYT that did what powerful articles written by skilled writers can do: it really made me think. I've been thinking about it all week since reading it.

The article (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/magazine/18wwln-lede-t.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=peggy%20orenstein&st=cse&oref=slogin) is about how women in impactful roles are perceived and I couldn't help but be pierced by it. My grown children (one male, one female) will be influenced in big ways by the way in which roles among women are changing.

So what does all this have to do with design?

Quite a lot, I think.

If we believe, as Winifred Gallagher suggests in her book "House Thinking" that we first shape our environments and then they shape us, then the development of people -- particularly those that inhabit the spaces that are designed, should be the key issue when designing spaces.

And so as we set forth in designing spaces for young people how do we do that best to encourage them to develop in ways that are conducive to creativity, imagination and intelligence?

That's a big question. Some might think that it is to cram all the latest technology into a space. Others might say open fields and simple accessories. Still others might imagine spaces that are devoid of any distrctions.

And all would be right.

Because for design to be "right" it has to first be personal. It has to fit the occupant and it has to be theirs. This takes a lot more than flipping through magazines and finding things that "look good" to make design functional and pleasing. It takes thought, effort and a willingness to know oneself or one's clients.

Tough stuff.

Prescription art?

I've been thinking about the upcoming Tulsa Blue Dome Arts Festival this weekend.

I have a special place in my heart for artists. The way I see it, they are more valuable to our national well being than anything because they think and see the world differently. Who better to solve the world's challenges than to have creative people thinking about things differently?

I remember the first time I was touched by color. I was living with my mother after dad left in a cramped apartment in Dallas. I was seven years old, the oldest of six very busy siblings. My mother, exhausted, sent me to the store on a cold, wet day in February to buy some milk. She gave me a faded $5 bill and told me to get bread and milk and to bring her home the change. (Milk was much less expensive then!)

I was seven. I was cold. I was looking for something warm and comforting.

After a frigid walk, I entered the convenience store where my eyes went right to them: a set of seven markers that glowed against the drab counters. It was as if the entire world was black and white and the markers exploded in front of me saying "Here! Here! Here!"

I looked at the bill in my hand. I looked around me. I made my decision.

Once at home, I told my mom, "They were out of milk but I got these instead!" Jubilantly, I pulled out the markers and watched my mom's horrific expression.

I don't remember much about what happened after that. I remember my mom crying. I remember feeling terrible about being so selfish. But I also remember that she let me keep the markers and I used them throughout that icy winter on all kinds of projects.

And my mom posted my creations all over the house. It was my first art gallery and my mom, my first patron.

There is a saying that I like, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" and I believe that. Who hasn't been slayed by a beautiful painting, felt tears emerge from a piercing song or stopped in awe at the colors in the sky?

Most artists give to their creative life in ways that are expensive in more ways that just financial. Artists deseserve our attention, our support, our appreciation. This weekend is a great opportunity to do just that.
http://www.bluedomeartsfestival.com/

Back by popular demand: Container Garden Workshop!

We are repeating last year's exciting container garden workshop on June 7, 2008. We will be having fun all day celebrating our business annivesary. Here are the details of the workshop:

1 - Reservations are required! Space is limited!

2 - Cost to participate in workshop - $30 which includes: soil, 5.5" pot, all flowers/plants. Take this home and enjoy in your own special space!

3 - Tulsa Master Gardeners are returning with all their knowledge and expertise on what to plant where and how to make container gardens that last and grow all season!

4 - Workshop time 2 - 4, other activities throughout the day!

You will also learn color in the garden from our designers. Wear comfy clothing and prepare to have fun learning in the garden.

By the way, if you haven't been the shop lately, come see our front garden which is now blooming and is lovely. We are also starting our outdoor garden in the back which will be developed more fully in the fall.

See you June 7!

House Thinking (3)

For most residential homes, the kitchen is a space that multi-functions as community room and dining area. It is the most likely place where a homeowner will renovate and it is the most expensive: the national average for a kitchen renovation is $43,800.

It is a fascinating study to observe how kitchens have morphed alongside women and their roles in family and society. In early America, kitchens were death traps with fires that often ignited long skirts and petticoats. This caused burns to be second only to childbirth as the leading cause
of death among women (p. 75, "House Thinking" Gallagher).

Though the cost of kitchen appliances and other components has skyrocketed, the actual usage of a kitchen has diminished. On average, we make only about a third of our dinner entrees from scratch and it is now estimated that one in four of foods made by supermarkets are up 40% since 1997 (P. 85). So even though we invest more than ever in kitchens outfitted with every gadget, we invest less time there than ever before. Further, it is noted that we are eating meals more alone than ever before making this one of the first times in history that mealtimes are not social activities. Indeed, today's kitchen have a more "look, don't cook" approach.

I find some interesting questions in all this. How would our kitchen and meal experiences be different if we designed the spaces around people instead of around the latest cooktop or microwave? How could those few moments we share as families be enhanced if the function of the kichen were to be restored as a place of community instead of visual consumerism?

House Thinking (2)

I was enthralled by the HBO miniseries "John Adams" for many reasons, not the least of which is that John Adams was the kind of politician that I most admire -- fiesty, opinionated and as his colleagues suggested during the continental congress "obnoxious and disliked". What a guy! I'd vote for him anyday over any of the choices I have now.

The series also did a fair job of showing the personalities of that part of history in a way let them be very human, which they very much were. But mostly, I liked the way it showed Thomas Jefferson and his penchant for architecture.

It may come as some surprise that interior design was originally done by men, and Jefferson was one of the best. He was obsessed with his home and declared, "Architecture is my delight and putting up, and pulling down, one of my favorite amusements." Jefferson's home, Monticello, is the only American home so honored to be placed on the World Heritage Sites. (p 32).
More importantly, Jefferson understood the idea that we first shape our environements and then they shape us. His entry and hallway, according to Gallagher, were designed to keep some visitors in -- and many others out. His entire home was around the idea that he could control those who entered its spaces simply by the way in which he designed the lighting, the spaces and the furnishings. (pp 31, 32). Perhaps our public spaces could serve better if we understood this approach that our behavior, our attitude -- even our thoughts -- are impacted greatly by our environments.

Too often, good design is compromised by the idea that a room should "look" a certain way. Perhaps it is a better approach to ask of spaces, "Does this room or closet or patio help me be the right self at the right time?" This question, like all many suggested by Gallagher, allows for a new idea that a space will mold and bend us but to what cause? Some rooms inspire. Some depress. Some soothe and some excite. Regardless the function, spaces can impact us in subtle and dramatic ways.

Lewis Renovation - Driveway

I will be posting our progress on the Lewis Property (16/Lewis). Here you see a major step in providing improved access to the property which will improve not only the beauty of the exterior but also the value of the home.

This home, located at 16/Lewis, was built in 1928 and resides in the Yorktowne historic district. The driveway was originally 7 feet wide.

The new driveway is now over 12 feet wide with a smoother approach from Lewis to the property.

Stay tuned for more results as we progress.

Her Space

Her first room was lavender with a large wisteria border that circled the room. White furniture and small stuffed animals were everwhere. I created a balloon shade out of polkda dot linen that let in dappled sunlight. I remember holding her while she cried with ear infections and seeing the soft sun through the dots. Those sunny dots calmed me so that I could calm her.

Her next room was red with ivory furniture and another shade that had small trellis of flowers running down its side. This room was smaller than the first but it holds big memories. This is where she had her first "big girl" bed. Here, I remember dressing her for dance recitals (which she hated) and for Halloween trick or treating (which she loved).

Next came the "horse room" with posters of ponies and wildflowers. This was a room full of new 'firsts". Sleepovers and diaries and lots and lots of clothes strewn everywhere were the backdrop for her school life. This is where she brought home her first backpack, her first team jersey, her first report card.

Today, her room is orange and yellow and yes, there are still clothes piled on the floor, piled on the bed, piled in her laundry basket. D-R-E-A-M lines her bathroom walls along with pictures of her teammates and friends. Tonight she preps for her senior prom and in a few weeks she turns 18 and soon this room -- this space -- will be just something that she returns to on weekends home from college. I walk in and see her everywhere, my heart full of all that I had hoped for and amazed at how she has exceeded every idea, every thought of her.

Her space and her world are growing and changing. Though the job of a parent is to make oneself not needed, my happiness for her her is eclipsed with the understanding that this space, like me, will soon only be a background for her next life events.

I stooped to pick up the laundry basket and wondered if she'll remember the time we selected the orange paint and spent all weekend designing her room into the room she envisioned. I wonder if she'll remember the times we talked into the night about school and practice and friends and grades. I wonder, will she cherish this space as I do along with the memories of her.

Light Height Done Right

Lighting is one of the components of design in which often gets cast to the side in lieu of other elements such as furniture, wall color and window treatments. That's unfortunate because lighting will impact a space in dramatic ways and can create challenges in using the room to its fullest potential.

I encourage clients to consider their lighting plan as a part of their furnishings and to budget accordingly. Generally, 1/5 - 1/3 of the overall furnishing budget is a good start. I'll discuss design budgeting in a later post.

One of the most challenging parts of lighting is often in selecting the correct height. Failing to do this can result in eyestrain, headaches or the accidental pairing of a brown sock with a blue one. Based on the average hight of a woman (5' , 6 inches) here are recommended placement heights for the task lighting commonly found in the bedroom:

Dresser top:

For a dresser top that is used for grooming, place two lights 36 inches apart. Assuming the dresser reaches your waits, the lights should rise 22 inches from the dresser top.

Bedside:

For bedside reading lamps, the bottom of the shade should be 20 inches above the top of your bed. If you night table is extremely tall or short, choose lamps with heights that compensate.

Desktop:

At a desk, work lamps should be 15 inches above the desk's surface, whether mounted on a wall or sitting on a desk.

Welcome to Angles

Welcome to the debut of Angles! This space is designed for your space, whether it is a brand new apartment, corner office or a great backyard. The designers at EA&I interiors will be bringing you the very best we have to offer on ways to make your space truly your own.

Over the next several posts, we will be discussing a great resource titled "House Thinking" by Winifred Gallagher. This book fits well with the idea that great homes are best designed aroun
people, not products:

"The well-thought-out home has much less to do with a piece of prime real estate or the latest decorating trend than with its responsiveness to deep evolutionary needs, personal preferences, and cultural influences that we're often only sublimnally aware of. We may not have words for these satisfactions, but they infuse our favorite houses and apartments and make us feel at home"

Page 3, "House Thinking" by Winifred Gallagher (Harper Perennial)

We hope you will stop by and visit here and in our showroom:

411 W Broadway Ave

Broken Arrow, OK 74012

918.251.7600