In a nutshell, how does your aesthetics relate to how you live?

[Arn213]

Arn, an interesting sociological aspect occurred to me while reading your last post. Thinking back to my parents getting started with a household (they were married in 1957), their choices in furniture/design was limited to what was gifted to them or local stores. Sears, and a couple locally owned furniture stores were it. Galesburg (pop, 35,000) was the largest town. Any town larger was 1.5 hour drive minimum. Small town stores stocked what sold. I know my parents would have loved Stickley's designs, but may have only seen his furniture in magazines. Probably to see anything Stickley in a store would have meant a trip to Chicago, which back then would have meant an overnight stay.

Nothing wrong or right, good or bad about any of this, just interesting how regional differences/availabilities shaped our perceptions, tastes and designs.

Of course, that has all changed now with the internet, where anything can be had if you have the budget, or the ability to build it yourself.

Yes, you are correct with your observations. Certain movements when it comes in Art and Design can impart a certain style to certain regions of the country (trends or fads). Just think about the other style movements in the 1900’s w/ Art Noveau, Art Deco, Aesthetics Movement, International Style, Neo-Classicism, Victorian, Post modernism, Modernism, MCM (mid century modern), etc. that some states embraced it more than others and the most prominent movements tend to become more dominant in bigger market cities like LA, Chicago, Boston, NY, etc. The bigger markets tend to get a wider selection and more variety- kind of still the same way in today’s market environment. But, like you said with rise of the internet, it gave us consumers more options and those manufacturer’s and vendors can reach more consumers because of the technology. I am still more old school meaning if I see something for a client of mine and I think a piece will work and the price is within the budget- I won’t order it right away. I will actually go to the showroom and make sure the specs. line up and that it is comfortable and it’s well made. Sometimes you have to bring the client to make sure that it works for them for safe measure.

One of my golden rule that I follow is that I have to like it enough to own it (criteria and requirements that has to line up with my check list)- otherwise I will not recommend it and the value has to be there. I follow the same rules with guitars and the woods and the components that go with it- among other things.

One a side note…….
Chicago was prominent state during The Arts & Crafts movement in America- The Hull House & Jane Adams, The Chicago Arts & Craft Society, small specialty shops specializing in Arts & Crafts who had highly skilled craftsman’s that had specialized trade niche, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park & Robbie House, Homes in Beverly Morgan Park to name a few help led the movement on reviving traditional crafts, putting great value on craftsmanship/hand crafted details and the connection to nature.

American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Company's factory located at Crystal Lake, IL produced molded art pottery which was associated with The Prairie School and FLW.

 

[Arn213]

Not driven by anesthetics, more like addictions. Nice plaster, wood, stone, antique lighting, sterling, fine linen. Follow your passions. They lead to a wonderful journey.

There has to be something appealing to your eyes where it catches your attention first. Aesthetic has to be present otherwise you will not be able to group which piece goes together and what looks right together in a space or in a design or whatever it might be. I’ve seen what you do and it has more of a European flair without me putting you into a box as far as decorative arts is concern. You can confirm what I just stated w/ Kathie.

 

[Arn213]

Aesthetics>math for you, Arn, it seems (I'm supposing you meant 180° rather than 360 and right back in line with that you suggest you oppose).

Here's a start for my aesthetic living... sleeping pup while I kick my feet up.

View attachment 273160

I'll try to remember to add, when amd if I get vertical again.

I did that and this is what I kind of expected from you (don’t ask me why)- American classic. Every proper man has to have a leather club chair (or lounge chair). The color of the leather and the natural wear I do gravitate to, but the comfort and smell is part of it.

I also see a classic Windsor chair- more American than English. So is there a Harvest table in your dining room?

Give us a little more Henry.

 

[Arn213]

@Mike Hill- you do fit the bill as your eclectic taste does mirror all the different things that you talk, do and collect here at the forum. Interesting and intriguing.

“Rustic, lodge, Adirondack”- I can live with as well. I have no problem of mixing paint and oiled natural wood on furniture like on a harvest table, bench, armoire, console, buffet or whatever. As long as it has a slight aged feel and that tactile element. It has to be oiled finish (film or oil based) though as I look at the back end of it meaning that as it ages, it will slightly yellow and that a usually gives the furniture added warmth, which translates to a more inviting and comfortable room/space. That is a must as I am not a fan of sterile, new type of finishes AND should not be on Americana, New England, Country, Rustic, Colonial, Provincial type of furniture.

 

[SENC]

I did that and this is what I kind of expected from you (don’t ask me why)- American classic. Every proper man has to have a leather club chair (or lounge chair). The color of the leather and the natural wear I do gravitate to, but the comfort and smell is part of it.

I also see a classic Windsor chair- more American than English. So is there a Harvest table in your dining room?

Give us a little more Henry.

Like everyone else, we've surrounded ourselves with a collection of things from different periods. Some one grandmother or the other collected, some by a parent or other, some by us.

The other side of the same room as above.


A peak from the kitchen through the dining room and into the living room.

 

[Arn213]

Like everyone else, we've surrounded ourselves with a collection of things from different periods. Some one grandmother or the other collected, some by a parent or other, some by us.

The other side of the same room as above.
View attachment 273265

A peak from the kitchen through the dining room and into the living room.
View attachment 273266

Henry- it appears you will not need my Interior Design services. Well done both architecturally and decoratively- you and your family should be proud and happy w/ your forever home as it is both gorgeous and fabulous (little side ha, ha w/ Mike Hill).

So I think we have to close this thread for further response . Party at Henry’s house, but bring your own brisket.

Arn
PS- I love orchids. I had 40 of them at one time and it was labor of love.

 

[Mike Hill]

Like everyone else, we've surrounded ourselves with a collection of things from different periods. Some one grandmother or the other collected, some by a parent or other, some by us.

The other side of the same room as above.
View attachment 273265

A peak from the kitchen through the dining room and into the living room.
View attachment 273266

Well done my friend!!

 

[Mike Hill]

...... Every proper man has to have a leather club chair (or lounge chair). The color of the leather and the natural wear I do gravitate to, but the comfort and smell is part of it.

Ok, that explains the reason I'm not "A Proper Man". Well, truth be told, sure it's not the main reason, but I'll concede. But I still don't got no leather chair. Not for lack of trying! Twice I've found old buttery soft, gorgeously aged and patinated tanned learher chairs that fit the big gluteus well! But both times had to go look for my decorator and boss for her ok. Both times, before I could get back to the booth, they were gone. Que sera!!!

Does the leather seats in my F150 count?

 

[Mike Hill]

@Mike Hill- you do fit the bill as your eclectic taste does mirror all the different things that you talk, do and collect here at the forum. Interesting and intriguing.

“Rustic, lodge, Adirondack”- I can live with as well. I have no problem of mixing paint and oiled natural wood on furniture like on a harvest table, bench, armoire, console, buffet or whatever. As long as it has a slight aged feel and that tactile element. It has to be oiled finish (film or oil based) though as I look at the back end of it meaning that as it ages, it will slightly yellow and that a usually gives the furniture added warmth, which translates to a more inviting and comfortable room/space. That is a must as I am not a fan of sterile, new type of finishes AND should not be on Americana, New England, Country, Rustic, Colonial, Provincial type and style of furniture.

Shaker would be way up there also, along with many Moras! I could have a houseful!

 

[SENC]

Henry- it appears you will not need my Interior Design services. Well done both architecturally and decoratively- you and your family should be proud and happy w/ your forever home as it is both gorgeous and fabulous (little side ha, ha w/ Mike Hill).

So I think we have to close this thread for further response . Party at Henry’s house, but bring your own brisket.

Arn
PS- I love orchids. I had 40 of them at one time and it was labor of love.

I dont deserve any credit. Other than for marrying well.

 

[Firewood Potter]

When I get a chance I will post a pic of my first piece of Arts/Crafts furniture. Actually the first piece of furniture wife and I bought in 1973. I had never seen a piece that I appreciated until then. Stickley style became an obsession.
Let’s get some more from others and it can be any style. I don’t think Arn intended this to be about a single style. What pleases one may not be another’s choice.

 

[Arn213]

Ok, that explains the reason I'm not "A Proper Man". Well, truth be told, sure it's not the main reason, but I'll concede. But I still don't got no leather chair. Not for lack of trying! Twice I've found old buttery soft, gorgeously aged and patinated tanned learher chairs that fit the big gluteus well! But both times had to go look for my decorator and boss for her ok. Both times, before I could get back to the booth, they were gone. Que sera!!!

Does the leather seats in my F150 count?

I was saying that in jest- well somewhat. It has a lot of back bone in history traditionally used by men and originated in clubs in Europe (France) and found it’s way into our homes such as the library, home office, den, family room and man caves- for relaxing, reading, socializing, drinking, smoking your favorite cigar and for forging business deals (you have to have a pair of these for that purpose and set it in your library or office, have a little bar ready). The original one’s from France were robust and voluptuous- they had big full curves, deeper seat, low back and sumptuous arms. They have that signature deep leather scent, slightly oily, burnished and they deepen in color and a natural patina that developed over time.

The one that I tried not once, but maybe a half a dozen times was an antique and where else but in an antique shop in NYC- they came from France made during the Art Deco period (ca 1930). When you sat on them, whatever infill they had on the seat as you sat on it, acted like a memory foam and it slowly depleted as you sat there and stop when it hits that comfortable height- it was nothing I have ever experienced and these particular one’s when you are in them they didn’t have this air around them and they hugged you comfortably, and they felt like an old well fit glove or shoes. The leather smelled like lignum vitae or old leather binding, not moldy or musty.

Arn
PS- yes the leather seats on your F150 do count.

 

[Arn213]

I dont deserve any credit. Other than for marrying well.

My compliments to whoever is deserving of designing and decorative work as there was a lot of planning, a lot of effort, a lot of work, even money and patience that has went into these spaces. It is evident with the furniture layout, the color scheme, accessories used, the woodworking and the interior architectural detailing (wainscoting, trims, over doors, transoms, coffered ceiling, the paneled stair walls, etc.). Perfectly balancing the opening using 2 Demi-lune consoles, adding a bench in the hallway with a pie table, contrasting use of solid wood and glass on surface planes, good use of having a large and proportional size area rug for the rooms, nice touch having the drapery panels on rods, great visual flow from dining and living room and really good fenestration from the dining and the living room (parlor). What I am saying to you is I can appreciate every single thing you all did in these spaces and cumulatively did really well without any outside professional help. Thank you for sharing Henry.

Arn

 

[Mike1950]

When I get a chance I will post a pic of my first piece of Arts/Crafts furniture. Actually the first piece of furniture wife and I bought in 1973. I had never seen a piece that I appreciated until then. Stickley style became an obsession.
Let’s get some more from others and it can be any style. I don’t think Arn intended this to be about a single style. What pleases one may not be another’s choice.

73 was my first piece of furniture. Inherited the oak desk in 2023

 

[Mike Hill]

PS- I love orchids. I had 40 of them at one time and it was labor of love.

I am not allowed to have indoor plants, and have too many trees that drop limbs, walnuts, etc... to have a real greeenhouse. So - no orchids. Used to get my orchid fix by going to a local mansion/plantation that was changed into a museum/botanical garden (supposedly). It is located in/near that dreaded Belle Meade place that @SENC made mention of. It had a greenhouse chock full of orchids - a collection that had been donated to it by the estate of a deceased major collector. They also once housed a wonderful Bonsai collection in the greenhouses - not sure that exists anymore.

 

[Mike1950]

I am not allowed to have indoor plants, and have too many trees that drop limbs, walnuts, etc... to have a real greeenhouse. So - no orchids. Used to get my orchid fix by going to a local mansion/plantation that was changed into a museum/botanical garden (supposedly). It is located in/near that dreaded Belle Meade place that @SENC made mention of. It had a greenhouse chock full of orchids - a collection that had been donated to it by the estate of a deceased major collector. They also once housed a wonderful Bonsai collection in the greenhouses - not sure that exists anymore.

Once I had beautiful orchids.. keep them in bay window in living room. They loved it there. That is until 16 yr old son, decided one 15 degree day, to open bay window to cool house down.

 

[Arn213]

73 was my first piece of furniture. Inherited the oak desk in 2023

View attachment 273294

View attachment 273295

I am amazed every time I see your mosaic area rug! But, with the gorgeous floor and the 2 wall vignette’s with the fury of beauties, I have a hard time focusing where to look and what to look at- well, that does bring back memories when you were young and single (ha, ha).

 

[Sprung]

I'm not sure there's necessarily a design aesthetic running through our home. I think practical family living would be a good way to describe how our home is furnished and decorated. Our furnishings are really a mix of things. There are some family hand-me-downs and heirlooms, some items that we obtained used (either purchased or free), some things we've purchased new (with some of those items, admittedly, being particle board pieces), and some pieces I've built (including some of the first pieces I ever made). Same with decor - a mix of things given to us/family heirlooms, things we like that we've obtained, pictures, things with meaning, some things that just look nice, etc.

My wife and I do have certain tastes when it comes to design. If I'm building or designing something, I really like taking influence from Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, Stickley, Shaker, and similar styles. My wife tends to like these same styles as well.

But to say our home has a certain design aesthetic would perhaps be, well, laughable. I'd say our design aesthetic is typical busy family home with a mix of sources of furnishings and decor that meets our needs, suits us, fits within our budget, and is comfortable for us.

 

[Arn213]

My very first taste of orchids was seeing them all over Hawai’i. I use to work right behind the flower district (which is now non existent) and I will stroll down before or after work or during lunchtime where the shops would have a grouping of them at the window or as you enter. I bought a pot of orchids, then one led to another and another. I picked up a book on orchids as I was fascinated by their beauty, fragrant, colors, shapes and size. I also had a perfect spot for them as I had a wood ledge close to 12” deep and I had about 12 foot of continuous window wall that faced people’s garden in Chelsea. They were always a joy to come home too and they really add a good vibe to an interior as house plants as they add softness, energy, calmness and beauty to what could be a sterile environment.

 

[Sprung]

Perhaps an interesting follow-up discussion on design aesthetic could be one of function vs. form. Whether it's the design aesthetic of our homes/lives or of a specific piece or set of pieces we're designing or building, there is always that pull between form and function and which one will (or needs to) carry more weight.