I recently came across a home filled with bold art and unusual décor. The living room features a two-story art installation made of rubber masks. The fireplace surround is tiled with military dog tags and is reminiscent of a mirrored disco ball. A photograph of stacked bacon is on display in the dining area. (I initially thought it was an abstract oil painting.) And a series of ketchup “portraits” hang in a stairwell.
The homeowner describes his unique art collection as the yang to his career as an attorney.
“I work in a courtroom with judges and rules, where the thinking can be fairly constricted. Talking and dealing with people who function on a completely different level is a creative outlet for me.” – Andrew Weinstein, homeowner
It made me wonder if other people use their home’s décor as a way of balancing out their day jobs. It’s not really something I’ve thought about before. I’m reminded of designers and artists who work with color and patterns all day but prefer to keep their home’s palette and vibe relatively quiet as a relief from their work’s visual stimulation. I also think about makers like Amy Butler, Ariele Alasko and Maryanne Moodie who incorporate their work into their décor. Of course, there are those who seem to have no boundaries between work and home. Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler come to mind. Looking back to when I was working as a pharmacist, I did feel stifled creatively at work. Maybe that’s why I turned to decorating on my days off.
I’d love to know if / how your job affects your décor. Are you a teacher or daycare provider who craves an orderly retreat after working with messy kids all day? Is your job very technical in nature? Does it inspire a more creative home space or does the precision follow you home? I know a woman who cleans houses for a living but lets her own home go because cleaning up feels too much like her job.
You can read more about the aforementioned art-filled home here. Another interesting topic that caught my attention in the article was the idea of creating a home not based on style but focusing instead on how you live. Anyway, just some interesting thoughts to get your wheels turning on a Monday. Where did the weekend go?!
images: Richard Powers for Dwell
inspiration, interior design