Matchbook Magazine, January 2015 by Matchbook Magazine

AT HOME

with

BENJAMIN & GENIFER S O H R of Pencil + Paper

Development Co.

Issue No. 48 JANUARY 2015

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J A N UA R Y 2015

I S S U E No. 4 8

S TA P L E S 12 NOTE FROM

K ATIE + JANE

14 DATE BOOK 16 EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WISH LISTS

Neutral Territory Resolutions Marsala

68 JUST MARRIED 70 ODDS & ENDS

Cover: G E N S O H R at home in Nashville Photography by Leslee Mitchell

PAGE

THE MATCHBOOK GIRL . . .

hits the gym in new sneaks. sends extra snail mail. eats fresh greens. attempts to be an early bird. saves for an adventure. makes time to give back. welcomes the New Year.

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ÂŠ 2014 Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.

verabradley.com

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PA GE

histor y

LESSON 22 10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT...

Mary Cassatt

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24 KINDRED SPIRIT

Mary Cassatt

PA GE

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F E AT U R E S 26 CORAL & TUSK

In the whimsical Brooklyn studion with founder Stephanie Housley

44 NASHVILLE NEST

At home in with Benjamin and Genifer Sohr, the husband and wife duo behind Pencil and Paper Development Co.

PA GE

18 PAGE

CONTRIBUTORS THANK YOU

LESLEE MITCHELL

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Photographer Nashville, TN

RIMA BRINDAMOUR

Photographer Brooklyn, NY

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TINK+ TIGER 10

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T I N K A N DT I G E R . C O M

THE MATCHBOOK TEAM K ATIE ARMOUR

co-founder editorial director JANE LILLY WARREN

co-founder creative director GAIL EARLY

global sales sales@matchbookmag.com

CATHY HIGGERSON

copy editor

JORDAN BL ASER

design intern

nautically inspired bracelets handcrafted in newport, rhode island www.lemonandline.com

January 2015 N OT E F R O M K AT I E & J A N E

W elcome to January, Matchbook girls! We are so looking forward to a new year with new

adventures. January always gives us reason to pause and reflect, to set new goals, and chase new dreams. Perhaps you want to learn a new language in 2015 or plan to set aside time to volunteer. Whatever it is you've resolved to do we wish you the best in your endeavors. We hope the incredible creatives featured in this issue inspire you to chase your new dreams. Stephanie Housley of Coral & Tusk Studio knows a thing or two about following one's passion. An embroidery designer with a background in textiles, Stephanie has built a bustling business on her love of nature, wildlife, and design. The charming Coral & Tusk Studio showroom in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is where Stephanie's imagination runs wild. Everything from throw pillows to table linens are emblazoned with her whimsical embroideries and retailers around the globe can't get enough. Next time we hand you a cocktail you can bet it will be Stephanie's handiwork on the accompanying napkin! This month's cover stars, Gennifer and Benjamin Sohr, are familiar Matchbook faces. We simply can't get enough of the husband and wife duo's smart style. Based in Nashville, the Paper & Pencil Development Co. founders welcomed us into their (now former) home for a peek. Given the thoughtful interiors it's hard to imagine the digs were temporary! Clearly the Sohr family takes pride in their surroundings and beautify everything they touch. Gen and Ben have certainly inspired some redecorating in 2015.

Wishing you a happy, healthy start to the new year! KATIE + JANE

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January 2015 DAT E B O O K 1: THE FIRST TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

18: THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE

PARADE IS HELD IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

IN NEW YORK CIT Y HOSTS ITS FIRST JAZZ

(1890)

CONCERT (1944)

3: CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE

19: NATIONAL POPCORN DAY

BROOKLYN BRIDGE (1870) 20: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 5: DIANE KEATON IS BORN IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (1946)

21: SPANISH COUTURIER CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA IS BORN IN GETARIA, SPAIN

7: AMERICAN ST YLE ICON CAROLYN

(1895)

BESSETTE-KENNEDY BORN IN WHITE PL AINS, NEW YORK (1966)

23: ITALIAN HEIRESS AND ST YLE ICON MARCHESA CASATI BORN IN MIL AN, ITALY

8: THE MONA LISA IS EXHIBITED IN THE

(1881)

U.S. FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART IN WASHINGTON, DC (1963)

24: AMERICAN AUTHOR EDITH WHARTON BORN IN NEW YORK CIT Y (1862)

9: CATHERINE, DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE, IS BORN IN BERKSHIRE, ENGL AND (1982)

25: FIRST WINTER OLYMPICS COMMENCE IN THE FRENCH ALPS (1924)

10: FIRST MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS (1946)

26: THE WORLD'S L ARGEST DIAMOND, THE CULLINAN, IS FOUND IN SOUTH AFRICA,

11: NATIONAL HOT TODDY DAY

WEIGHING 3,106.75 CARATS (1905)

14: MARILYN MONROE MARRIES JOE

27: WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART IS BORN

DIMAGGIO AT SAN FRANCISCO CIT Y HALL

IN SALZBURG, AUSTRIA (1756)

(1954) 28: NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY 15: QUEEN ELIZABETH I CROWNED IN ENGL AND (1559)

29: OPRAH WINFREY IS BORN IN KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI (1954)

17: FRENCH SONGSTRESS FRANÇOISE MADELEINE HARDY BORN IN PARIS, FRANCE (1944)

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30: NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

“ This

culinary team is having some serious fun. ” - CHARLESTON CITY PAPER

Experience the tastes of the season, inspired by locally sourced ingredients and culinary artistry.

AT THE VENDUE 19 VENDUE RANGE

843.414.2334

CHARLESTON, SC |

DRAWINGROOMRESTAURANT.COM matchbook 15

NEUTRAL TERRITORY K ATIE ARMOUR , E DITORIAL DIREC TOR

Kicking off the new year with a clean slate... 3

1. Rodin Candle, Barneys, $125 2. Moravian Star Pendant Light, Wayfair, $259 3. Botanical No. 2 by Mia Carameros, Buddy Editions, $50 4. Serge Chair, Jayson Home, $750 5. Brass Bordered Stone Jar, Williams-Sonoma Home, $69 6. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, J.Crew, $130 7. Chevron Knit Blanket, High Street Market, $195 8. Raccoon iPhone Case, Shopbop, $45 9. Tivoli Model Three BT Radio, MOMA 16

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Store, $350

E D I TOR'S

w i sh li st

3 1

4 5

7 8

9 10

1. Micro Dot Cache Pot, West Elm, $12 2. Mohair Fuzzy-Stripe Sweater, J.Crew, $114 3. Gemstone Ring Box, Calypso St. Barth, $145 4. Chevron Flip-Top Gloves, Target, $13 5. Current Elliott Jeans, Net-A-Porter, $170 6. Mini Clover Ring, Shopbop, $150 7. Moonstone Earrings, J.Crew, $76 8. Gray Shagreen Garden Seat, Williams-Sonoma Home, $650 9. Embroidered Eye Pillow, Urban Outfitters, $39 10. Cashmere Rib-Knit Beanie, Barneys, $150 11. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Naked, Nordstrom, $32

RESOLUTIONS JANE LILLY WARREN , CRE ATIVE DIREC TOR

Colorful ways to jumpstart 2015 goals. 5 3

1. Nike Roshe Run Printed Shell Sneakers, Net-a-Porter, $80 2. Wheels Up Canvas Passport Cover, Persifor, $38 3. Tory Burch for Fitbit Caged Metal Bangle, Bloomingdale's, $195 4. Tibetan Sheepskin Throw, Fibre by Auskin, $1,200 5. Acrylic Desktop Dock, Russell+Hazel, $16 6. Kate Spade New York Clock, Macy's, $50 7. Shaping Compression Close-Fit Pant, Spanx, $98 8. The Mat 3mm, Lululemon, $58 18

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E DI TOR'S

w i sh li st

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1. 2015 Classic Desk Calendar, Sugar Paper, $56 2. Pin Dot Napkins in Kelly Green Set, Serena & Lily, $25 3. Green Kitchen Travels, Anthropologie, $35 4. Mauviel Copper Oval Stewpan with Lid, Williams-Sonoma, $610 5. Stella McCartney Barricade Jacket, Adidas, $110 6. Retro Floral Ring One-Piece Swimsuit, J.Crew, $110 7. Cuisinart Smartpower 7-Speed Blender, Bed Bath & Beyond, $70 8. Polaroid Socialmatic, Photojojo, $300 9.

Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary in Genuine Goatskin Leather, Amazon, $135 matchbook

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MARSALA J ORDAN B L A S E R , DES IG N INTE RN

Toasting the New Year with Pantone's 2015 color. 5

7 6 8

1. Tobias Throw Blanket, AllModern, $44 2. Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio, Sephora, $28 3. Pure Marsala Matte Lip Creme, Sephora, $18 4. Marled Sweater, Joe Fresh, $20 5. Forecast Boot in Wine, Nasty Gal, $65 6. Tramp Stamp Nail Lacquer, Butter London, $15 7. Large Metro Tote, MZ Wallace, $215 8. Patent Short Skirt, Zara, $20 20

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E DI TOR'S

w i sh li st

1 2

7 8

1. Moscow Tweed Faux Fur Collared Coat, French Connection, $280 2. K45 Elite Brewing System, Keurig, $119 3. Marsala Red Rose Petals Watercolor, Etsy, $304. Abbot Felted Wool Fedora, MyTheresa, $261 5. Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, Z Willing Online, $150 6. Jay Street Ashti Pom Pom Pillow Cover, West Elm, $54 7. Everett Upholstered Sofa, West Elm, $799 8. Paddle Stripe Cotton Dhurrie Rug, Serena & Lily,

$98

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10 Things You Didn't Know About...

MARY CASSATT

merican artist Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926) is best known today for her tender paintings of mothers with their children. Read on for some lesser known facts of this key player of the Impressionist movement.

1. Cassatt knew she wanted to be a painter early on. She enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia at only fifteen, but soon grew frustrated with the establishment's sexist attitudes (women pupils weren't allowed, for example, to paint from live models). She dropped out of the Academy, setting her sights on Europe. 2. Cassatt's well-to-do father insisted he would rather see his daughter dead than living overseas as a "bohemian." Determined to become a professional artist, she went to Europe anyway. 3. In Paris, Cassatt took private art lessons at the Louvre. Her days were spent copying the work of the great masters.

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4. Cassatt's first break came in 1868 when one of her paintings was selected by the well-respected Paris Salon. She submitted her painting under the name "Mary Stevenson" distancing herself from her father's ill wishes. 5. Early in her career Cassatt struggled to sell her paintings stateside. Some of her work was tragically destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. 6. The Archbishop of Pittsburgh commissioned Cassatt to paint copies of two Correggio paintings. She traveled back to Europe for the task, this time to Parma, Italy,. 7. In France, Cassatt's work eventually caught the eye of Edgar Degas and the two painters formed a lasting friendship. Degas invited Cassatt to exhibit with the Impressionists and she graciously accepted.

They often visited one another's painting studios which were a short fiveminute walk apart. 8. Later in her career Cassatt served as an advisor to many serious American collectors. She worked with them only on the condition that their acquisitions would eventually be bequeathed to American museums. 9. In 1910 Cassatt visited Egypt with her brother, Gardner, and found her artistic confidence rattled. She felt her talent paled in comparison to the ancient art. Gardner died when they returned home and Cassatt didn't paint again for over a year. 10. Cassatt lost her vision to diabetes in 1915 and was forced to give up painting completely. Sadly, the once passionate painter lived in almost complete blindness until her death in 1926.

Self-portrait by Mary Cassatt, c.1878 matchbook

5 4

reimagined for a new age

MARY CASSATT

1. Southern Pecan Pie, Dean & Deluca, $652. Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Amazon, $23 3. Dining Room Measuring Spoons, Anthropologie, $28 4. Cambridge Cable Turtleneck, J.Crew, $114 5. Forget Me Knot Earrings, Shopbop, $25 6. Manhattan Matches Art Print, Buddy Editions, from $50 7. Shinola Runwell Watch,

Nordstrom, $800 8. Natalee Smoking Slipper, Nordstrom, $65 9. Metropolitan Museum of Art Snow Globe, The Met Store, $45 10. Cut Corners Mirror, Terrain, $348 11. Dehn Spring in Central Park Umbrella, The Met Store, $40 12. Darci Scarf, Club Monaco, $89 13. Typewriter Bookends, Wayfair, $61 14. Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat, J.Crew, $402 15. Upholstered Loveseat, Target, $41016. Sofia Throw, Serena & Lily, $295

8 11

15 17

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C O R AL & TUS K P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y R I M A B R I N DA M O U R

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hances are youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come across the embroidered loveliness of Coral & Tusk while perusing one of your favorite local boutiques. The wildly successful Brooklyn-based company founded by husband and wife team Chris Lacinak and Stephanie Housley is known for their whimsical embroidery depicting wildlife and outdoor adventure. From throw pillows covered with feather plumes to cocktail napkins emblazoned with tipis, the Coral & Tusk archive is bursting with charm and imagination. Matchbook paid Stephanie a visit at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Williamsburg showroom for a glimpse behind the embroidery magic. matchbook

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN TEXTILE DESIGN?

I never saw a woman in my family with idle hands. They were always making things—lace, dollies, food— or gardening. My greatgrandmother made lace;my grandmother made dolls. I’ve always done embroidery for fun, just little projects at night and when I traveled. It was a long road to discover textiles though. I toyed with glass and then furniture design before discovering the textiles department as a sophomore at Rhode Island School of Design. I fell in love with it and it was an absolutely perfect match. I received a BFA in textiles from RISD and moved to NYC in February 1999, where I worked until October 2012 as a textile designer for a woven fabric mill that produced interior fabrics. While I had a wonderful job and career path, I’ve always particularly loved embroidery since it is drawing with thread. Drawing is my passion and embroidering those drawings makes them come to life. The tactile quality of stitches on cloth adds such a special spirit. W H AT I N S P I R E D Y O U T O FOUND CORAL & TUSK?

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I come from a long line of Appalachian women who could make something of nothing. Years ago I set out to buy a memory game for a friend’s child and was dismayed to see what had come of a beloved childhood game! I decided I would make an embroidered game, all nautically themed, from A to Z. About halfway through, I realized it was going to take forever to make all fifty-two pieces (The alphabet times two!). After a lot of research, I discovered a machine with software that would allow me

to maintain the mark-making when creating the embroidered design. And that was it. D O Y O U H AV E A FAV O R I T E P I E C E FROM YOUR COLLECTION?

I love our pocket dolls the most . . . It would be too difficult to choose a favorite among them because they feel like my friends and pets. I am so pleased with the way they feel in your hand, their costumes, stories, and accessories, and their expressions are so telling of their

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“I NEVER SAW A WOMAN IN MY FAMILY WITH IDLE HANDS. THEY WERE ALWAYS MAKING THINGS...OR GARDENING”

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little personalities. The only pieces I have taken home to live with so far are from our newest Berber-inspired collection. W H AT I S Y O U R HUSBANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROLE IN THE BUSINESS?

My husband, Chris Lacinak, partnered with me to set up all infrastructure including, pricing, marketing, strategy, and most importantly, support, belief, and confidence. He continues to be my biggest champion and also harshest critic, which is necessary. I visualize and design the entire line and run the studio along with my team, who help with hand finishing, packing and shipping orders, and updating the website. WHEN DID YOU SET UP SHOP IN SOUTH WILLIAMSBURG?

We moved to this space in October 2012. Amy Lipkin of North Sea Air designed the space with all or our goals in mind, which is to have a dedicated showroom space for people to visit and discover our entire collection and for us to see, and live with, all of our products. Simultaneously, all of us need individual work spaces, as well as inventory and shipping space. Amy did

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an incredible job of using the structure of the space to make it all work, while creating a truly enjoyable space to be in. W H AT D O Y O U L O V E A B O U T T H E S PA C E ?

I feel so lucky just to have this space! It’s become increasingly difficult to find space in New York City that allows room for growth, and we have fortunately found a place where that is possible. Since we moved in we have already expanded into the neighboring studio space. Being in South Williamsburg is also amazing. The Williamsburg Bridge is right outside our window and it is a wonderful, constant reminder about motion and movement—the flow of energy into and out of Manhattan and Brooklyn. W H AT ’ S A T Y P I C A L D AY LIKE FOR YOU?

My dog, Paco, and I go to the park in the morning for an hour and then hit the studio in South Williamsburg. Each day brings different projects and many of them! Right now I’m working on our Spring collection and it can take a couple of days to transform an illustration into an embroidery pattern, stitch by stitch. Along 38

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“I COME FROM A LONG LINE OF APPALACHIAN WOMEN WHO COULD MAKE SOMETHING OF NOTHING. ”

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with designing, I spend time answering emails, working on business development, and communicating with our workshop in India. At lunch we all take a break and eat together. The team leaves at about six and I stay later to design and work. I meet my husband at home for dinner and then we either spend downtime at home together, go out, or continue to work late into the night! F O R Y O U, W H AT I S T H E G R E AT E S T R E WA R D O F RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

It feels so great to be able to make a living from doing something I love! To see my drawings come to life is thrilling, of course, and to hold a new prototype and feel like, Wow! I can’t believe I made this. But I’ve really fallen in love with all parts of owning a business—the branding, the marketing, everything! W H AT ’ S T H E G R E AT E S T CHALLENGE OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?

We have been blessed with a team that has the willingness to give their best and truly invest in being a part of the company, which makes all of the potential challenges not so scary. The biggest challenge we face at this point is growing the company so 40

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that we can sustain and scale up as a business,while maintaining the feeling of a small company in our relationships with all of our customers and continuing to create a product that feels super special. Our products require a huge level of care and attention to detail, and we do not compromise on that. We are very selective about the stores we sell to in order to partner with stockists that we can form a partnership with and hopefully grow with them and make sure we do not

oversaturate the marketplace. That said, we are now faced with making more targeted outreach so that people can find our products at their favorite local shop in areas where we are not otherwise represented. W H AT I S C U R R E N T LY INSPIRING YOU C R E AT I V E LY ?

My inspiration comes from everywhere, but mostly, animals, travel, nature, and feelings. It may sound silly, but I love love. I am lucky

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FOLLOW CORAL & TUSK

enough to be in a constant stream of feeling inspired and so excited to make the next thing. Every day brings such magic and I feel so blessed and lucky to be in this rare and amazing place in life—and that is hugely inspiring! D O Y O U H AV E A DREAM CORAL & TUSK P R O J E C T, P R O D U C T, O R C O L L A B O R AT I O N ?

I’d really love to make ceramics; of course, collaborating with Astier de Villatte would be the biggest dream! Other projects I dream about would be a furniture collaboration with John Derian, a fashion collaboration with Gary Graham, and an accessories collaboration with Lizzie Fortunato. WHERE DO YOU SEE CORAL & TUSK IN FIVE YEARS?

To continue to learn and grow! We look forward to fine tuning and growing the business along with diversifying our range of products. I’d love to do more partnerships and collaborations, and who knows, maybe a storefront! But, my ideal five-year dream would be to aid in the creation of a wildlife sanctuary and work in animal rescue and welfare. matchbook

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Nashville NEST

T E N N E S S E E I S B U R S T I N G W I T H G R E AT D E S I G N T H E S E D AY S A N D I T ’ S I N N O S M A L L PA R T D U E T O T H E A R R I VA L O F HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM BENJAMIN AND GENIFER SOHR. TOGETHER THE ENTREPRENEURIAL DUO RUN PENCIL AND PAPER DEVELOPMENT CO., A DESIGN TEAM THAT TACKLES A VA R I E T Y O F P R OJ E C T S F R O M R E TA I L D E S I G N A N D COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT TO ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, INTERIOR DESIGN, AND ST YLING. THE COUPLE AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN LIVED IN THIS NASHVILLE HOME FOR NINE S H O R T B U T M E M O R A B L E M O N T H S W H I L E R E N O VAT I N G ANOTHER MORE PERMANENT HOME ACROSS THE STREET. UNDETERRED BY THE TEMPORARY SITUATION, BEN AND GEN STILL INSISTED ON INFUSING THE INTERIM DIGS WITH THEIR SIGNATURE MINIMAL BUT COLORFUL ST YLE. READ ON TO LEARN WHAT MAKES THE CREATIVE DUO TICK.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLEE MITCHELL

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W H AT D I D Y O U L O V E M O S T ABOUT THE PL ACE?

Ben: The setting is amazing . . . an old ranch-style house nestled in a little valley dense with giant, old trees. It is quiet and serene but still only a couple minutes from shopping and food. Also, the house is simple and well built so we had a great base from which to start. Gen: We are really drawn to a house in its original, untouched state. This home has great bones, a perfect layout, and an amazing wooded lot. I love all the original details of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the great regency style trim work in the dining room and kitchen cabinets that seem just as current today, the amazing vintage marble mantel that the original owners scavenged from an 1800s Nashville mansion . . . I loved the idea of bringing this old house back to life! D I D Y O U H AV E A FAV O R I T E ROOM IN THE HOUSE?

B: There is a large screened porch off the back of the house. Being on that porch is like being in the woods. I love to sit out there, listen to the birds, and work. It's the best work space ever. G: The dining room, 48

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which often doubled as my work space, was top of my list. The combination of the original trim details, lots of natural light, and collection of colorful paintings was a great combination. Creating the art was a really fun family project. Benjamin, the kids, and I all collected color swatches and chose our favorite color combinations. Our super talented baby sitter, who is also a very talented artist, created all the paintings based on our swatches and color combinations. HOW DID YOU APPROACH THE D E C O R AT I O N ?

B: For me, the design process always begins by taking stuff awayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;removing old paneling, taking down lighting, demolishing walls. We need to reduce the space to its bare bones and get to the essence of the structure. This process gives me a clean palate from which to start working. Â G: We always consider future home owners in our designs. I knew we would not be in this home long and soon another lucky family would inhabit it. But our approach is pretty consistent: We use great classic materials for construction, like marble and subway tile in the bathrooms, and then add an element of surprise. Something emotional that we love in this home is the fun wallpaper. I adore the 52

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tree pattern from Made Like in the kid's bathroom and the more subtle kitchen wallpaper pattern from Serena and Lily. We typically create a home that we enjoy, and usually others are drawn to it too. D I D Y O U R C H I L D R E N H AV E A N Y INPUT IN THE DECOR?

B: The kids know the drill when we get a new house. Both Lucy and Oden stake their claim on rooms and make some basic requests. However, Oden is more apt to dig into the details and he wants to discuss paint color and lighting and artwork placement. G: I think the nature of our design is generally very thoughtful toward the kids. We want everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed in our spaces. This home had a great downstairs that became the kids worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;comfy sofa, big TV, and a very well loved royal blue ping pong table! G R O W I N G U P W H O O R W H AT INSPIRED YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC?

B: I grew up in a family that was not especially creative. Until a friend dragged me into the architecture school at my university, I had no idea that having a creative career was an option. The instant I saw the architectural models spread around the design studio, there was no looking back!Â G: I believe there is a "design gene" and if you have it, you matchbook

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know at a very young age. My creativity was nurtured by my wonderfully talented mom. As a mom myself, I love watching our son Oden; he has creativity in spades. It’s fun to watch your kids develop their own creative voice. W H O O R W H AT I S C U R R E N T LY INSPIRING YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC?

B: Modernism and simplicity are my creative base, however, we pull inspiration from everywhere—music, food, travel, art. Everywhere we go, we are looking for interesting stuff—old and new—to inform our work. G: We are fortunate to travel often. This is usually the time when Benjamin 56

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and I have a moment to catch our breath and take it all in. There is always something from our travels that ultimately lands in a project. Most recently, it was beautiful handpainted tiles we discovered in Costa Rica. But, really, creative inspiration is everywhere—from my favorite fashion designers to grabbing dinner at our local taco shop. WHICH OF YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

B: Liberty Lodge (givemelibertylodge. com). It is a design-driven retreat and community that we are developing on the outskirts of Nashville. Whether you want to escape for a couple days

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or to completely uproot yourself, Liberty Lodge is the place to be. G: Honestly, I can say that we are excited about ALL of our projects. We are currently renovating several amazing old houses, we are doing design development for a new retail concept, and work has just begun on Liberty Lodge, a cool getaway close to Nashville. W H AT ' S I T L I K E C O L L A B O R AT I N G W I T H YOUR SPOUSE?

B: Gen and I worked together for many years before we ventured off on our own. We met at the corporate offices for Gap Inc. in San Francisco, where we were helping to launch a new brand in the '90s called Old Navy. Subsequently, we collaborated at other big brands including Victoria’s Secret and The

Body Shop, so we knew what to expect from each other and discovered that our skill sets and aesthetics were very complementary. G: Ben thinks very big—more long term and process oriented. I love perfecting the details. Ultimately we balance one another out, but two VERY opinionated people working together has its challenges. D O Y O U H AV E A D R E A M P E N C I L A N D PA P E R C O. P R O J E C T ?

B: We’ve done lots of retail and residential work but a limited amount of hospitality. I would love to do more hotel or restaurant work. There are two brothers in Nashville, the Goldbergs, who are creating some really interesting eating and drinking establishments. I matchbook

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Paper and Pencil Development Co.

would love to partner with them. Also, Andy Spade is someone I admire for his ability to blend creativity with business. I would jump at the chance to work with him. G: Yes! Liberty Lodge. We have been dreaming up this idea of developing a little community with simple, modern cabins available to purchase and some vacation rentals. It's located in the country just fifteen minutes from downtown Nashville and we can't wait to bring this concept to life! W H AT A R E Y O U M O S T L O O K I N G F O R WA R D T O I N 20 15 ?

B: We have some amazing new homes under development and some very cool clients lined up, but Liberty Lodge has been in the pipeline for about six years and this is the year we bring it life! G: Getting settled into our new home will be HUGE! Also, Pencil and Paper just launched Design to Go (http:// pencilandpaperco.com/designto-go/), an online design service with a great price point that allows us to connect with clients nationwide.

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JUST MARRIED

ELIZA BETH

J EFFR EY FR A N DSEN

THE LOCATION . . . We got married at Swiss

Woods Bed and Breakfast in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The location is tucked back into the woods and made the perfect setting for an intimate, garden party wedding. WE MET . . . At a local concert through two

mutual friends. We had no idea we would be meeting that night and didn't hit it off until much later! Thankfully, our e-mail correspondence made us lifelong best friends through long distance. THE PROPOSAL . . . I had a job interview in

New York City, which fell perfectly in line with Jeff's surprise engagement plan! Jeff gave me the ultimate holiday experience in the city with ice skating at Rockefeller Center, window shopping at Bergdorf's, and then he popped the question under the Empire State Building! MY DRESS . . . I designed and made it entirely

by hand. I went to school for fashion design and knew that I had to make this one special dress! I wanted something light and easy to move in for our garden party wedding and was so happy I had a one-ofa-kind piece that day! IT FELT VERY "US" BECAUSE . . . We handmade

almost everything! Our wedding was the perfect blend of my romantic taste and his love of bold graphic color. I made my gown, found every Delft china plate at local vintage stores, and decorated. Jeff did all of the wedding calligraphy and designed the programs and paper goods! I also loved that 68

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all of our vendors were friends of ours. It made our day so intimate and special to have people we love so much putting together our big day! WE HONEYMOONED IN . . . Riviera Maya, Mexico.

We stayed in an all-inclusive resort and did nothing but swim, eat, and drink! It was the best way to relax and begin our life together. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE COURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHY FLORALS BY WILDFLOWERS BY DESIGN

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ODDS & ENDS

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HAY BRASS SCISSORS, THE LINE, $16

Until I can move into The Apartment by The Line at least I can use their scissors. KATIE

TORY BURCH DAISY PERFORATED LOW TOP SNEAKERS, SHOPBOP, $185

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Keeping it simple with winter whites. JANE

K AT I E

JANE

S H A R E T H E I R L AT E S T OBSESSIONS . . .

BYREDO PARFUMS BIBLIOTHÈQUE CANDLE, BARNEYS, $40

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Because I love the smell of books. KATIE

LEATHER TOTE WITH MONOGRAM, CUYANA, $160

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This chic all-purpose tote is on my wish list. JANE

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VINTAGE KILIM PILLOW, AMBER INTERIORS, $118

A great "mix" piece to pair with traditional and minimalist decor alike. JANE

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ALBERT YORK EXHIBITION, MATTHEW MARKS GALLERY Marvelous! JANE

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SOREL CARIBOU BOOTS, $140

My very f irst pair of snow boots just arrived! KATIE

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TIVOLI MODEL THREE BT RADIO, MOMA STORE, $350

I've been coveting a Tivoli radio for years. Ready to pull the trigger. KATIE

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@LIGERTHEGREAT, INSTAGRAM

Liger lives the life I've always imagined. JANE

LIVING ARCHITECTURE BY DOMINIQUE BROWNING AND LUCY GILMOUR, AMAZON, $46 A welcome addition to my library. KATIE

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See you next month! IN THE MEANTIME, WE HOPE YOU ’LL JOIN US ON OUR ADVENTURES: