FROM THE EDITOR

The Story of Home

IT MAY BE a bold statement, but I believe home design is mostly about storytelling. Though they may or may not be intentional, our places of residence have stories to tell. They might be steeped in the histories of the people who lived there before, or in purposeful designs that satisfy the homeowners’ personal needs, wants and dreams. Our homes evolve with us as we age, children come and go, floors develop creaks … or perhaps they were always there.

A house becomes a home when we breathe life into it, adding our personal style, touch and feel. It’s a symbiotic relationship at its best. The narrative is fluid, changing as our lives do. The same could be said for many things: our vocations, hobbies, collections, the places we travel. All these things tell stories about who we are.

In this fall issue, our team has put together a wide selection of intriguing stories. The writers’ words and photographers’ pictures tell something collectively beautiful. Melissa Mercer Howell shares the history of Frankoma Pottery, a familiar brand to so many of us. Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman takes us inside two gorgeous homes. Greg Horton entertains us with a review of Oklahoman Katherine Cobbs’ new book on cocktails. Adi McCasland tells us an inspiring story of a local metal artist, while Evie Klopp Holzer sits down with architect and avid chair collector Russell Megee. You will also find practical advice for organizing and table setting in this issue – and much more.

On a personal note, this is my first issue as editor-in-chief. I am thrilled to be here. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the women who mentored me along the way: Elizabeth Beard, Mia Blake, Heidi Rambo Centrella, Melissa Mercer Howell and, most recently, Christine Eddington. They are a part of my story, and I’m thankful for all I learned from them. 405HOME has its own story and, like all of these other things, it continues to grow. The team here at 405 is working on taking HOME in new directions, including publishing seasonally four issues a year. We are really excited to share more details with you in 2022. (Our “Looking Ahead” offers a sneak peek on page 88.) For now, though, take a seat in your favorite chair, and enjoy the stories we want to tell – from our “HOME” to yours.

SARA GAE WATERS

Editor-in-Chief

GALLERY

Fascinating ideas and fanciful objects for the home

Homebody Toddy

Like Andrea and John Ridley, you may find the most hospitable cocktail lounge this fall is your own. Page 18

CARLI ECONOMY Glassware by BC Clark