COLD BUTTER STUDIO

Artist Jess Chamberlain of Cold Butter Studio

HIP TO BE SQUARE

Jess Chamberlain lays out her Cold Butter Studio story in tiles

BY ADI MCCASLAND PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Born out of the pandemic, tiles are a second act for Jess Chamberlain.

“I feel like I’ve lived several lives already,” she mused. “We’d been flipping houses — still do — and vintage Land Rovers. I was looking for what to do next, so my husband, kids and I moved to Italy for three months.”

After returning stateside for some time in Boise and San Diego, the Chamberlain family relocated back to Oklahoma City … on the day of the COVID-19 quarantine emergency order. A coincidence of unexpected value, as she found herself with the opportunity to start anew.

“In another life, I would paint tiles in Morocco; why am I not seizing the moment?” she pondered. And so she did. She’s not in Morocco, but she seized, nonetheless. With one eye on her past and one on her clay-covered future, Cold Butter Studio was born.

“The name came from me making scones and biscuits with my kids. We joke that the secret ingredient is cold butter,” Chamberlain said. “The blocks of clay that I use for the tile look like big sticks of butter before they are shaped and fired in the kiln, so it seemed like a perfect fit.”

Creativity is often a team effort in Chamberlain’s studio.

“My husband is great on the pottery wheel. He’ll throw bowls and cups, and I glaze them, so we’ve created this small housewares line out of it — unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.”

She also works with a welder to create unparalleled furniture pieces. A quick scroll through Cold Butter’s Instagram (@coldbutterstudio) will showcase an array of their collaborations, brilliant in both color and concept. When asked if the art she enjoys

LEFT: Chamberlain says she knows her work is complete when individual tiles speak together as a larger piece.

BELOW LEFT: Sketches show the shapes and colors in various tile patterns.

BELOW RIGHT: At Cold Butter Studio, Chamberlain paints every tile by hand.

and the art she produces align, her answer is a quick, definitive “Yep.”

“The art I’m drawn to is always so colorful. I just got tired of seeing so many neutrals because it felt like the personal touch was lost,” Chamberlain said. “I like eccentric art. Hand-drawn. Imperfect touches.”

Those imperfect touches are stunning symbols of a small-batch creator’s character. They are representative of an artist who is, first and inspired me to find that thing that I could do long term — that thing that I would really love and would be a part of my family’s story,” she said.

George Eliot once said that it’s never too late to be what you might have been, and Chamberlain is embracing her role as a creator. She is an artist in pursuit of her soul goal. A visual storyteller. A woman leaving a legacy, one hand-painted tile at a time.

foremost, driven by her vision, and trusting the sales to follow. Chamberlain had a closeup view of that expressive and undemanding way of life — one notably devoid of mass consumerism — in 2017 while on a drive from Paris, France, to Palermo, Italy.

“That slower way of life was [an] inspiration. So many people there have a craft: They bake bread, they make things. And they’ve been doing these things forever, which

W

hen Jackie and Doug Johnson decided to build their new home in northeast Edmond, they had one primary request for their designer, Sara Crooks.

“I want to walk into this house and just read ‘happy,’” Jackie Johnson said, noting an affinity for color. “I want people to smile.”

The Johnsons moved into their new house in 2020. Today, the light and cheery home is full of life and energy. Sounds of family gatherings, Bible studies and dogs they work with a nonprofit to train resonate throughout.

The Johnsons have a son, a daughter and four grandchildren, ranging from nine months to nine years in age. They pick up the older two grandchildren every day after school. The grandchildren have their own room with bunk beds and an upstairs loft area overlooking the living room that the Johnsons developed in what started as an afterthought; it is accessible by a secret spiral staircase in the garage and includes a tumbling mat, reading nooks and more.

ABOVE: This funky lamp, Crunchberry by Stray Dog Designs, is crafted from papier-mache. LEFT: Sara Crooks partnered with contractor Doug Poff and trim carpenter Eric Adams to design the built-in vanity in the primary bathroom.

“We built this house so we can have fellowship in it,” Jackie Johnson said. “God built this house. There’s no other explanation.”

Working with architect Jim Hassenbeck, building contractor Doug Poff and Crooks, the Johnsons built their new home in the Prairie at Post addition at Post and Danforth near Arcadia, just north of what was Tom Price’s Sugar Hill addition a few years ago.

“We couldn’t have done it without any of those [professionals],” Jackie Johnson said of Hassenbeck, Poff and Crooks.

Starting with Hassenbeck, who asked them how they wanted to live, their home-building team “took our descriptions and built a design around it,” Johnson said.

Crooks says she loves color, too, and she loves designing unique projects that reflect the lives of the people who live there.

“I never want any of my projects to look the same,” Crooks said. “My favorite part about doing design is creating spaces literally for people’s lives to unfold. [A home] really is like a stage set for their life. I think everyone should be able to be surrounded by things that make them feel like themselves.”

Dining room highlights include a Visual Comfort light fixture by Juile Neill, square Louis chairs with fuschia fabric from Lisa Fine Textiles and gingham drapes from Brunschwig & Fils.

LEFT: In the entry, commissioned artwork from Fort Worth artist Donna Walker includes a representation of the Johnsons’ home in the scene. ABOVE: A walk-in pantry provides plenty of space for food prep and storage. BELOW: To offset feminine elements and balance the bedroom, Crooks selected a menswear-type fabric from Osborne & Little for the upholstered bed.

OPPOSITE PAGE: This Apothecary’s Garden by Trustworth Wallpaper reflects the Johnsons’ love for the outdoors and gardening. LEFT: Four grandchildren can rest easily in their own happy bedroom with two sets of Restoration Hardware bunkbeds.

BELOW: Barney, a rescue dog, enjoys his very own room with playful wallpaper and a doggy door.

Outside the home, large front porches on multiple sides and a weathervane that features dogs give a slight nod to the farmhouse style, but inside, the abode has a different feel, with modern technology and a colorful style that works for children and adults.

When visitors first walk in, they are standing in a large open space that includes the dining room, living room and kitchen, as well as a “keeping room” with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to the side. The large, cathedral-style ceilings stretch two stories tall and have clerestory windows that flood the space with light. The room is covered in wood, with vertical planks in the upper half and some horizontal wood elements in the lower half.

“In this large room, it made sense to wrap it in wood in a way that celebrated the architecture and warmed up the space,” Crooks said. “There’s always some sort of design challenge that you have to solve, and I think that the challenge in this space was how to give human scale to such a large volume of space.”

Other touches to scale down the space include the dining area’s lower ceiling to give a more intimate feel, lots of colors and textures in the fabrics and specially made pendant lights to anchor the space above the kitchen island.

Doug Johnson is a retired oil and gas executive, and Jackie Johnson is a retired family nurse practitioner. To their grandchildren, they are “Grumpy” and “JJ.”

When they aren’t caring for grandchildren, they help socialize and train service dogs for the nonprofit New Leash on Life. Their passion for dogs is evident throughout the house: In addition to the weathervane, they have several split Dutch doors in rooms, especially where their dogs are sometimes contained, to allow them to keep the bottom half closed but open the top half. One spacious room, designed especially for the dogs, has a dog door that lets them come and go. The delightful James Shelton wallpaper features colorful, cheerful canines.

“We built the house for our grandchildren and our children — and for the service dogs,” Jackie Johnson said.

In the end, Crooks planned a big reveal for the Johnsons, ready to see them “read happy” as they toured their new home.

“It was fun to come out and see it come to life,” Doug Johnson said.

A WELL-CURATED

TO SOME PEOPLE, furniture is just furniture — merely the utilitarian means for seating, eating and storage within a home. Not so for Brent Swift and Alisse Ellis. They house a curated collection in Norman, in a 1974 contemporary, renovated and designed with furniture and art in mind.

Among other highly sought-after items, their living room features a Florence Knoll credenza, a Warren Platner chair and rare architectural pottery by David Cressey and Malcom Leland. Edgy works by Luis Filcer, Purvis Young and Enrique Bascón decorate the walls, while unique finds — like a vintage Gucci ashtray — are scattered throughout.

“Maybe all of this doesn’t work [together], but I love all of it,” Ellis said.

“It’s definitely curated pieces of art, furniture, fabrics, and textures,” added Swift. “The house is what it is, but we are collecting pieces that we love that can go with us to the next home.”

The home was built by Barry Switzer, but it’s the decor and interior designs that leave guests starstruck. Ellis worked closely with interior designer Nina Wadley of No Coast Design to select fixtures, wallpapers and fabrics. A longtime friend, Wadley knew how to blend Swift’s mid-century modern aesthetic with Ellis’ preference for maximalism.

“I’m familiar with their likes and dislikes and how they prefer to live, which is like starting on second base,” Wadley said. She felt this home was perfect for the couple right from the start.

“Sometimes a house really steals your heart, and I knew this one was special from the second I walked in the door,” she said. “The low stoop of the patio through the front door, opening to the vast volume in the living room — it all just hits right.”

While Ellis and Wadley collaborated on interiors, Swift tackled construction projects like adjusting doorways and windows throughout the home to improve function and flow and extending

RIGHT: The den includes a Hans Wegner CH445 Wing Chair and ottoman, by Carl Hansen & Son, and a mother-andchild portrait by graffiti artist Mear One, which is based on “The Madonna of the Rosary” by Bartolome Murillo. BELOW: In the kitchen, Ellis says she loved these Arteriors pendants from the moment she saw them.

This Knoll Tulip chairs and table set was procured from a Palm Springs home designed by Arthur Elrod. The kitchen backsplash tile, a Zellige from Riad Tile, adds rich and distinctly imperfect texture to the space.

Cole & Son’s Miami wallpaper complements the Norwegian Rose marble in the primary bathroom.

LEFT: Swift and Ellis purchased this coffee table, designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, from a neighbor in Palm Springs. BELOW: Swift’s collection includes several pieces of architectural pottery and mixed-media artwork by Purvis Young. RIGHT: Designer Nina Wadley sourced the dining room wallpaper, Schumacher’s Modern Toile, which provides an interesting backdrop to the table Swift had fabricated from a quartzite slab.

the living room’s flagstone floor to the kitchen, den and dining room. With 25 years in construction and real estate, Swift has restored some 250 houses.

Swift also partnered with landscape architect Brent Wall of LAUD Studio to create an outdoor lounge, unearth Switzer’s 1970s pool (previously buried) and surround the home with landscaping details that harkened back to that era.

“Although the house is contemporary, it was very important to make it feel really warm and earthy,” Wall said. “We were really embracing the ’70s vibe as our measure of success.”

As construction progressed, Wadley devised designs to highlight Swift and Ellis’ artwork collection.

“We made sure to leave opportunities to highlight art. Some items we knew from early on where they would probably end up, but the rest we pulled from at the end as the space dictated,” Wadley said.

LEFT: Reflecting the gilded front doors, a large mirror in the living room was purchased by Ellis and Swift with the home.

RIGHT: The living room features a Piper Bridwell painting, Florence Knoll credenza and Warren Platner chair and ottoman.

The stories behind the art and furniture are as meaningful to Swift and Ellis as the items are. Ellis says she likes to collect pieces that resonate with her emotionally.

“It’s not about the thing itself,” Ellis said. “It’s [about] the emotion; the feeling that you have when you first see something.”

“It’s really weird how you get attached to the things that are in your environment,” Swift said. “You have this great opportunity in your life to create the space that you want to live in, and if you have some skill at it, then all of a sudden it becomes a way of life.”

For now, Ellis and Swift’s way of life is unfolding inside this 1974 contemporary. But tomorrow … who knows? They are constantly buying and restoring homes, including another 1970s contemporary located just across the street. Wherever they go, the furnishings shall follow — making it feel just like home.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

This summer, why not open up to a few new open-air concepts? Our local experts know how to enhance outdoor living spaces and experiences, and they are eager to be your guide. Inspired by nature and full of sunshine, these pages are presented to inspire. Let’s go outside!

Cool for the Pool

DURABLE AND STYLISH, TILES ADD INTEREST TO BACKYARD RETREATS

BY LISA LLOYD

IF YOUR SWIMMING POOL IS

your favorite summertime spot, you’re likely not alone. Residential pool ownership is on the rise, with approximately 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States, according to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.

As more and more people are incorporating (or updating) pools and poolside spaces, design elements are also getting more attention. Tile is a great way to mix textures, patterns or colors into backyard hardscapes — patios, fireplaces, kitchens and especially pools.

“Outdoor tile is the perfect way to create your dream outdoor space,” said Sydnye Steen, owner of Artisan Tile Studio in Oklahoma City. “It is available in so many styles and is durable and long-lasting, to keep your space looking incredible for years to come.”

At its showroom, Artisan Tile Studio offers a large selection of tile options for outdoor spaces, including submersible pool tiles and pool liner tiles such as Encore Ceramics. Encore’s line of tile is uniquely durable and suitable for most installations. Its glazes can be used in submerged fountains and pools, steam showers and spas, exterior walls and more.

Artisan Tile Studio also has multiple options for large-format porcelain tiles and stacked stone tiles that are perfect for outdoor fireplaces, as well as decorative stone and porcelain tile options for outdoor kitchens, backsplashes and feature walls. Concrete, natural stone and porcelain pavers can be used in walkways, patios and pool decks, as well as cobblestone options for driveways.

Steen said tile is an ideal choice for outdoor spaces that are exposed to the elements — primarily water and dirt.

“Tile provides texture and slip resistance in your outdoor spaces, and non-porous porcelain tile will not soak in the outdoor elements like water, dirt, et cetera,” she said. “It will not change color or scratch, either, no matter how much salt or sand it might come in contact with. It is extremely long-lasting and it is also very low maintenance and easy to clean.”

Home improvement and new construction have been on the rise since COVID19, Steen said.

“We have seen so many people come in that are just wanting to refresh their space in some way,” she said. “I think people genuinely do enjoy spending more time at home now, and they are wanting to make their spaces more enjoyable and entertaining to be in.”

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who own a pool, you might consider elevating your style with tile this summer.

Easy Planting

DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING GROWS IN POPULARITY

BY LISA LLOYD

WHEN IT COMES TO OUTDOOR

living, one of the most popular trends for 2022 is drought-tolerant planting. Oklahoma’s unpredictable climate can often mean weeks or months without rainfall, as well as brutally hot temperatures. Utilizing drought-tolerant plants, such as yucca and native grasses, in a low-maintenance landscape project can have benefits for both the environment and the homeowner.

When embarking on a landscaping project, it’s important to get the most out of your investment and ensure you can maintain it. Experts say that by choosing plants appropriate to Oklahoma’s climate, you’re set up for success.

“Oklahoma is known for its severe weather and major temperature fluctuations,” said Chad McClain, co-owner of Squared Away Lawns. “Choosing plant materials that are native to Oklahoma temperatures, wind and soil types not only guarantees better odds of survivability but will also provide better growth rates and coverage.”

Perhaps no place offers more (or knows more about) native plant options than a locally owned shop. At Calvert’s Plant Interiors, customers can find everything they need for their low-maintenance landscape needs, and then some — it has more than 10,000 square feet of retail greenhouse space open to the public. Since 1976, the Calvert’s name has been synonymous with live plants, patioscape and pottery.

“Our team has the resources, experience, knowledge and passion to transform outdoor and indoor living spaces,” said Chelsea Hughes, horticulturist and business development manager at Calvert’s. “We offer free design consultation, and we handle everything from that point forward, including plant selection, delivery and installation.”

Hughes said since the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are seeking to improve their indoor and outdoor spaces.

“We are seeing lots of customers who have employees returning to work in their offices and are taking advantage of our indoor plant services to refresh their space,” she said. “But we also know customers want to get back to socializing in a safe way, and patios and backyards are a great option for hosting parties.”

McClain said Colorado is famous for its xeriscaping: using natural stone and drought tolerant perennials to construct a durable landscape that is drought-resistant and also endures most winter conditions.

“We have, in more recent years, begun installing much more of these features in Oklahoma landscapes with very good results and beautiful curb appeal,” McClain said.

If you’re ready to focus less on keeping your plants watered and more on enjoying your summer, consider drought-tolerant planting this season.

Party On, Pest-Free

HOW TO SAY ‘BYE-BYE’ TO BACKYARD BUGS

BY LISA LLOYD

THE SUMMER MONTHS IN

Oklahoma mean outdoor entertaining: backyard barbecues, afternoons at the pool and chasing fireflies with the kids at sunset. Warm nights and long days bring great potential for happy memory-making. But it can be hard to focus on enjoying time with family and friends when everyone’s busy swatting away pesky mosquitoes and other insects. Selecting the right pest control method can be overwhelming, with thousands of products promising a pest-free paradise. From bracelets to lanterns, candles to lotions, the bug-free industry is booming.

Keeping your outdoor living space bugfree requires some maintenance. Experts advise to keep the space clean to avoid attracting insects in the first place. Birds are also a natural form of bug control, so hanging bird feeders and birdhouses near your outdoor areas can help cut down on pests. For mosquitoes, especially, it’s important to eliminate standing water, as they can lay eggs in just an inch of water. According to HouseLogic, plants like basil, catnip, chrysanthemums and lavender can deter certain insects, thus providing both beauty and function for your patio.

However, if you’re serious about pest control, call in the professionals. One innovative Oklahoma company is taking back outdoor spaces, one backyard at a time.

Family-owned-and-operated, SWAT Mosquito Mist Systems (swatokc.com) employs a cutting-edge misting system installed around the perimeter of the backyard to repel insects from the yard and kill mosquitoes on contact. The system is connected to a smaller tankless machine, or a 55-gallon drum option is available. It can be programmed for automatic sprays or activated by an app on your phone. In addition to the system, SWAT offers recurring yard spray appointments that are scheduled approximately every three weeks on a regular basis, or one-time yard sprays for a party or event.

Reed Savage and his wife Christi launched the business after realizing how much of an investment Oklahomans make in their outdoor spaces. Their SWAT Mosquito Mist System is like an insurance policy for your backyard.

“People invest a lot of money in their outdoor spaces, but if it’s overrun by mosquitoes, it can’t be enjoyed to the fullest extent,” Reed Savage said. “It doesn’t make any sense to spend all that money and not be able to go outside.”

The products SWAT uses are approved for use in schools, hospitals and the food industry. They utilize permethrin- and pyrethrum-based products that are derived from chrysanthemum flower extract, which has been used to control insects for more than 100 years.

Take back your right to be outdoors this summer, and the only guests at your backyard barbecue will be those you invited.

Thrills and Chills

A WARM PALETTE IS TEMPERED BY REFRESHING CONCEPTS PAGE 56

GATHERINGS

PROMPTS TO ENHANCE YOUR EVERYDAY OCCASIONS