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A Modernist Interior

I love seeing how people with good taste and a clear sense of style handle artwork in a home. Whether the home is my taste or not, I always learn something I can apply to my own interior. In this New York Times article, photographer Jonn Coolidge moves his modernist belongings into a Mediterranean style apartment in Los Angeles.

Jonn Coolidge apartment Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

Here we see how the combination of architecture and personal taste do not clash, but blend together thoughtfully. This interior is not overly decorated or filled with colors and patterns. In fact, the opposite seems to be the intention, following the modernist aesthetic.

Richard Serra's Tujunga Blacktop hangs in the dining room Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

Simplicity flows from the furniture, to the art, to the frames, for an overall look and feel of clean lines and sophistication.

Yellow Bird cardboard sculptures by Tony Smith and ceramics by Wilhelm Kage Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

Color lovers do not fear – black and white is not the only palette here!

Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

This saturated yellow pierces the space with effortless distinction. Between the natural light and this art, seeing this space makes me happy. I could live here.

Robert Ryman print from Concept Art Gallery in Pittsburgh Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

This photo makes an important point: the art itself is nearly impossible to see but the presence of artwork in a frame gives the feeling of a ‘finished’ room. In my opinion, art is an essential part of every space.

Richard Serra print Photo Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

The strong shape depicted in this artwork jumps off the wall and there’s a synergy happening here between the art, and the lines and color of this corner chair. Very appealing.

Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

The two Robert Mangold prints to the right of the desk above were the first pieces Coolidge bought when he started collecting.

Credit: Laure Joliet for The New York Times

Punctuating the neutral color scheme and abundance of light, the blue in this artwork brings serenity to this room. Similar to the photo of the bedroom, we don’t need to see the entire frame to appreciate how the artwork contributes to the space. Overall, I think this apartment is a great example of how our homes and our art do not have to be fussy. If we give thought to all elements of a room, including the artwork, with a bit of grace and ease we can create a beautifully simple space that makes a great statement.

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Comments (1)

  1. Martha Marshall
    August 26, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Thank you for sharing this, Nancy. This would be the ultimate in surroundings. Quiet sophistication.

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