Musings
Wild Raspberries for Wild Times
Lately, I find myself taking more time to immerse myself in emails, articles and magazines I might ordinarily glaze over in the haste of only addressing work-related correspondence. Overall, I find that I’m seeking more beauty and enrichment for my brain. Maybe I’m just needing some good old fashioned distractions.
Which brings me to Sponge Cake. Andy Warhol’s Sponge Cake, that is. And Suckling Pig. Produced in the 1950s, Wild Raspberries is one of the six self-published recipe books the artist issued. He illustrated the book with interior decorator and socialite Suzie Frankfort functioning as the writer. I love the whimsy pop-art illustrations and hilarious instructions that accompany each recipe page.
The pieces were part of a lot that sold this week with Sotheby’s in their Prints and Multiples Online Collection. See more, here.
ANDY WARHOL, 1928 - 1987, WILD RASPBERRIES (FELDMAN & SCHELLMANN IV.126-143)
ANDY WARHOL, 1928 - 1987, WILD RASPBERRIES (FELDMAN & SCHELLMANN IV.126-143)
MEET BETSY LANPHIER OF ELIZABETH SWIFT INTERIOR DESIGN
Betsy Lanphier, of Elizabeth Swift Interior Design.
I was first introduced to Betsy in Vermont for a winter weekend at a friend’s farm house (think: “adult” sledding, dance parties, too much queso dip and roaring fires). But that tale is for another time. Fast-forward a few months and we both found ourselves moving to San Francisco within days of one another. It could be said we navigated some of our formative years together in the Bay Area, building our careers, exploring new places and laughing throughout some of the unavoidable tribulations city life presented.
Betsy is a truly special individual and it is an honor to call her a friend. She is thoughtful and kind, a classic beauty, an old soul — and has a keen eye for all things design. Over the years I’ve witnessed her build a beautiful family whilst growing her robust interior design business.
Her aesthetic most certainly reflects her east-coast upbringing, effortlessly married with a certain “California Cool” revealing refreshing, livable and timeless spaces, both in design & decoration. Betsy’s client roster varies from established families in Marin County, to young working couples “in town” and metropolitan bachelors seeking a little sophistication.
This year, Betsy will be taking her firm bi-coastal, an exciting new chapter for her team. I cannot wait to see what she brings (back) to the east coast!
I invite you to get to know Betsy with a good old fashioned Q&A, below (and be sure to follow her on Insta):
Tell us a little bit about Elizabeth Swift Design!
ESID is a high end residential design firm with projects on the East & West Coasts. The business came to life about 6 years ago and stemmed from a deep passion for the design world, and the joy of making a house a home. I had always hoped to be at the helm of a creative business one day, and meandered my way there through various posts in different creative fields. Ultimately after working for notable firms in New York and California I had a few small (but mighty!) clients and decided to branch off on my own!
Having studied Art History, along with work experiences at several high end residential interior design firms, how would you describe your design influences?
My design influences are definitely rooted in the classical. Particularly with studying Art History & Architecture as an undergrad, I was consistently drawn to more classic styles, and similarly while studying post-grad at New York School of Interior Design I found I was most inspired by spaces in the American Federal or English Georgian styles. Working with various design firms absolutely opened my eyes to different aesthetics, and challenged me creatively to go outside of my comfort zone, for which I am incredibly thankful. I think the many mentors and designers for whom I worked all left their individual mark on me, allowing for this great mixing pot of styles to root from.
David Hicks or Mario Buatta?
Incredibly tough question! Truly inspired by both in different ways, but at the moment I would say Mr. Buatta (who I will never forget meeting!)
Country, City, or Coast?!
Oh gosh! There is really part of me in each one of these. I think I would say Coast, with my love for the Ocean...but would need to be in close proximity to a city!
What can we find on your coffee table at home?
Various coffee table books, hopefully not damaged by my two daughters, a tall tortoise hurricane from Treillage before it closed, some antique boxes I’ve collected, probably some Blue & White Delftware and a large cup of coffee (or cocktail depending on the time of day)
Most memorable travel destination?
I love to travel, and hope to continue exploring new places around the globe. I would say studying in Paris in High School, I was sixteen and living in Paris for the Summer and I think that’s when I became a true Francophile...The other trip is from my childhood, my Mother took me to London and I’ll never forget that one. I was maybe eleven and just in awe of everything. I’m pretty certain I’m part Brit deep down somewhere...I still love a good afternoon tea & crumpet--it’s a cure all.
Having grown up in New York and now embracing life on the west coast, how might these two geographies impact your design approach? Do you gravitate toward one style of living?
I’m incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to experience both coasts and live in two fantastic cities, New York and San Francisco. They have absolutely impacted my design approach. I would say that New York City’s energy, hustle, the creativity is unparalleled. I try to bring that sense of drive to my design projects, and certainly the level of service and client experience. The East Coast in general is also rooted in history and that classical style that I am so drawn to, so I try to bring that into projects as well. San Francisco and the West Coast has the natural beauty in it’s landscape which I never take for granted. It’s a more laid back and breezy lifestyle, and I love the melding of indoor/outdoor. Living here and working on homes here has pulled me in that more “California Cool” look, with more block prints, linens, indoor/outdoor fabrics, whereas New York tended to be a little bit more sophisticated or richer in texture and finishes. I truly love both styles of living!!! Best of both worlds!!
What makes an interior design project successful for Elizabeth Swift Design?
A happy client, and a proud team. Whether it’s as simple as wallpapering one room, or as detailed as an entire renovation, when we have happy clients and we’re all proud of the end result it’s a win-win.
Is there a particular trend in the design space you’d like to see fade away?
I’m not sure if it’s necessarily a trend, or more a sign of our evolving digital age and this need for “instant gratification” but, I feel like there are more and more outlets for purchasing all of the pieces for a room to get the look of another designer’s space, often for much less of an expense and without the designer’s consent.I can’t help but feel it minimizes the hard work behind the pretty photo; the design hours, the craftsmanship, the originality that was tailored for a specific client. I hope people remember that your house should be a reflection of you! Designers are here to help with that vision. Inspiration is everywhere, use it but don’t copy it. So I hope we see less of the “buy this whole look for less” and more, “tips to add soul to your home.”
Do you have a favorite go-to in the San Francisco Bay Area for home essentials if you’re in a pinch to throw a dinner party?
Always Sue Fisher King, and March SF. Elsie Green in the East Bay has also has an amazing selection of flea market finds for tabletop and beyond
What’s in store for Elizabeth Swift Design for Spring/Summer 2020?
We are about to roll out our new branding and website which I’m very excited about! Project wise, we are currently involved in a kitchen & family room renovation, a living room refresh with some of my favorite fabrics, and lots of Master and Guest Beds and Baths. Most importantly we are gearing up to move East and open the East Coast branch of ESID! Stay tuned….!
Photography Credits: Lacy Kiernan and Olivia Hellman
Setting My Sights on Summer
Yesterday I visited my office briefly to check in on things as I haven’t been there in over two months. It was frankly a very odd feeling as it felt abandoned and in need of some love. Mail had piled up, the air was stale and my desk looked practically ransacked from when I hastily took my critical belongings not knowing how long we’d be in lockdown for.
I’m trying to stay patient and as regimented as possible in the meantime. It’s HARD. Part of that mindset is thinking forward to summertime. Even though we don’t quite know what that will look like, we are so fortunate to live by the water which will certainly be a welcomed outlet, like never before. I’m craving farmers markets, frolicking in the green grass, enjoying refreshing cocktails and having the windows and doors in the house flung open!
So, here’s to hanging on, and setting our sights on SUMMER.
MEET JENN SHORE
Jenn Shore, of Shore — Creative.
Photograph by Erin McGinn.
I’m proud to know Jenn and to have had the opportunity to work with her on a recent client project this past year. Jenn’s design office, Shore — Creative is based in Newport, Rhode Island, offering an array of services that include branding, illustration, art direction, graphic design and web development.
Aside from her work, which caters to the minimally inclined, one thing I especially admire about Jenn is simply the way in which she conducts her business. I am highly selective with whom I present to my clients, and Jenn is someone I would introduce without blinking. She is organized, thorough, communicative, deadline-driven and what one might affectionately call a “boss babe.” Jenn is process-driven, too, which helps ensure that the flow of our work is, well, flowing. She goes the extra mile to ensure the client is delivered with an end result they genuinely love, versus just merely delivering.
Above: A sampling of just one of the sub-mark assets created for Sara Crooks, along with a dreamy master bedroom Sara designed!
This past year, Jenn and I partnered on a partial branding and web development project for interior designer Sara Crooks. Based in Oklahoma, Sara’s portfolio oozes with sophistication and a chic dose of southern sensibility. Her goal with her design work is to ultimately create spaces for her clients that align and layer details from start to finish - spaces that are “high on style and comfort while honoring the souls that live there.” We especially loved working with Sara, and the creative energy that the three of us shared was good old fashioned fun! Below are a few visual snippets from the creative process…
Above: Developing a color palette for a sub-mark suite and digital identity that authentically reflects the essence of Sara’s designs.
Voilà A preview of Sara’s website developed by Shore — Creative. View here.
Above: Gone mobile! A preview of Sara’s site on mobile mode.
I invite you to get to know Jenn with a good old fashioned Q&A, below (and be sure to follow her in Insta):
Shore—Creative Delivers bespoke branding, illustration and custom websites for the minimally inclined. Tell us, what makes one “minimally inclined” in your world?
For me, this means someone that is looking for quality design. In a world where ‘minimalism’ has become such buzz-word, I believe its importance is in delivering no more than what is needed to create the best design solution.
I genuinely loved working with you to deliver submark and web designs for interior designer Sara Crooks. What makes any given project a fulfilling one for you?
A project that client and designer feel great about, is all I can really hope for. It sounds simple, but it’s an extremely tall order.
What factors are important for one to consider if they are looking to conduct a brand identity project?
I think the best brand identity projects are those that can take an abundance of information, and boil it down to the most potent essence. Our brand identity projects all start with an extensive questionnaire, investigation, and research phase. It’s the only part of the process where I think more really is more. You need to process all of that brand story and narrative to know where to edit when it finally comes time to sketch, vectorize, and present.
Why is the brand identity process so much more than “just a logo”?
Investing in a brand identity for your business means you will be fully-equipped to feel confident in the way your brand presents itself. It tackles all the facets of the visual language that allows your brand to live in the world. Furthermore, it gives you much more flexibility and longevity that a single logo asset does. With a logo, you’re preparing your brand for one first-impression. With a brand identity you’re preparing your brand for its lifetime.
Above: Stationary Suite created for Moore House. Photograph: Erin McGinn
Are there other locally based boss babes you admire?
YES. I am always in awe of the content that Catherine Druken produces (@loviciii). I feel like florals are having a big moment and Kim Lamathe always keeps me inspired (@greenlionri). Also, Erin McGinn is just a dream creator behind the lens (@erinmcginn).
Though your clients extend far beyond our city by the sea, geographically, what does it mean to you to be based in Newport, Rhode Island?
There are lots of reasons that I love to live and work in this city, for starters it’s my home town and so it’s forever a special place for me. What makes me feel so excited about this place, at this very moment in time, is the insurgence in female-run businesses. It has felt absolutely electric over the past year.
Is there a recent project you are most proud of?
While there are a few I am currently working on that I feel especially proud to be a part of, one recently finished project is Ceremony in Providence. That brand identity project was so fulfilling since the comparison between concept and realization was virtually seamless.
Favorite typeface you’re digging?
How much time do you have?
Ogg.
Commuter Sans.
Nordvest Regular.
Palm Canyon Drive.
Love.
Cadiz Light.
Beatrice Display.
Agentur.
Above: Jenn illustrating & prototyping in her studio. Photograph by Erin McGinn.
Above: Jenn sketching in the studio. Photograph: Erin McGinn.
Let’s pretend: It’s mid-August in Newport, what most of us locals would identify as a heavenly time to enjoy home...When your office is closed, where can we find you?!
Most likely on a hike somewhere with my dog, out of pure guilt for making her wait for me to stop working. Or, the beach, but still with my dog. I think when you run your own business you feel more or less like you are constantly communicating, so for me it’s so nice to get outside and not have to reply all, direct-message, conference-in, etc.
You created the brand collateral for The Nitro Bar. What’s your go-to order when you visit?
Nitro cold brew. Nice and simple.
Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, thumbs up or down?
Thumbs way the heck down.
Favorite Instagram accounts you’re following?
All other female-lead design studios. :)
What’s in store for Shore—Creative this spring/summer 2020?
I am working on expanding our shop products. So, here’s hoping that by the time people read this there are lot’s of goodies people can peruse and purchase. I am hoping to have more stationary items; like cards, notepads, and calendars, as well as prints, and enamel pins. In addition to the inventory increase, I am working to make sure that every item is either tied to a charity or has a sustainability component.
Above: Jenn setting the “mood” in her studio. Photograph: Erin McGinn.