Reading wish list: Stuffocation

No, I haven't yet read it, but I'm adding it to my wish list. From what I understand, author James Wallman coined the catchy term "stuffocation" to describe the oppressive sensation a First-World occupant feels when overcome with too much stuff. This is the very sensation that I believe folks who are editing their belongings and choosing to live in small houses (like many of the homeowners featured in my upcoming book The New Small House) are aiming to avoid. Apparently, Wallman advocates less for simple living and more for experiential living. I, however, suspect that the simple living -- that inhabiting a well-designed small-house affords -- enables more experiential living. Admittedly, having not yet read Stuffocation, I don't know what type of experiences Wallman is promoting; I guess I'll just have to read the book to find out. In any case, the word "stuffocation" itself is enough to capture my interest. It's not quite as fun a word as Stephen Colbert's "truthiness", but it may be as timely.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

The New Small House: Behind-the-scenes glimpse

While recently sorting through some background info for The New Small House book, I came across this photo I created of one of the featured projects. At the time, I pitched the photo to the book's editors and art department as an option for the book's end pages. This was quite early in the process when we were first thinking about how the book might look. We ended up going in another direction, but I still like this shot. Maybe it's better suited as a wrapping cover or end pages on a paperback novel. Any takers? What might the title of the novel be?

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

Studio tour: Oliveira Textiles in Bristol, RI

The East Bay is teeming with talented designers. Take Dawn Oliveira. I discovered her and Oliveira Textiles at an ART Night Bristol and Warren tour when I first moved to the area a few years ago. Ever since, I've been plotting how to incorporate some of her beautiful, sustainably produced textiles in a KHS architecture and design project or in our own home.

Well, the wait is over. Dawn has printed some of her stunning patterns on hemp/organic cotton for us to use at our place. I'm thrilled that a couple of her abstract "floral-esque" patterns, which are mostly hand-printed with water-based dyes at local mills, will grace a smattering of our furniture. I've been encouraging a client to consider one of her sea-inspired themes for his built-in bench, too.

Here's a peek at the freshly printed patterns I selected.

That's "Madeira Vine – shale sand" in the foreground and "New Madeira Vine – citron/brown " in the background. So lovely.

Contact Dawn for an appointment to see her designs in person at her studio. Soon you'll be plotting your own project with her textiles.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

KHS work-in-progress: O&G seating samples at Touisset small-house renovation/addition

Earlier this week, folks from Warren's O&G Studio were kind enough to bring barstool and chair samples to the Touisset small-house renovation/addition, so we could have a looksy in situ. We wanted to see which would fit best in terms of style, size, and color with the mahogany custom table and banquette, the jatoba bar counter and the (newly installed) antique southern yellow pine floors, as well as the overall updated cottage/arts-and-crafts/industrial-lite aesthetic.

The winner was the Wayland lowback sidechair and fanback barstool in the absolutely gorgeous Azimuth blue stain on maple. Can't wait to see our selections, when complete, in place!

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

KHS work-in-progress: Touisset small-house renovation/addition update

Here are more progress shots of this small-house renovation/addition. Note the newly installed jatoba bar-top high counter, built-in banquette with custom mahogany table, down-draft range along the windows, and enclosed porch-like addition that I discussed in an earlier post.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast