As promised, here is the second installment of what you might call “cool crap in our home” — things with which we live, which have also appeared on this humble blog over the past three years. Our Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati apartment is filled with treasures we’ve collected over the past decade, including tons of work by people we admire, some of whom we’re lucky enough to know.
Above and below, some pieces by the amazing Eva Zeisel. The V. L. pitcher is a promotional item for Macnish scotch, although it looks more like a milk jug. Next to it is a photo by Cynthia Connolly; I haven’t yet written about her work, but I will one of these days. This little half-frame photo of hers was my first-ever art purchase! Below are two examples of Eva Zeisel’s Buckingham pattern.
I’m a sucker for serving pieces, because I can justify the purchase by convincing myself that I need it. Below is a little Eva Zeisel Nambé dish I found for $.99 at the local Salvation Army!
I have a total design crush on Columbus-based Cynthia Vardhan and was so excited when she and I traded seed bombs for a gorgeous little bud vase, seen here below a Brett Harper print and a box car stencil.
On our bed are a few silk pillows by NYC designer Thomas Paul. Also on our bed is Claire Monet, the most beautiful cat in the world. You can check out more photos of her on Flickr, and keep up with her latest news on Facebook.
Daria Tessler‘s work is bizarre and charming, and this particular print reminds me of the Ohio River. Next to it is the other half-frame photo by Cynthia Connolly.
Corbett Marshall is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and this mixed-media piece dates back to when we met during our first semester at Cranbrook. At the time, we were both investigating home and memory in our work, so our friendship was an obvious extension of our shared interests. When we were graduating, he let me pick out three pieces from this series, which I still have and treasure.
This is one of the linen pillows that Variegated, a.k.a. Corbett and his partner Jim, designed a few years ago. Whenever Michael and I talk about designing pillows, this one is our exemplar — it’s hard to tell in the photo, but the craftsmanship is impeccable. The fine lines are perfectly printed and align precisely with the weave of the linen. Each corner comes to a tailored, crisp point. The brown ink on the front matches the brown linen used on the back. The “invisible zipper” is actually invisible. For this anal retentive designer, looking at this pillow is heaven.
Check out Part 1 for more “cool crap in our home,” and stay tuned for further installments.
Department of Everyday Visualingual 
I absolutely love seeing your home and catching bits and pieces of things you’ve already shared here! You’ve got a lovely home filled with beautiful things. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks! These posts have been fun to put together.
Maya, very sweet words, indeed. Thank you so much, and thanks for reminding me of those drawings from our first year at Cranbrook.
I think the best thing about living with all these objects is that they all contain personal stories and serve as inspiration. I have a few old Cranbrook pieces that are awesome reminders of that experience.
Wow, you have great taste! I love how personalized your home is. Would you mind sharing the green paint color? It looks exactly like what I’ve envisioned for my guest bedroom.
Thanks! We love our home. The green is Littleton by True Value; it’s nothing fancy, but it is a great color for our space.