Page 101 - Architectural Digest - USA (March 2020)
P. 101
Regrettably, there’s no limit to the money I won’t spend— three weeks combing eastern Pennsylvania and Connecticut
even money I don’t have—to make something perfect. for 500 wide-plank 19th-century floorboards. I also bought
And by perfect I mean imperfect and undesigned-looking. some early–19th century batten doors. Half of these were coated
with decades of oil paint. In stripping them, I discovered that
THE PERSON I COLLABORATE WITH on all my projects is Ian oil paint, over time, oxidizes pine and turns it a sensational
McPheely. Over the course of a project Ian and I work honey color while drawing out its luscious texture.
so intensely together that at one point on every job we have Late in the day I’ve come to realize that texture is essential
an almighty argument, and I vow never to work with him to every space I create. The gradual, almost imperceptible
again. However, the next day I realize how desperately I rely buildup of layers is typified in the way I construct interior walls.
on him and slavishly beg forgiveness. Ian and I labored Although it’s tempting to use the much cheaper Sheetrock, I
side by side on the renovation of the Cotswolds house, and prefer traditional plaster. I first apply three separate coats and
for the first time in 30 years, we didn’t have one argument. then rub chalk paint and various waxes into the final surface.
A priority at G.B.F. was to throw out every one of the 40 I’m not sure friends can see the difference, but I like to think
windows with fake leaded panes and replace them with they can feel it.
windows with real individual lead panes. This was expensive The reason why guests at a party always gravitate to
but crucial, as there are few things that repulse me more the kitchen is because that’s the room where everybody feels
than windows with artificial lead dividers. comfortable. Since G.B.F. is not landmarked, I was able to
I find the color and texture of old American pine to be knock down the wall between the small kitchen and the dining
far richer than European pine, and for this reason I spent room to create one large, deeply unfussy kitchen. I don’t
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