(american gate-leg dining table from 1695-1720 owned by the bowdoin family [founders of college in maine]; photo: historic deerfield)

my dear friend, cait mcquade, who is a museum professional and has extensively studied american cultural history (and has a TERRIFIC blog on the various ways we experience museums) let me know that i am not the first to endorse flexible home furnishings. according to cait: “U.S. domestic spaces in colonial and early republic homes were also convertible. all furnishings were kept against the walls when rooms weren't in use (maybe so as not to trip over things in the dim lighting?). folding furniture, mostly tables, kept the center space open until it was time to play cards, work on sewing, or serve tea.” super interesting!

(american drop-leaf table from 1750-1800; photo: historic deerfield)

(american drop-leaf sewing table circa 1820; photo: 1st Dibs)

also, i just binge watched “my brilliant friend” about about two friends growing up in 1950’s naples and they kept BEDS in their kitchens that they folded down during the day and remade each evening. first i read all four books (they are so compelling and disturbing) and then i was thrilled to discover that they had been made into a series. it was hard to keep track of all of characters - finally in the second book i discovered a roster in the front of the book - very helpful! so being creative and utilizing your home space efficiently has a long, storied history! x0x

flexible corona homes

a few weeks ago my daughter had a piano recital on zoom along with two dozen other students. it was great to see her perform (she did a TIP TOP job), but the best part was getting a look into everyone else’s homes. my favorite was the one with the little sister laying on her belly across the top of the sofa with her feet in the air and her chin in her hands. runner up was the cat in the window seat behind the piano napping.

every morning (well not EVERY morning, but SOME mornings) i push my rocker out of the way and bring over a counter stool to do my bar method live class (i usually don’t manage to do it live, just the recorded version - then i can do it in my jammies) in the living room.

(my bar studio)

after dinner most evenings we clear the floor for a dance party (which sometimes devolves into a wrestling match) and then reassemble it and snuggle in for a movie or show. lately we have been watching “the last dance” about michael jordan’s final year with the bulls… AMAZING! watching him play is like seeing a ferocious ballet… so beautiful. 

(ESPN’s “the last dance”… so GOOD!)

during the day my kitchen counter and dining table toggle between serving as an office and a diner. i spread out my samples and tear sheets and work and then clear it away for meals and then i vacuum (of course) and put all my work back.

(my office)

(this is me getting ready for the lunch rush; cast of “alice”)

the playroom became lucy’s one room schoolhouse, until she took over MY bedroom. but a couple of times a month i kick her out for my therapy appointment (hank does get to stay with me.) theo always studies in his own room.

(lucy and me in the playroom “school” - she is the one wearing shoes. i don’t know where all those other kids came from because we have been totally bunkered in and social distancing)

i have even started using the backyard (which is quite a step for me because pre corona i hardly went outside.) i got more comfortable chairs (with cushions) so i can look at the sky while i work. hank really likes to sunbathe in the new chairs so he relocates from the sofa and keeps me company out there.

(hank getting his vitamin D… i think he needs some ray-bans…)

at dusk the patio becomes a skate park. theo inherited a ramp and a rail from our neighbors and spends the evenings doing kick flips and ollies and fakies off the ramp.

(theo kick flipping up the ramp)

in this time of corona our homes have become much more than residences - they are offices, schools, concert halls, movie theaters, dance studios, wrestling forums, discos, gyms, spas and restaurants. as such, more than ever they need to be FLEXIBLE to address so many needs. 

i have always been an advocate for spaces with minimal, adaptable furnishings and after spending oh so many months sheltering at home, i think it is imperative for your interior space to be elastic and super functional. as my clients will attest, i LOVE an ottoman or a “pouf.” they are multi purpose - they work as extra seating, side tables and foot rests AND they are easily moveable so you can handily redesign your space to best serve your current needs. they come in many shapes and fabrications: low fabric floor pillows that can be stacked or spread out, more structured, modern shapes, wooden stools or even whimsical animal shapes. 

(this felt ottoman from bludot has a removable drink tray)

(this leather cube shaped ottoman works as both a foot rest and an extra seat)

(a collection of felt poufs from design within reach give this living room flexibility)

(wooden eames stools work as seats or side tables)

(these corduroy missoni poufs add texture and range to this living room)

(bludot also has larger felt ottomans)

(hank nestled between the moroccan ottomans from world market in the playroom)

interior photos: HBK photography

to read more about corona design ideas click here