Home is where the heart is. It’s also where your art is. And while “heart” definitely trumps “art” in making a space special, the meaningful images we custom-frame exist in the background during the birthday parties and the bedtime stories, the lazy mornings and the busy afternoons that are what life is really all about.
Every once in a while a story comes along that reminds just us how lucky we are to play a small role in creating a loving home. A Cup of Jo's Joanna Goddard recently profiled illustrator and designer Liz Libre's Brooklyn-meets-Scandinavia "cabin in the sky,” with custom-framing in the apartment by yours truly. The tour was a heartwarming look into a gorgeous space and a beautiful—and growing—family. Congratulations Liz on your new baby James!
Beyond being obsessed with Liz’s interior style, which is the perfect mix of modern and rustic without being too fussy (AKA: kid proof), we also loved learning tidbits about her family traditions and values. Read on for some of our favorite highlights from the story.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Jen Garrido’s ethereal watercolors in our white gallery frames are perfectly set off by the reclaimed wood planks that make up the wall of Liz and her husband John's master bedroom. “Continuing the whole cabin-in-the-sky idea, we wanted to bring wood into the apartment. These are actual planks of reclaimed wood. Using them on just one wall of the room helps keep it feeling clean,” says Liz.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Liz’s farmhouse table (with Danny Clinch music prints custom-framed with mats in our white gallery frames above) provides a major anchor to the home, but when it comes to hosting, Liz says, “I secretly prefer sitting on the floor of our living room, around our coffee table, wine or cocktail in hand, with a mean meat and cheese plate two inches from my nose.” We’re with you on that one Liz!
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Shelfie game strong. Liz’s friend Lizzy suggested putting wooden shelving around the fireplace to soften the apartment’s modern feel, and the result was “instant warmth.” Liz and John filled the shelves with meaningful knick-knacks, including their five-year-old Griffin’s handmade sculptures, photos of their moms, and their own wedding invite (which Liz designed herself) matted in a gold frame.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Thinking outside the box about the possibilities of what you can frame is key in creating a personalized space. Case in point: Liz's gorgeous pink Otomi textiles on display in our white gallery frame. We're digging the bright and happy color story they make next to this vintage turquoise dresser in James' sweet nursery.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Cutest thing we've ever heard as explained by Liz: “When Griffin was young, to help him go to bed without angst, I would turn off the lights and play a little game with him that would make him smile. I’d say ‘Goodnight, my little _____’ and fill in the blank with a funny word—like ‘radish’ or ‘ice cream sundae.’ He’d giggle and then repeat it back to me filling in his own word. We’d go back and forth a few times and laugh. Sometimes I’d interject ‘Oh that was a good one, buddy!’—to which he was very proud. It always ended the evening on a happy note.”
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Liz knows that childrens' paintings are an easy way to liven up a wall—and nurture little ones' creative spirits. While one approach would be to custom-frame your kids' artwork, Liz isn't afraid to take it to another level. “I plan to switch it up eventually and let them paint directly on the door. I think they'd love it.” We spy Liz's own Linda & Harriett fine art prints in the background, framed in our natural gallery frames.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
A great desk is where the magic happens! This handmade clayprint from Elkeland floated in our white gallery frame is sure to invite many moments of inspiration. Liz is currently putting her creative juices to work at her design studio Linda & Harriett and a new venture, Lewis, which makes organic printed baby sheets in nature-inspired prints (we’re talking stingrays, beetles, and radishes), a significant departure from typical super cutesy infant garb. Um, are we the only ones holding our breath to find out if these will ever come in adult sizes?
Photo by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
Custom-framed family photos display meaningful memories of Liz's kids playing on the same Jersey Shore coastline that she spent vacations at as a child.
Want more of this beauty? Read the whole piece on Liz's beautiful Brooklyn abode and sweet family on A Cup of Jo.
All photos by Alpha Smoot for A Cup of Jo. Styling by Lizzy Ott.
