A Southwest Modern Arizona Abode
Name: Jeremy Briddell
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Size: 780 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years; Rented
Jeremy has an MFA in ceramics from Arizona State University. He’s had exhibitions all over the country, and won the Emerging Artist Award from the American Crafts Council in 2001. His ceramics are stunning — structured and delicate, with a beautifully contrasting rough, organic texture. Not surprisingly, his home has the same quality. “I like my surroundings to be physically light and airy. I really like iron framed furniture. It is visually light and precise like line drawing… but I also like leather. Heavy and stiff on a light, airy frame.”
When the recession hit, and the art business dried up, Jeremy opened furniture store Modern Manor with friends Ryan and Kylie Durkin. Many of his pieces were acquired during that time. The sofa and chair in the living room were made by prolific Arizona artists Allen Ditson and Lee Porzio. Jeremy remarks, “They are pieces that I felt could only have been made in Arizona. Not Palm Springs glam, not Texas ranch, not Santa Fe Native influence. Genuine Arizona modern; handmade and one of a kind.” Jeremy has since left Modern Manor to once again focus on his ceramics.
He’s put a lot of time and love into his new home, particularly for a rental. He refinished the hardwood floors, painted many of the rooms, installed the Chambers stove, and added the trim in the kitchen made from recycled floorboards. These details and his eye for design reflect his artwork, and ultimately who he is as a person. “I don’t like control. I love design when it shows struggle and flaws. When it reflects the human condition.”
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Well-appointed squalor.
Inspiration: Southwest modern/50’s iron design.
Favorite Element: The Allen Ditson/Lee Porzio chair set.
Biggest Challenge: I am renting and I can’t just tear into the place like I would like to.
What Friends Say: When are we going to see your place?
Biggest Embarrassment: The bathroom and the yard.
Proudest DIY: The trim in the kitchen and back room made from recycled floorboards.
Biggest Indulgence: Scotch.
Best Advice: Make it comfortable.
Dream Sources: Grandpa’s den at the old Missouri farmhouse, the fireplace, and the Sen Sen mints in the pocket of his Sunday jacket.
Resources of Note:
PAINT & COLORS
- Dunn Edwards Calico Stone
- Valspar Hazelnut Coffee
ENTRY/FRONT ROOM
- Kilim rug, generous friend
- Early 20th century folding gymnasium bench, junk shop in Pismo Beach
- Vintage Lithuanian painting, Modern Manor
- Anonymous portraits, Modern on Melrose
- 1940’s pottery wheel entry table, Goodwill
- Laboratory cabinets, public auction
LIVING ROOM
- White crater vases, made by me
- Leather covered Bertoia Bird chair, antique store
- Wood fired jar, made by me
- Vintage Raymor wall unit, Craigslist
- Allen Ditson/Lee Porzio daybed and chair set, local auction
- Danish style walnut lamps, thrift store
- Anatomical poster, public auction
- Circa 1970 Studio made end table, Craigslist
- Rare Allan Gould end table, Modern Manor, Doug Alvarez
- Pair of vintage prosthetic legs, thrift store
DINING ROOM
- Table, oak slats from old stock trailer and reworked vintage patio table DIY
- Fog Morup enamel lamp, Habitat for Humanity store
- 1960’s German bicycle, thrift store
- School chairs, public auction
KITCHEN
- Upper cabinets, recycled laboratory cabinets, salvage
- Chambers stove, yard sale
- Counter refinished butcher block work table, found/DIY
BEDROOM
- Vintage chalkboard, public auction
- Bench, DIY
- Wood fired jar by John Balisteri, from the artist
- Kilim saddlebag (blanket storage), Goodwill
- Jackie Carson painting circa 1980’s, thrift store
- Paul McCobb Origami chair, private dealer
BACK ROOM
- Hans Wegner daybed, private dealer
- Vintage homemade slat bench, Modern Manor
- Eames arm shell, Craigslist
- MP3 suitcase, The Original Loud Luggage Company, Phoenix
Thanks, Jeremy!
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