(This is the fourth of our 6 honorable mentions, which go to submissions that did not make the finals. They are awarded purely at the judge's discretion. Each honorable mention receives a special gift from DWR.)
From Sam Grawe (in Italy right now):
"First of all, I'd like to say that it was fun going through all the entries, and really hard to narrow things down to one "special mention" (I wish all the submissions we got at Dwell were this good).
What I like about Chris' place is that it really is infused with his personality - thanks in no small part to his custom furniture (I particularly like the bent plywood coffee table and the fact that he recycled an airport x-ray machine into a desk). Of course, this isn't an option for everyone, but then again, not everyone's apartment is small and cool. It's cool, but it’s not pretentious...."
Congrats to Chris! This entry was one of my absolute favourites and one of the few that I could see myself living in easily.
Chris has a brilliant career ahead!
" From day one, part of our mission at Dwell has been to show that good design exists outside of the big cities (and blue states)."
As if. From day one, Dwell has made sure to alienate anyone not as fabulous as they are. Maybe Sam is just a lousy writer, but his prose drips with condescention.
The house is great, and I'm sure Chris is so relieved to have passed the Dwell/Smell test.
"P.S. I'm also a Kozyndan fan (Takadanobaba on Acid above the Eames house of cards)."
Me too. I also spotted Kozyndan's print, Uprising, above the TV.
April 7th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXWELL
I like that Chris takes design and power tools in his own hands and makes things "from scratch" that look really good. Congratulations!
Don't know how I missed this entry the first time around. Great choice for a special mention!
Re: Sam's comments. I don't read condescension in his tone at all. He seems genuinely impressed by Chris's entry. Guess it's all subjective, at any rate.
Re: Dwell. I've softened on my critical opinion of the magazine specifically because the previous and current issues of the magazines--which seem closer to the spirit of the magazine when it was originally launched. Dwell suddenly feels more approachable and reader-friendly to me. Hopefully, the subtle 2-year streak of "affluenza" in their editorial slant and almost shameless (verging on advertorial) shilling of their co-branded prefab houses has finally ended.
Back on topic. Chris, you're custom and repurposed pieces are fantastic. Congrats!
Hallelujah.
A return to reason and good judgment.
I'm with ENRIQUE on this one. I don't know how I missed CHRIS' "space" the first time around. I must have been so overwhelmed by some of the other entries. Hey, but this place is very nice. I've always wanted a place with exposed brick.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I can't help thinking this entry had different pics when it first showed up on AT because I barely recognize it at all. Am I right?
I'll second the nod to the coffeetable. Very cool in this space - definitely unique!
The pics are the same. I remember this entry very well, though I must not have read the captions well, because I totally missed the desk from an x-ray machine bit.