Master Craftsman: Randy Steyert on Decking Out the Hamptons

Nick Hardrath, an urban woodworker and designer, operates his business, The Urban Craftsman, from a studio in Riverwest, where he transforms locally sourced urban tree slabs into custom furniture and home goods. His studio features an array of freshly milled wood slabs and a cabinet showcasing smaller items like charcuterie boards, bottle openers, and coaster sets. Hardrath and his team collaborate with clients on bespoke projects, such as an expansive dining table for Yaakov Cohen, crafted from two sequential urban walnut slabs measuring 5 by 11 feet. Hardrath's background includes a childhood spent building and remodeling homes with his general contractor father. He pursued industrial design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, followed by nearly a decade in product design and development. His passion for furniture and gift making, initially a side venture, evolved into a full-time profession three years prior, prompting him to establish his dedicated workshop. The Urban Craftsman offers diverse custom woodworking services to both residential and commercial clients in Milwaukee. Hardrath's portfolio includes a variety of items such as picnic tables, dining tables, barn doors, and butcher block island tops, each unique in design. The studio welcomes the public Monday through Friday, fostering direct collaboration between customers and Hardrath. While residential clients typically approach Hardrath with specific project ideas, commercial clients, like bars and restaurants, often grant him creative autonomy within a defined budget and space. A notable example of his commercial work is the 20-foot-long tasting table at Central Standard’s Downtown Crafthouse & Kitchen, which was made from a tree that once stood at the historic Pabst Mansion. A core principle of Hardrath’s practice is the repurposing of existing wood resources. He emphasizes that salvaging these urban trees, which would otherwise be mulched or sent to landfills, significantly benefits the environment. Hardrath encourages local residents to save and utilize wood from trees that need to be cut down, advocating for the creation of deeply personal and bespoke items from these materials, thus promoting a sustainable and emotionally connected approach to woodworking. #UrbanWoodworking #CustomFurniture #WoodCraftsman #MilwaukeeDesign #SustainableDesign #BespokeWoodwork #HomeGoods #InteriorDesign #LocalCraftsmanship

The Holmby Hills property, acquired by Jeremy Renner and his then-wife Kristoffer Winters in 2010 for $7 million, underwent significant renovations before being sold in 2013 for a substantial $24 million. This six-bedroom, 11-bathroom estate, referred to as “the Reserve” by agent Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland, encompassed 10,000 square feet and was extensively upgraded to cater to a luxury lifestyle. The renovation project focused on enhancing key areas of the home, including the kitchen, theater, and wine cellar. The kitchen was modernized to meet contemporary standards, likely incorporating high-end appliances and finishes suitable for a luxury residence. The theater, a prominent feature of the home, was outfitted with red velvet wall panels, creating an opulent and immersive viewing experience. This 16-seat theater was designed to provide a private cinematic environment. The wine cellar, another significant aspect of the property, was also improved, suggesting an expansion of its capacity or an upgrade in its climate control and aesthetic appeal. These enhancements underscore a commitment to creating sophisticated entertainment and storage spaces within the estate. Beyond these primary areas, the renovation introduced A-list amenities, such as dual master bathrooms. This feature provides separate, private bathroom spaces for each individual in the master suite, reflecting a trend in luxury home design that prioritizes personal comfort and convenience. The design also incorporated charming details, exemplified by the inclusion of vintage light fixtures. These fixtures were reportedly salvaged from an old New York theater, adding a unique historical and artistic touch to the home’s interior and contributing to its distinctive character. The strategic renovations and the addition of these luxurious and personalized elements transformed the Holmby Hills estate into a highly desirable property. The successful sale at a significantly higher price point indicates the value added through these extensive upgrades and the appeal of the property’s location and amenities in the luxury real estate market. #HolmbyHills #JeremyRenner #KristofferWinters #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeRenovation #Mansion #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvestment

The article details the interior design process undertaken by Jason Martin of Martin & Brockett for three actors from the HBO series 'Veep': Tony Hale, Clea DuVall, and Timothy Simons. It highlights Martin's philosophy of creating living spaces that authentically reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their inhabitants, moving beyond a generic 'designer home' aesthetic. The connection between the actors and Martin & Brockett began through Martin's husband, Jon Brockett, who grew up with Tony Hale. When Tony and his wife, Martel Hale, moved to Los Angeles, their friendship with Brockett and Martin flourished, leading the Hales to entrust Martin with the design of their first home in Los Feliz. Tony Hale emphasizes Martin's attentiveness to their living habits and the specific use of each room, while Martel Hale notes Martin's commitment to ensuring both partners were equally satisfied with the outcome. This collaboration continued when the Hales purchased a second home in Studio City in 2019. For this residence, Martin blended Southern hospitality, East Coast beachy vibes, and L.A. contemporary elements, incorporating wide-plank flooring, mouldings, and a mix of antiques with comfortable, upholstered seating. Many of these upholstered pieces are from Martin & Brockett's own locally made line, which includes the tufted Anne chairs and the bright orange, nailhead-trimmed Hale dining chairs, named after the couple. These products, along with vintage finds and artisanal items, are available through the firm's website and their Mid-City showroom. Timothy Simons and his wife, Annie, also sought Martin's expertise after Simons joined the cast of 'Veep.' Martin notes that Timothy's personality is a stark contrast to his character Jonah Ryan. The Simons, who acquired their Silver Lake home in early 2020, desired a vibrant, family-friendly environment suitable for their active twin children. Timothy Simons expressed confidence in Martin, citing his high-quality work for the Hales, his trustworthiness, and his collaborative artistic approach. The Simons' home features electric colors and a prominent built-in plywood bookcase, designed by Jason Martin with a slanted shelf idea from Timothy, filled with books, reflecting their love for reading. Clea DuVall, who joined 'Veep' as Marjorie Palmiotti, and her wife, Mia Weier, also enlisted Martin's help when they bought a home in 2020 during the Los Angeles lockdown. Their property, located on a hillside in a leafy east-side enclave, offers scenic views and soft, diffused natural light. Martin drew inspiration from DuVall's preference for a 'partly cloudy' climate, akin to Point Reyes, to craft a soothing color palette dominated by muted blues and grays, evocative of late fall. Martin reiterates his design philosophy, stating that his goal is for a space to feel inherently connected to its occupants, as if they had designed it themselves, only executed with a superior level of refinement. The article underscores the personal and collaborative approach Martin takes, resulting in distinct yet deeply personal interiors for each client. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityHomes #VeepCast #MartinAndBrockett #LosAngelesDesign #PersonalizedDesign #EntertainmentIndustry

The perception of home makeover shows on television, which often depict rapid transformations within a single episode, is critiqued by Mark Brunetz, Emmy Award-winning co-host of the former Style Network series “Clean House.” Brunetz, who spent nine years on the show, reveals that these productions require extensive resources, including a crew of 100 people and a week of work for each home. He points out a significant disconnect between the glamorized on-screen portrayals and the reality of the design process, which is far more complex and nuanced than what is typically shown. Motivated by this insight, Brunetz launched a podcast titled "Scandalabra: The Ugly Truth Behind Beautiful Spaces," available on various podcast platforms. This podcast aims to delve deeper into the design industry, moving beyond superficial aesthetics and the emotional reveals commonly featured on TV. Since its launch in July, the podcast has featured 24 candid interviews with design insiders, with more episodes planned. These discussions have brought to light critical perspectives on the home improvement genre. One recurring theme in the podcast, articulated by designer Jaime Rummerfield, is that while home makeover shows have raised awareness about home improvement, they have also inadvertently cheapened the fields of design and architecture. Rummerfield draws a parallel between "fast design" and "fast fashion," where products are made to look appealing for a brief moment but lack durability and substance. This trend pushes poorly made furniture and quick fixes, prioritizing immediate visual impact over lasting quality and thoughtful design. Another criticism highlighted is the common practice of showing sledgehammer demolitions in every episode. While visually engaging for television, such structural changes are often unnecessary or inappropriate for many homes, demonstrating a focus on dramatic effect rather than practical design solutions. Brunetz's interviews frequently reveal that many people tend to copy design trends, which can result in homes that lack personal authenticity. Guests on the podcast emphasize that individuals often feel pressured to adhere to a single design style, influenced by quizzes or prevailing trends. However, the true objective of design, as argued by these experts, is to create a space that genuinely reflects the homeowner's personality and lifestyle, rather than a generic or trendy aesthetic. Angelo Surmelis, a guest on an episode titled “The Dangers of Idolizing TV Designers,” advises against mimicking the styles of TV design experts or blindly following trends. He asserts that companies often manufacture trends primarily to boost product sales, and that true design expertise for one's personal space comes from within. The article suggests that embracing personal preferences and individual taste is more crucial than following a prescribed "color of the year" or an "expert's" recommendation, requiring self-reflection to determine one's authentic style. Renowned architect Dean Larkin, known for his work on high-value properties, advocates for ignoring "isms" in design. He argues that adhering strictly to movements like midcentury modernism or traditionalism limits the opportunity to develop a unique personal aesthetic. Larkin stresses that a home should function as a personal sanctuary, reflecting the occupants and their family. He also cautions against rushing the design process, contrasting it with the expedited timelines seen on TV shows. Successful rooms, he contends, evolve over time. Larkin also challenges the concept of "timeless design," asserting that great design inherently connects people, space, and the specific era they inhabit, and thus is always subject to change. Regarding the impact of the pandemic on home design, Brunetz notes that it merely amplified existing issues. The increased time spent at home caused many to scrutinize their living environments more closely, revealing dissatisfactions with spaces that did not genuinely reflect them. Those who thrived at home during this period were often those whose living spaces resonated with their personal identities. To help individuals discover their personal style, Brunetz employs an interview technique where he asks about their hobbies, travel preferences, favorite clothing, or even what piece of furniture they would be, detailing its characteristics. This method helps people articulate their aesthetic inclinations, underscoring that everyone possesses a distinct style. #HomeMakeoverShows #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesignCritique #AuthenticDesign #DesignTrends #HomeDecoration #DesignIndustryInsights #ScandalabraPodcast #MarkBrunetz

The author reflects on his own career path, having transitioned from a construction-related job to a white-collar role as a senior editor at Fine Homebuilding, a journey he describes as unexpected, given his earlier decision to leave college and work in a lumberyard. This personal history has instilled in him a deep respect for skilled trades and a strong aversion to class-based prejudices. He expresses admiration for Mike Rowe of 'Dirty Jobs' fame, highlighting Rowe's perspective on the value of hard work, as articulated in a TED Talk. The author introduces Mike Lookinland, formerly known as Bobby Brady from the iconic TV show 'The Brady Bunch,' as another individual who has garnered his respect. Lookinland, after leaving Hollywood, embarked on a new career manufacturing concrete countertops. A video from Oprah's 'Where Are They Now?' series is referenced, showcasing Lookinland's journey. In this video, Lookinland discusses his process of recovery from stardom and alcoholism, and how he found a sense of peace and fulfillment through his work as a craftsperson in the concrete countertop industry. His story resonates with the author's personal themes of valuing tangible skills and rejecting societal hierarchies that might devalue manual labor. The article subtly advocates for the dignity of skilled trades and alternative career paths, using both the author's own experience and Lookinland's transformation as examples. The transformation of a child celebrity into a concrete countertop artisan serves as a testament to finding purpose and contentment outside conventional expectations, particularly within a hands-on, craft-oriented profession. The narrative underscores the idea that meaningful work can be found in various forms, challenging traditional notions of success and professional fulfillment. The author, a former carpenter, emphasizes the importance of skilled craftsmanship, a sentiment reinforced by Lookinland's story. #ConcreteCountertops #SkilledTrades #CareerChange #Craftsmanship #MikeLookinland #HomeBuilding #OprahWhereAreTheyNow #WorkEthic