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Bringing the Outsiders In
This article showcases the transformation of a circa-1912 Old Town carriage house into a residence designed to prominently feature a vast collection of outsider art. Chicago designer Todd Haley spearheaded this project, aiming to create a living space where the art collection, consisting of hundreds of bold pieces, takes center stage without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The five-bedroom, three-bath brick house, situated on a 37.5-foot-wide lot, was reimagined to be both a gallery for the art and a comfortable, functional home, especially during the pandemic.
Haley's design philosophy for this project was to allow the art to dictate the starting point of the interior design. He is known for blending high-end bespoke furnishings with more accessible, mass-market items. In the expansive living room, the vibrant art pieces are juxtaposed against a backdrop of subtle gray and black tones in the furnishings, creating a sophisticated yet slightly whimsical atmosphere. The deliberate choice of a neutral palette ensures that the focus remains on the art, rather than competing with it. This approach reflects Haley's understanding of the clients' preferences, having worked with them on two previous projects.
The art collection itself is diverse and eclectic, featuring notable works such as a mixed-media painting of a bull moose by William Hawkins, a mushroom sculpture crafted from bottle caps by Clarence Woolsey, and a detailed cathedral-shaped bird feeder from the 1970s by Aldobrando Piacenza. These pieces, ranging from folk art to mixed media, are strategically displayed throughout the home to maximize their visual impact and integration into the living environment.
One of the distinctive features of the design is the elevated dining room, which Haley transformed into a theatrical setting. A custom-made dining table is surrounded by seating, with guests stepping up to enter the space. The dining room is anchored by an illuminated scale model of the John Hancock Center, positioned within a smoked-mirror niche. Bird prints by English photographer Luke Wilson adorn the walls, further enhancing the artistic ambiance. The dark, neutral color scheme extends into the family room, where a large U-shaped sectional sofa from Room & Board is complemented by custom wing chairs and sculptures. The mixed-media pieces are hung using gallery-inspired wiring, emphasizing their artistic presentation.
Beyond aesthetics, the design also considered functionality and the owners' lifestyle. The open flow from the front of the home to the back garden makes the space suitable for entertaining. During the pandemic, the bright interiors contributed to an enjoyable work-from-home routine for the couple. Throughout the house, upbeat details are incorporated, such as oversized floor lamps fashioned from boom lights in the living room and a series of pop-art-style plates by filmmaker John Waters adorning the wet bar. The overall effect is a residence that comfortably merges the experience of living with an extensive art collection, akin to residing in a personal art gallery.
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