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House Tour: Jason and J.R.'s Well-Connected Home
New York

12-15-jason-1.jpgName: Jason O'Malley and J.R. Craigmile
Location: Kerhonkson, NY (two hours north of NYC in The Catskills)
Size: 1900 sq. ft.
Years lived in: 4

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new_housetour08.jpgSocial networking has connected us with lots of people — friends from elementary school, college and beyond — but we never thought it would connect us with a great home. Jason and J.R. came to us through Facebook (Home Design on Facebook), and after AT readers requested more photos of their mid-century modern space, they were happy to comply...

 
 

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AT Survey:
My/Our style: Jason is more Dwell and J.R. is more Cottage Living. Combine the two and get a rural modern eclectic mash-up.

Inspiration: We love mixing high and low and mashing up different periods and styles. And J.R. complains if it gets too modern and uncomfortable. For instance, I think Wassily chairs are beautiful and J.R. thinks they're torture devices. We're both right.

Favorite Element: The screened in porch (we live out there until it snows), the vaulted ceiling in the living room, and that endless supply of fresh country air.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping bears out of the bird feeder, not strangling our neighbor's rooster who crows 24 hours a day (no exaggeration).

What Friends Say: "I love your house, but when is that damn rooster going to stop crowing?"

Biggest Embarrassment: We moved into this house as is. It was tastefully renovated and the perfect blank canvas for our stuff. No blood, sweat, or tears at all. Don't tell anyone.

Proudest DIY: None. We're not DIY kind of guys. Does installing shelves count?

Biggest Indulgence: We splurged on a beautiful couch and chair from Room and Board, Bertoia stools (J.R. got them cheap from his boss), a nice big hi def tv, and a kick ass modern wood burning stove.

Best Advice: Don't be afraid to mix periods, styles, patterns, and colors. I used to be a hardcore mid century modernist, but I'm much happier now that I'm mixing things up.

Dream Source: Aero Studios/Thomas O'Brien (the expensive stuff, not the Target line, although I like that, too.)

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Resources: magazines, design blogs, flea markets, junk shops, ThreePotatoFourShop

Appliances: Nothing special

Hardware: Nothing special

Furniture: (See notes in slideshow)

Accessories: Lots of non-pedigreed flea market finds, Ikea, some Jonathan Adler pillows and vases, and Alexander Girard folk art figures,

Lighting: (See notes in slideshow)

Rugs and Carpets: The red striped area rug in the living room is from the Crate and Barrel outlet.

Tile and Stone: Nothing special

Window Treatments: Thomas O'Brien for Target curtains and Ikea solar shades

Beds: West Elm beds with Dwell sheets

Artwork: Steve Keane, Aesthetic Apparatus, Alvin Lustig, Charley Harper, vintage Smiths posters, tacky souvenir plates, target practice posters

Paint: Nothing special

Flooring: Nothing special

Thanks, Jason and J.R.!

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(Be sure to check out their greeting card company, Handsome Devil Press, and Jason's blog (popular culture, doodled), Doodle Whore.)

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-Lise

Tags

House Tours, Handsome Devil Press

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Comments (54)

Great place, Love it.

posted by plastolux on December 15th 2008 at 1:24pm
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So many modest comments about "nothing special" being used in the house. However, this place is one of my more favorite places featured recently. So many elements are things I like and would like to use if I had the opportunity. I especially liked the Girard figures. The house is very stylish, but unpretentious and comfy. Congratulations, guys. Don't forget to let us see future modifications or new places!

posted by AustinSarah2 on December 15th 2008 at 1:29pm
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what a warm, fun, lovely home!

posted by Caroline K on December 15th 2008 at 1:40pm
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I looked at the photos before I read the text, and got all excited about the Smiths poster (I have one in my house, too). Then, of course, I realized that this house belongs to the geniuses behind the amazing cards from Handsome Devil Press!

Anyway, I love it! The Dwell/Cottage Living (RIP) description nails it. This is a beautifully balanced home, and every detail looks so well-considered without being overdone. I really, truly think it's one of the best tours I've seen in AT.

Thank you for sharing!!

posted by Anna at D16 on December 15th 2008 at 1:42pm
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Great home-- and I love your adorable dog.

posted by PhillyLass on December 15th 2008 at 2:12pm
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What a lovely setting.

posted by hrhprincessfiona on December 15th 2008 at 2:42pm
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Love the Smiths poster and the Blow Up poster. Your home looks warm and comfortable. Can't believe you found that locker so cheap...and in Philadelphia! (where I live!), but I must say that it looks awesome in your place.

posted by suzy8track on December 15th 2008 at 2:54pm
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i remember the original post with their living room and dining room. so glad you guys did a full house tour, their home is great!

i love the mix of furniture. there are so many textures, and it seems like every corner has something interesting to look at! love it!

posted by eribear12 on December 15th 2008 at 3:13pm
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Très cool!

posted by Eve in Hochelaga on December 15th 2008 at 3:23pm
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This charming space is a great example of home-spun sophistication. You have a lot of stuff, but it's so beautifully organized to look light, airy, and cozy. Oh, and I like the dog in the planter too.

posted by Snoozy on December 15th 2008 at 3:27pm
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Your space is great and, unlike some of the House Tours, yours really truly like a home. Congrats!

posted by bakek on December 15th 2008 at 4:23pm
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*I mean, yours truly feels like a home. ;)

posted by bakek on December 15th 2008 at 4:23pm
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Dog Planter = Hilarity

posted by brittanykate on December 15th 2008 at 4:28pm
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God I love the Smiths AND your place!

posted by carla on December 15th 2008 at 4:46pm
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I am in love with this house.... so many beautiful pieces , too many to count:-))

posted by New York Muhtari on December 15th 2008 at 5:10pm
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Wonderful!

posted by jooly on December 15th 2008 at 5:37pm
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I agree with the others you have a really is nice home.

Too many peoples homes loose their normalises and ability to transcend looking "decorated" when DIY types get started on. I LOVE that you are not a DIY type.

You struck the right balance of having things you like all around the home that are functional and accumulated by love, and just having a good eye for nice stuff.

Good work!

posted by dewi on December 15th 2008 at 6:09pm
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I want to live their with you. Would a third husband work? ;)

posted by Rick Roberts on December 15th 2008 at 7:08pm
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I agree that your home is lovely and also looks lived in, in a warm, inviting, comfortable way. Just have to comment on the kind of "George Washington slept here" reference in the wall silhouette and wow, what a beautiful view especially with the leaves turning!

posted by Elizabeth II on December 15th 2008 at 7:11pm
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charming and adorable home..the area you live in looks so beautiful with nice open space for your Ridge to romp, why no face pics of he/she?

makes me want a house on some land..

posted by LoriSF on December 15th 2008 at 7:33pm
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NO no no. You are all supposed to hate it so Jason will finally help me decorate my apt. Now he is going to want money!

LoriSF - it is fitting that Simon has no face pictures, although I'm sure they didn't mean to do it. He passed recently. Oddly, fitting.

posted by alexis on December 15th 2008 at 7:42pm
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House is fab, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is even fab-er!

posted by dsigninslc on December 15th 2008 at 7:46pm
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LOVE. From Oppenheimer to The Smiths to your little dog in a planter to your big dog who never wakes up to the house itself and its gorgeous surroundings. LOVE.

P.S. LOVE.

P.P.S.S. I want to be your best and only friend. If you don't agree to this, I will shake my guinea pig.

For God's sake, think of the guinea pig.

posted by rosenatti on December 15th 2008 at 8:21pm
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i ate 9 chocolate coated brazil nuts looking at these photos.

your home is inspired! i love your colour palette.

how do people keep their indoor plants looking so lush? mine hate me

posted by *elspeth on December 15th 2008 at 8:28pm
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You have a beautiful home. Can you plese tell me where you purchased the woven ottomans/throw pillows?

posted by sunrise on December 15th 2008 at 8:49pm
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oh my gawwwwsh... a 'vintage' smiths poster?!?!?! i'm officially OLD!!!

posted by formosagirl on December 15th 2008 at 9:51pm
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Handsome pups you have! Handsome interior, too.

Emily

posted by Emily Sneds on December 15th 2008 at 9:57pm
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Does anyone know where the chair pads came from on the dining room chairs? I rescued some chairs exactly like that from the dumpster at CU and haven't been able to find pads for them.

posted by gvollrath on December 15th 2008 at 11:14pm
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Lovely lovely home. One of my favorite house tours. So, sorry to hear about your ridgeback, he's a beautiful dog.

posted by jesscon0202 on December 15th 2008 at 11:27pm
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gorgeous home!

posted by ilovebc on December 15th 2008 at 11:59pm
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So nice! Beautiful things and so comfortable looking. Very funny little doggie in the planter w/stick legs...also love the raccoon on the bed...Blow Up is one of my fave old movies by the way.

posted by muirwoods08 on December 16th 2008 at 12:15am
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Loove how you have combined so many different elements so successfully. I admire this because I aspire (struggle) to do the same. I looks comfortable and hip without being cold.

posted by RobinCH on December 16th 2008 at 12:24am
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Wonderful home. Love all the warm colors and fun details. Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing your home and all the product details. Seems like you did a lot without spending a zillion dollars.

And the setting makes me so envious of you country mouses.

posted by azure on December 16th 2008 at 11:14am
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I very much like the mix of modern with other styles of furniture, which gives your place a more interesting and personalized feel than a lot of houses I see. I also really like the fact that you've mixed just a few high end pieces with normal stuff and still shown a real sense of style. You've turned "nothing special" into something that feels very special!

posted by PaminBoston on December 16th 2008 at 12:23pm
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Where did you get the "cheapo woven floor cushion"? They are perfect.

posted by PatriciaNY on December 16th 2008 at 1:10pm
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what a perfectly blissful home... wow, i think i'm in love.

posted by daniny on December 16th 2008 at 2:28pm
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very nice!

posted by Schniffy on December 16th 2008 at 4:28pm
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Fun! I adore your "tacky" plate collection....do you have one from Idaho?

posted by scootergirl on December 16th 2008 at 11:23pm
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great house, amazing location, awesome interior, cute pups, AND handsome occupants?

i couldn't ask for anything else in a house tour.

posted by bathysphere on December 17th 2008 at 12:48am
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My favorite house tour to date.

posted by DL27 on December 17th 2008 at 12:46pm
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What a charming home! I love the mix, and the highly personal art and decor.

posted by Lisa Hunter (Montreal) on December 17th 2008 at 8:34pm
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Can you tell me where you got the Smiths' "What Difference Does it Make" poster? I've been searching for that myself and debating on just blowing up the album artwork myself instead.

Anyone know a good website to purchase old Smiths' posters?

I'm going to do that in my house.

Love it! LOVE it!

posted by jilldiamond on December 17th 2008 at 11:02pm
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Jason here. Many thanks for all of the positive feedback on the house tour! Since there were more than a few questions in the comments (those woven grass poofs, Smiths posters, shaken guinea pigs, the dogs, etc.), I've started a blog where it will be easier for me to answer them and go a little more in-depth on the details. Check it out: http://theruralmodernist.com/

posted by The Rural Modernist on December 18th 2008 at 3:28am
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This is such a happy house! For myself, I like spaces that are a little more serene, but just looking at this house makes you want to be friends with the owners so you can hang out with them and soak up their great energy. And that hammock looks like heaven!

posted by Emily the Cat on December 20th 2008 at 7:41pm
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My all time favorite AT home. My all time favorite any home. (Well, my all time favorite home that I could conceivably afford in this lifetime.)

posted by kelleyk on December 21st 2008 at 8:04pm
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Love this house! And thanks for all the details in the slideshow, it was so nice to know how you collected what you collected.
You really have a beautiful home, and as a fellow Smiths fan, I love the Smiths ephemera!

posted by BadJuJu77 on December 22nd 2008 at 12:36pm
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that's a killer junk shop find for a table! i'm jealous!

posted by tashar on December 23rd 2008 at 8:16am
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Be proud of the main rooms, but not the rest of it. Why burden us with close-up photographs of all your boring junk and dull bedrooms? You get a B minus instead of a B plus.

posted by m on January 9th 2009 at 12:55am
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I was thinking, 'Wow - wall to wall style' and then I saw the views outside! You guys appear to live a very charmed and chic life.

AT - Please, more cool houses like this one.

posted by EAM on January 9th 2009 at 11:49am
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Whoa! Love this house!

posted by Rajiv on January 24th 2009 at 8:52am
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Very nice job! Great dogs. Any name on the planter or where someone could find out?

posted by tonyarva66 on January 28th 2009 at 12:32pm
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Very stylish. Just the right amount of black. Someday my place will look like this... I hope.

posted by sunan on January 28th 2009 at 1:40pm
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Love it....the tacky plate collection and I love globes too.
Very nice house.

posted by EileenB on January 28th 2009 at 8:40pm
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Rural Modernist - Thanks for your comments on my House Tour - I just looked at your tour and was 2x complimented by your support after seeing your place! Wow - to be complimented by a design master such as yourself really means a lot! And I love your blog too!

posted by BlondeinBrooklyn on February 20th 2009 at 7:11am
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