illustrator nick dewar was born in scotland, where he grew up in a small fishing village on the east coast. he’s since lived in glasgow, prague, london, new york and now finds him self in sunny southern california and is thankful to have a place which is large enough he no longer has to bathe in his kitchen (ha!). i’m loving his home for all the graphic elements and signs that have made their way inside. click here for more images from nick’s home, and check out more of his work here (you may recognize the cover illustration for the devil wears prada). stay tuned for two more knock-out sneak peeks coming up soon! [thanks, nick!] -anne
[above: The American trailer is from Hatch print in Nashville. Apparently the print shop was once owned by a man who also owned a trailer park. He forced the poor artists to make giant woodblock prints of trailers to advertise his park. The cushion is the ubiquitous Jonathan Adler cushion. Ownership of which signifies membership in the menacing secret society of freelance designers. The pot is from Santorini and I dragged it back as hand luggage when you could still do those sort of things.]
Our living area. As you can see we have lots of fancy books that have been optimistically placed in such a way that they may be readily to hand for an evening of thoughtful discussion while sipping Pinot Noir and eating eclectic cheese. They are certainly not conducive to flopping down and watching Stephen Colbert on Hulu, which is what we actually do. I replaced all the phones with old rotary phones from the 1970’s. This was much to the bemusement of the cable guy we thought I was either an electronic eccentric or conspiracy theory nut. Now my phones make a loud “BRIIING” noise and you have to sit down and actually pay attention to the person on the other end and not wander around annoying the cats or watching videos of gerbils on youtube. The cushions on the couches are repurposed flour sacks from Etsy. The subway sign serves as both a wistful reminder of the ten great years we spent in New York and how much we don’t miss New York in August.
The table (from Green River Woods) is made from reclaimed bits of lumber from a house in Pennsylvania North Carolina. I screwed it onto an old Eames table base. Outside you can see the tops of our tomato plants peeking up.
On the left is our dresser. This dresser may appear serene on the outside but inside the dresser contains a vast cornucopia of mismatched socks, handkerchiefs in disquieting colours and homeless buttons. The wooden things on top are blocks that are used to print patterns on Sari fabric. We picked them up in a street market in Jaipur. To the right are some crudely tacked objects of inspiration in my studio. There is a poster of Kali, a Prague tram sign, an old boiler warning sign and a badge from a Yoko Ono art show.
On Saturday we lumber back from the farmers market with a sack of oranges. So every morning we have fresh juice from our wonderful manual squeezer. I have not yet caught my thumbs in the lever but it is just a matter of time before this happens. Lurking in the background we see can my Cornishware bread bin. I am particularly proud of this bin as I found it in the back of a Scottish hardware store among faded boxes of rusty screws and antediluvian plumbing supplies. The chopping boardis one the best purchases I have ever made. Having a large expanse on which to chop vegetables on is one of the most luxurious things you can do.
The figs are from my aunts garden in Palm Springs and the bowl they are sitting in was made by my friend Rebecca Callis. We are lucky enough to also have some of her cups and bowls. They make me happy every time I use them. Through the window you can see our struggling herb garden. Damn that Cilantro.
The shaving mirror is from a South London flea market.
I found this washed up on a beach near where I grew up in Scotland. It was covered in thick black paint and resembled a sink clog. For years I dutifully carried from home to home (much to my wife’s chagrin). Recently I stripped off all the gunk, rubbed linseed oil into it and repainted in the letters and now I am allowed to put it in the living room. We think it says “Fruitful Bounty”.
Our earthquake preparedness. I plan to live on marmite and custard. The plan being that when the big one comes the world will be divided into two warring tribes: those who love Marmite and those who hate it. It will be like “The Road” but with sandwich spreads. The small knives are a result of getting lost when driving in New Zealand and winding up at the end of a road where a knife maker lived. They are made from old bits of tractor and some wood he dug out of a bog.
I always planned to illustrate this book as it contains such gems as: “Ge dubh am fitheach is geal leis isean” which translates as “Black as is the raven he thinks his chicken fair” and “Is miosa na an uireasbhuidh tuille’s a choir” which apparently means “’Tis’ worse than poverty to have more than enough”. Wise words indeed. On the right is an elephant hook from the hook lady.
My studio. On the wall are some photos from my travels and a screenprint by Chris Ware. The floor is littered with reference books.
Wood. The outdoor beer opener. I assume that most people have this.
73 Comments
i love hilarious narration. :) beautiful home.
Where did you get the container to catch bottle caps? Maybe it doesn’t matter what it is… That addition to the bottle opener is genius.
This is such a great guy house! I hope he doesn’t mind if I borrow some ideas for friends…. ;)
The most well written sneak peak i’ve ever had the pleasure to read. So charming! And a beautiful home as well.
best text EVER accompanying a sneak peek! totally made my day.
What a pleasure to see such a beautiful home described in such a funny, engaging way. Kudos!
this is great. excellent commentary!
Ditto…great narration to go along with a great peek! Thanks. Very creative dining table – can you share a pic of the whole table w/the mod base – sounds beautiful.
What a lovely read for a Monday morning! I can’t help but to keep scrolling up to view that table made of recycled lumber. I love that!
that was the most entertaining sneak peak commentary i’ve read. thank you!
ok, your home and decor is beautiful, but it’s your writing that made me comment. so refreshing to read funny combined w/style.
As everyone else has said, I love the photos, and I love the commentary even more! Great job!
A feast for the eyes, and chuckles for the brain! Loved the narrative!
This is a great space and enjoyed reading the descriptions just as much as looking at the photos.
This is the best narration ever!
Fruitful Bough was shipwrecked off aberdeen in 1961! http://tinyurl.com/n2ufxc
I love putting it out there about the books in the living room. Don’t we all secretly do that? Big HEART for the NZ knives story – so spot on. Well done!
he sounds wonderful, and the house reflects it. I felt like I was wandering through the rooms, taking a look around. I know exactly what you mean about luxurious veg cutting space and marmite wars (I’m a vegemite girl, myself). Outdoor beer opener – brilliant.
connie-
seriously, the comment of the day for me. that’s nuts that you found the shipwreck record for this piece!! :)
grace
Very cool house and objects details! also the greatest sneak peek commentary ever! thank you.
I agree, this is the best narrated sneak peak! The house is delightful as well! Thank you.
Love the embellishments all around, but the space in general is wonderful too!
Viva marmite! And yes i agree, that’s amazing you found the info about Fruitful Bough connie!
LOVE this. Great words and images.
Big up the Marmite Massive.
x
A lacy branch of pepper tree above the beer opener….says alot about WHERE this house must be located! (I’m getting envious)
btw–did anyone else notice the missing tiles above the bathroom sink? deliberate or accidental? love the way it reveals the history of the wall with a peek of striped wallpaper!
The most well written sneak peak to date…and one of the loveliest homes.
I needed a good laugh today. The Jonathan Adler remark cracks me up! I’m pretty sure my font-obsessed Art Center friend has one of those! Thanks for the commentary, and the beautiful graphic elements.
The house is wonderful and the narration is awesome!
Great to see your house Nick.. and what exeptionally good taste you have! … but marmite on the end of ones finger will only get you so far…better get some crackers in.
So much fun to read! What a comfy and spiffy home, nice!
The witty narration absolutely made my Monday morning. Thanks.
You are just a bucket of awesomeness.
Wonderful home, wonderful writing. A real treat, thank you. Also, WHOA on the power of the internets, if Connie really found the source of his driftwood. How cool is that?!
One small correction: the tabletop wood originates from North Carolina, not Penn. I know this because I was the one who salvaged and milled the wood, designed and built the top.
Cheers,
Matt Christie
GreenRiverWoods.etsy.com
I’m always so happy to read well-written text. And to see it married with such beautiful taste – that is indeed a rare treat.
We don’t have an outdoor beer opener, but I’m sure my boyfriend would be happy as a child if I gave him one. You’re indeed a good story teller, Nick Dewar, and if I imagine your words in a juicy Scottish accent, I get a big, big smile on my face :-)
I love this! I just bought a house, and so all these inspirational photos and writing are extra relevant now.
‘like “The Road” but with sandwich spreads’ = amazing
Awesome home, awesome-r narration!
Nick, please write more. Your descriptions kept me laughing and looking.
agree with Sarah above; I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your memoirs, Nick, over the next few decades. i laughed aloud more than once as I read from room to room in your very charming home. my favorite room is most certainly the kitchen w/ the sunny yellow chairs.
The man needs to write copy. Loved the narration (like everybody else.)
Also diggin’ the elephant hook.
Thanks Grace, for your reply, it’s great to be a part of your insight into groovy lifestyles, and Nick, my Dad found the other name plate for the ship washed up here in the Shetland Islands in 1982! ching ching! snap. xx
Write more, Nick, write more! This sneak peek is such a find in every single respect. Life changing.
I see Global knives on the knife rack. That’s some serious cooking, Nick! ps. Cilantro needs lots of sun. (Don’t worry, June Gloom will be over in a few short weeks.)
Lovely home!
As a fellow Southern Californian though (orig from NY) I have to tell you that the tribe for Marmite will be teeny tiny come the Apocalypse. You might be able to barter for water with the custard however…
Hey lovely post – I love those little knives and I’m in New Zealand – I don’t suppose you remember the name of the road or the maker?
I already loved Nick’s illustrations, and now after reading his description of their lovely home, love him even more!! Thanks.
i love homes that are filled with found souvenirs and wonderful witty stories about them.
i too was pulled into this whole comment section by Nick’s clever and entertaining commentary, initially by reading the part about their earthquake preparedness, which lured me further to the “fruitful bounty”, and then after reading all the comments – and the serendipity about that shipwreck – the online world can be so awesome!
hello jennifer D,
the knives you are looking for were made by ross Johnston at http://www.harlequin.co.nz/Arts/Creators/Blackbird.asp
ask him to introduce you to Ziggy the maori pig.
sincerely,
nick
this is all so great. its so refreshing to be entertained by the descriptions as well as amazing pictures. i keep coming back to those white steps on the wall in the third picture though. is that a fireplace?? why is it confusing me so much?
This is the best thing I’ve read in a loooong time. And I’m an editor! Brilliant.
I love this place! It’s typography nerd heaven.
Question for Nick: Where did you get the Hatch Show print framed? I have an equally gianormous poster that I need to figure out a frame for. I’m considering doing it myself, but I’m not really sure where to start with something that big. Thanks & thanks for the entertaining house tour!
thank you nick for the mention…i love your house and am happy my elephant is there holding your keys!!!
Love the house, love the writing! You should get paid for both… I’m with you on the marmite and custard and I add typhoo tea,my children laugh at my dogfood sized bags, bring it on I say -who’ll be laughing come the revolution??
Your home is so interesting and your comments are hysterical. I love the bit about the books. Everyone should have to get wired phones with NO call waiting! Love it! Thanks.
I really like what you have done,
Talk about original, favoured icons and great colour splashed here and there.
Definately personality and character in your fabulous pad!
My son would probably love to visit your place packed with interest and originality.
I am going to save this space and show him.
Very comfortable looking.
Nostalgic and great to see boxed vinyl.
It looks like you get good sun throughout and love the greenery through to the backyard.
Love the white fresh look with splashes of red looks great!
Fabulous!
Thanks.
OOPS!
Got the vinyl wrong.
Great to see the books in boxes.
Where the door is open.
It would be fabulous to have a vinyl collection of ones favourites amongst the favourite book collection.
loved it! a guy’s house, it look great, and loved the writting as well, congrats.
Thaiteann an spás seo go mór liom! Which means, I really like this space!
your place is great and honest. but most of all you seem to be great and honest! love the sense of humor.
rest in peace. you artwork and style will live on.
RIP, Nick. You were brilliant and will live on as a creative influence.
so sad. i will miss him, and his talent.
The world has lost one of it’s great illustrator designers. These are sad days. My thoughts go to all his loved ones and friends.
You had a great sense of humor Nick. Rest in peace
Nick- I am so glad to see these photos of your home & your sparkling quirky
commentary. I feel like my seltzer water has gone flat with out your wit.
Truly one of a kind Nick. Will miss you
sharply. I will think of you now with every sublime bite of marmite I take.
Nick’s home is a testament to a life well lived. He sounds like he was a great bloke. Very sad…
What a witty and clever force. So sad to have lost such a talented and humble man. His work (and home) is a testament to that life. Wow.
Beautiful. I hope many people are fortunate enough to read this. REst in Peace, dear friend.
I am re-visiting this favourite page of mine. OMG! Did nick pass away? I am so very sad about that and never met him. Was just about to transfer this page, as it has gorgeous photos.
Please feel free to email me.
Thankyou!
maricia
yes, unfortunately it’s true that nick passed away. :(
grace
Oh, thankyou grace.
Just checked in again.
Now I wish I had known nic.
Was he an illustrator?
Want to check out his other work if that’s permissable.
Will keep viewing this sneak peak page.
maricia x
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