A few weeks back, I wrote about how Ojai’s name is being usurped by companies to brand their cookies and towels. At Monday Hill Sprints, I overheard some of the group talking about how Waymo’s new minivan is going to be called the Ojai. The prevailing sentiment among the hill sprinters was a sigh and mutual agreement that Ventura (a nearby town) would have been a better name for a car.
Before diving into my lemon marmalade recipe and the home item I’m (reluctantly) replacing in the new house—I didn’t bring it from NYC (you can only fit so much in a car trunk)—I’m sharing the first in a short series of posts about custom pieces that were made for our house and the makers behind them.
When you think about the businesses involved in a renovation, you think about lumber mills, factory-produced appliances, concrete companies, and pre-fab doors. But the bulk of work that gets done in most home renovation comes from an economy of smaller businesses. Stoneyards with people who are experts at cutting and installing stone countertops. Painters. Specialists who install appliances. Finish carpenters, who work on cabinetry. And upholsterers.
Something that was important to Tad and me was to work with another, even smaller economy: makers who could create custom pieces for our home. When people hear custom, they hear “expensive.” This can be the case but it doesn’t have to be. In my experience, creative people like a chance to expand their creativity, so if you approach someone whose work you like, you may be surprised by how willing they are to try something new. If they’re not, the only thing lost was the time spent reaching out. No harm done!
Reath Design, who we worked with on our interiors, already had a large group of artisans who they turn to for lampshades, upholstery, tables, and lamp wiring. Our contractor Evan and his entire team are all craftspeople. Bestor Architecture, too, brought together a contingent of specialists. I’m looking forward to introducing you to some of them in future posts.
Today, I’m starting with someone who I reached out to. ...
