me, but nothing is really precious,” says Putman, who, every bit the laidback mother of two young boys, realizes things will inevitably be broken or soiled. “That’s how we operate in this house.” That also means every picture isn’t perfectly square and coasters aren’t required. (But there are sweet embroidered cloth cocktail napkins aplenty.) Art plays an integral role in the home –including pieces by Jackie Gendel, Rachel Goodyear, and Celeste Tammariello–and lives among treasured family photos and rests atop other surfaces. “Steve shares my enthusiasm in art and is the best at finding new and interesting artists,” she says, adding that artnet.com is one of their favorite resources. “We buy each other art for gifts.”
A dresser passed down from her mom greets guests at the front door and grounds a few of Putman’s more whimsical finds: the neon pink “Love” print she fell for in a London shop and the white bamboo lamp from a New York flea market. “A little Palm Springs kitsch is perfect on my mom’s old dresser,” she says.
A Dallas Art Institute grad and owner of graphic design firm AH Designs, Putman also recognizes the impact her training has on her surroundings. “In graphic design, it’s all about organizing information and visuals in a thoughtful and interesting way without losing sight of what you are trying to communicate,” she says. “You need to practice restraint, but never forget to inject uniqueness and a little wit. You can apply the same principles in your home.” Maybe that’s why she doesn’t hesitate to play with paint finishes and colors— as her brilliant cobalt blue dining room and rich red powder room can attest. Ditto for glossy paint on moldings and doors to impart a glam patent shine. “Contrast is good, and color makes the house cozy,” she says. “I only like it
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Lonny
april • may
2010