stephmodo: Real Life Home No. 19 - Artist Katherine Sandoz

Real Life Home No. 19 - Artist Katherine Sandoz

• 07 February 2013


A few years ago, my dear friend Rachel, popped into a boutique in Savannah, Georgia called The Paris Market.  Inside, she discovered many lovely things, particularly the stunning, abstract paintings by local artist, Katherine Sandoz (a lovely name for an artist, don't you think?).  Lucky for us all, she then shared the find on her blog shortly thereafter.  I was smitten.  It's not often that art speaks to you in such a way, so I felt gratitude for this rare moment.  

So today, it with much delight that I give you a little peek into her "real life home"--a 1930's Craftsman style bungalow she shares with her husband, whom she affectionately refers to as "Horace", their two sons and two dogs.  I'll also share a few images of her studio (pictured above), a red barn built by her husband.  It's so fun to see where the magic happens!

For those of you just tuning in, this original series showcases living spaces decorated by people who are not formally-trained interior designers; people who mix new finds with antiques and secondhand pieces from Craigslist (or the like).  People who have figured out, on their own, what looks and feels good in their living space; be it a free-standing home, an apartment, or in one particular case, a tower :)


A little more about Katherine and her family before we get going with this tour into her home...

Katherine describes herself as a painter, illustrator, maker and visual strategist.  She not only teachers workshops in Provence, France with SCAD, but she also contributes to the local art scene as well (one such example here).  Katherine is cheered on by her husband and two young sons.  Her husband, "a hunter, fisher and outdoorsman" is a partner in an environmental consulting firm called Resource + Land Consultants.  Katherine describes her boys as being "intimately familiar with pencils, brushes, bows and arrows".  If you follow her on instagram, you'll see confirmation that this is indeed true!


It seems apropos to begin this tour with an image of some of Katherine's personal art, woven perfectly into the wall, despite the fuse box :)  You've got to love all the charm and character that comes with homes built in the 30's! (I live in one myself so I am familiar with this sort of thing!).  The painting in the bottom, left corner is by Jenny Vorwaller; coincidentally, a friend of mine here in Seattle as well.  The other two works are by Katherine's friend, Jay Crider.


For many of us, it's difficult to imagine warm weather right now, but if you've ever visited the South in the summer, you know that an indoor porch with sun-shielding curtains is a welcomed respite for every southern belle.  Katherine made the neutral, textured curtains herself, as well as the cushion on the box storage.  The side table was a yard sale find, which she promptly repainted and updated with an Anthropologie pull.  The rocking chair was a gift from her husband, which she loves.  He picked it up at a mom and pop store in Nahunta, Georgia.  


Sweet curtains sewn by Katherine and matching containers of utensils.  I can almost feel the breeze coming through that window.  


A glimpse into her boys' bedroom...I love how neat and minimal it is.  I'm having total kid-bedroom-envy :)   The book holder is actually an old postcard stand Katherine procured from the curb downtown.  One woman's trash is another woman's treasure!  Doesn't the book collection look fantastic?  Artists always seem to have the most enviable book collections.

One last image from her kitchen where old citronella candle holders now house pens, pencils and of course, paint brushes.




There are a few details about this image that I can appreciate...first, the peek at the lovely art in the dining room.  It's hung in such a classic way.  Also, the child's bath towel hanging on the bathroom door; a simple reminder of what daily life is all about!  And last, but not least, the library in the bathroom.

I'm jealous.


Pretty towels, hardware and other charming details illuminate the bathroom.  I imagine this to be a cheerful place to begin one's day.  There is something about color against white that feels fresh and joyful.

In the living room, we are starting to see Horace's hobbies more apparent--both in hunting and woodworking (he built the bookcases you see above and below).  Katherine assures me they always consume their harvest at home and are not wasteful with their bounty.  If you allow your eyes to stay awhile on the photo below, you'll see a large, original painting by Katherine in the dining area.  So dramatic!  She describes her style as having a "huntsman meets artist" vibe and I do believe this image sums that up nicely :)




The bungalow feels grand and rather expansive to me as I sort through Katherine's images, but she tells me it is only 1400 square feet.  I'm convinced the 1930's was a time of efficient floor plans, as the home where we live now was built at the same time.  It's small, but efficient with space.  The only downside is a lack of storage, which is what Katherine deals with as well.  Gratefully, they put their beautiful, red barn to good use as it houses both a studio and a "man cave".  Win-win.

Tip toe down the hallway and you see the master bedroom.  The statement piece of that space, a Mary Hartman painting, reminds me of this post.  The closeup of the bathroom vanity and sink confirms my suspicion that this room is a light-filled, happy little corner of the home (please note this particular image was taken by Tobia Makover).



These are probably my favorite photos of all, which is why I saved them for the end of this post.  I love seeing where Katherine paints and is otherwise creatively inspired.  The few pieces I have hanging in my home bring me so much joy on a daily basis, so it's incredibly rewarding for me to catch a glimpse into this intimate part of her life--her studio.



Outside her studio is a structure called the "hen house"; however, it does not house hens :)  Rather, it was built by Horace last year for an art fair.  Now, it serves as an outdoor gallery space, picnic spot, and gardening shed.  It is all so dreamy, yes?  Together, all these personal elements enhance the beauty and peace I find in her abstract works.  Katherine has created a beautiful life for herself and her family--one that is real and truly reflective of who they are as individuals.  I am so grateful she allowed me to share these personal images of her home with you, dear readers.



If you'd like to peek at some more "real life homes", please enjoy these previous posts.  They are all quite different from each other, but all lovely in their own, real way.

Real Life Home No. 18 - Annalise Neil's San Diego Bungalow
Real Life Home No. 17 - Maria of Dreamy Whites
Real Life Home No. 16 - Chelsea's Michigan Farmhouse
Real Life Home No. 15
 - Erin's Upcycled Hollywood Glam
Real Life Home No.14 - Nadia's Converted Barn in Vermont
Real Life Home No.13 - Dottie Angel's Mossy Shed
Real Life Home No.12 - Aunt Patty's sophisticated mid-century home
Real Life Home No.11 - Rubyellen of Cakies and her French-inspired flea market finds
Real Life Home No.10 - Julie's coastal home with reclaimed materials
Real Life Home No. 9 - Petra's Tower in downtown Seattle
Real Life Home No. 8 - Kayce's Nashville Home that's both Southern + sweet
Real Life Home No. 7 - Sara's colorful and eclectic Portland Home
Real Life Home No. 6 - Amy's Calming Neutrals in California
Real Life Home No. 5 - Lynne of Sugar City Journal and her whimsical details
Real Life Home No. 4 - Emily's gorgeous whites and woods in Dallas
Real Life Home No. 3 - Kirsten of Simply Grove's clean and textural Idaho home
Real Life Home No. 2 - Maria of Two Peas and a Pod and her white kitchen
Real Life Home No. 1 - My sister Cherilee's eclectic, mid-century home

All images by Savannah, Georgia photographer, Joshua Branstetter

13 comments:

  1. I've admired Katherine SAndoz's paintings for several years now, and I'm so happy to get a peek into her home! Thanks so much!

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  2. Great house. Thanks for sharing it. Now I'm going to be on the hunt for a postcard holder for the kids' books.

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  3. Savannah is one of the coolest cities in the US. This is fabulous, and it's been fun to peek into the life of a local. Thank you!

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  4. That's such a beautiful house! I always think artists seem to have unusual names- or at least the sort that stick in your mind! Such a lovely blog :) x

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  5. This is so so neat! I love how collected and livable it is. It is the definition of southern charm. Loved it!

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  7. Love this post!! Every room/angle is so inspiring! Thank you!

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  8. What a treat to click on your blog this morning and find this beautiful post! I too have admired Katherine's art since you first posted about it - she's a genius - and her house reflects that elegance + vibrance that I love in her painting. It must be such a pleasure for her boys to grow up in such a space. And that studio!!!! and henhouse!!!!! Wow. Thanks for such a lovely tour!

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  10. Oh wow I am just in love with this. I am Southern so this is just like a dream place for me :) Love your blog btw you got a new reader.

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  11. Katherine, you home and space is amazing, absolutely charming in the best of ways! Love your painting studio.

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  12. beautiful, i love the art work and that horse painting swoon something so special to be able to fill ones home with pieces of their very own!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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