arts & life
at home
continued from page 41
ABOVE: Friedman’s brother, Brad, came up with the idea for the glass doors, allowing views into the den from the foyer; along with Long, they worked with
metalsmith Richard Gage, owner of Richard Gage Design Studio in Hazel Park, to create them. Long found the vintage school chairs at an antiques shop — once
slicked with yellow paint, they were refreshed with black paint and wool upholstery. On the wall, an old framed chalkboard was also scooped up by Long. “I
stash treasures I’ve found while traveling and living abroad and wait to give them the right home,” Long says. “I’d had this one for about 15 years.” Often, one
of Friedman’s many artist friends will doodle a temporary masterpiece while visiting. “It’s got constantly rotating art,” Long says. “Or people will come over for a
party and leave a note. It’s a great way to interact in the home.”
PREVIOUS PAGE: Friedman brought in hand-hewn beams for the ceiling to incorporate a rustic feel, but kept them semi-coffered to keep the look clean and
modern. Long echoed the planks in the Lee Industries chair frames and again in the lines of the oil-rubbed bronze curtain rod and the black-painted window
frames. ”Because you see the backs of the chairs when you enter the room, we wanted the furniture to have architectural elements to it,” Long says. “It’s got a
mid-century vibe to it, but updated.” A woven wool rug was finished with a leather border, and the limestone fireplace is also a clean take on a traditional design.
continued on page 44
42 February 11 • 2016