HomeOpen House: James and Frances’ Decoratus Absurdum Abode
29. Jan, 2009 
6 Comments
“Frances and I were talking about you earlier this evening,” wrote James in his response to my email. “Are you a mind reader?”
It seems like a joke, but having visited he and Frances’ condo, I knew it wasn’t; he really wanted to know. By turns traditional, elegant and . . . spooky? Quirky? Decoratus Absurdum-y? Yes, Decoratus Absurdum-y, the juxtapositions create a very pleasant cognitive dissonance; the rooms gets sharper, the angles stretched and ready-to-snap.
Appropriately, Decoratus Absurdum is what connected James and me; he emailed to ask about using the term to describe his company Transmission Atelier’s prints. Intrigued by our shared D.A.ppreciation, I asked about his condo.
The layout sort of meanders, the music that creates the suspense, and in an architectural decision both unusual and yowza, the kitchen separates James’ office from the rest of the home. Illuminated by only computer screens and glowing buttons, the darkened room’s skulls and gas masks bring to mind a sort of Purgatory 3.0, a place one’s soul will be scanned into eternity after one takes a time out. James must have made some sort of deal with some sort of . . . entity . . . because even in this economic climate, business is going well and soon Transmission Atelier is moving to a much larger studio in Pilsen.
READERS PREDICT: Will a power struggle erupt between James and Frances over who controls the newly available room?
Continued . . .
The macabre touches extend throughout the house, toughing up the otherwise elegant antiques. “We are recovering vIntage fanatics,” says James. “There was a time when I couldn’t even stand the sight of anything built after 1930.” (I love that).
For those of you who might not appreciate Decoratus Absurdum and are feeling sorry for Frances, don’t worry; she got her revenge in the bathroom, which is possibly the most feminine space I’ve ever seen in my entire life, soft, sophisticated and thoughtful with candles and flowers; a sexy black and white photo of Marilyn Monroe is the kiss on top. I have to admit it; I felt pretty in that room . . . sniff.
Thanks guys. Check out the ultra-cool and often never reproduced prints at Transmission Atelier. James just won exclusive rights to print a number of long-unseen images, so they’ll be rolling out shortly – deco, symbolist and art nouveau stuff. Sign me up (please).
I love the skull lamp!!!!!
That’s a great looking house. I love all the rooms, but the dining room is my favorite. You never see dining rooms like that anymore. Twenty years ago I wouldn’t have liked it, but seeing it today, I love it. The chandelier, dining room table and chairs, drapes and sheers…so cool.
I love the skull lamp! The lighting througout is really nice and creates a real warmth and depth to the environments. Great courtyard too!
I worked on a unit in your building a long time ago, I love the layout of the apt’s built during the 20′s and 30′s Really like the way your home is layered, it has a real imprint of your personality, Very well done….
Phillip Bernal
Phillip Bernal Design
Hi, Tate! (Made sure I spelled it right this time!). What a beautiful Art Deco space; Decoratus Absurdum has brought it floating into the 21st century. James and Frances hit all the right notes in the space.
To say I loved the article would be an understatement. Their space reflects their personalities on the money!
Love it Jim, and Mary—there is a lot of your dark side showing through! Perfect!