HomeOpen House: Mark and Jeri’s
25. Jun, 2009 
7 Comments
Chicagoan’s Mark and Jeri were introduced by mutual friends fifteen years ago, although it’s surprising nobody set them up sooner. The intellectuals had moved in the same social circles for years and had much in common. Both had grown up in typical 60′s suburbia, both worked for .org’s, he for the Adler Planetarium, she for the Field Museum, and both had very full apartments.
The accumulation of interesting cultural artifacts is a job perk for Jeri, who travels the world searching for interesting new products in her role as the Director of the Museum’s retail stores. Mark just likes stuff.
I should probably write a transition sentence here explaining that things worked out and Mark and Jeri became man and wife, but I’m going to assume the title tipped you off. Combining their homes and their things was chaotic, but like two spiral galaxies colliding, the result was a perfect new entity.
Continued . . .
Mark and Jeri’s home manages to be at once soothing, whimsical and evocative. The story starts in the foyer, which separates the living room from the stairs leading to the second floor, which has two bedrooms and a bathroom; the foyer’s walls are covered with framed travel postcards and handcrafted wooden snakes. Music finds its way from the living room; it’s jazz, it’s rock, it’s Yo Yo Ma, and it’s all on the same play list. A rolled up American flag, outsider art and a scary looking tin-man complete the scene and set the tone for the entire home.
Mark and Jeri frequently entertain, and they’re known for hosting salon-style dinner parties where they bring together people with different backgrounds, interests and personalities. Whether the party fails or not is besides the point; the tension keeps things interesting and beautiful, something that’s also true of Mark and Jeri’s home.
Click here to read past Open House tours.
framed thank you note from Katherine Hepburn hangs outside Mark and Jeri's religiously kitschy boudoir (Jeri sent Hepburn a note explaining that she'd named her daughter after the legendary actress).
What a great place – I love all the stuff and the bright colors!
One additional comment: Mark and Jeri are the best neighbors ever!!
Wow. Beautiful and awesome. Put’s the castle to shame.
love,
Bets
Terrific pictures! Though evenly more lovely in person.
Now, that’s a house I can relate to! The large indian in the yellow alcove really speaks to me!
http://BeverlyKayeGallery.blogspot.com
Jeri — Great house!