Erin Gates - Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life

Modern art juxtaposed against traditional interior architecture makes for an interesting and unexpected mix.

T ake a deep breath and jump in. That was the title of Erins first blog post on April 3, 2007. As it turns out, it was a very deep breath and an Olympic-level jump, especially for someone who is not an entrepreneur at heart. She has done what so many of us want to docreate a career by following a passion. But that first step to following your passion is scary.

If you have read Erins blog, Elements of Style, you already know a lot about her. She is funny, opinionated, stylish, honest, open, sympathetic, and caring. She puts it all out there for everyone to see. She is brave and bold. She has an effect on people she comes into contact with. That has certainly been true for me.

ERIN LIKES ME.

As corny as that sounds, it is an important distinction. I hope it goes without saying that she loves me. But at times in marriage, it is easier to love than to like. We are very different people. And even though the saying opposites attract is true, it doesnt mean such relationships always work out. I am not an easy person to be married to (easy to love, easy to live with, but not married to). That is actually one quality we share. She says she sees something special in me, but the truth is, I am reflecting her. One of my favorite movie quotes was said by Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets You make me want to be a better man. Erin makes me a better man.

ERIN MAKES SURE WE TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE IN LIFE.

She puts so much effort into our lives. At times I take it for granted, especially the small details like a lit candle (theyre everywhere) or the interior color of a cabinet no one sees but us. She takes great care with these details that are seemingly insignificant but when put together, create a home. I have given up arguing that it is unnecessary to paint that little space no one will ever see or change the knob on the cabinet in the mudroom. Those things, I have come to realize, are the difference between a house and a home. They are the difference between the direct route and the scenic route.

ERIN INSPIRES ME.

Every so often I am asked if her success intimidates me, if it makes me feel like less of a man. I would be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind. But it doesnt linger. What replaces it is motivation. I wake up every morning trying to find the kind of energy, focus, and passion Erin has. Every night, when the day is finally done, we sit with a glass of wine on our couch, with our dogs, to relax. Except it isnt quite done for her. She begins to research and write tomorrows blog post. When this first began, I was concerned she was working too hard. But what I have realized is that she is so busy during the day with this book or a photo shoot or a client or an ever-growing list of things she adds to her repertoire, that the blog is her way to relax. Its enjoyable for her. While its not always effortless, not always stress free, she would be doing this whether she had ten blog readers or ten million. Whether she had a thousand things to do the next day or none. She is constantly reminding me of just how much is possible. She is doing what she was meant to do. And despite having a very healthy dose of self-doubt, she is the most confident person I know. Not because she has life figured out, but because she doesnt and she puts it out there anyway. She is maddeningly true to herself. It may be the quality I admire most.

I dont know why she asked me to write the foreword to her book. There are far more famous, influential, and worthy writers, designers, and fashionistas who should be writing it. Even so, it has been worth the effort to try and put into words exactly what she means to me. I admit that, until now, I have not taken the time to put my feelings into words. I guess I have believed that it goes without saying. But it shouldnt. I am proud of her for so many things. Being able to write this book is just one in a long line. I hope it inspires you in many ways. But if you take one thing from the following pages, I hope it is that home is what you make it. It is about being with the ones you love and having a space that allows you to leave the outside world behind and focus on the truly important things. Those around you.

ANDREW GATES

DECEMBER 2013

A bold, fun entryway welcomes you home.

INTRODUCTION

I n the time I have been designing homes for a living, I have lived in five. Some I owned, some I rented, some I loved, and some I wanted to demolish gleefully with a wrecking ball. Some were large, others were small, some needed work while others I wasnt allowed to work on. Each place Ive called home has had its own look, furniture arrangement, and color scheme, but what all these spaces had in common was their role in sheltering me and my life story. When I think of each apartment or condo, I recall specific memorieshappy and sadthat make up who I am and the life Ive led. While a home provides shelter and a place to gather, it is also the safe place where we can express our feelings and enjoy some of the most important and meaningful events in our lives.

Therefore, designing a home is a very personal venture. I strongly believe that a home provides a canvas on which we can illustrate who we are; your space should look like you and no one else (even if you are using an interior designer). While some designers love a blank slate and the freedom to do whatever they want, I prefer to work with clients who have an opinion, a story, and unique artifacts collected over time: a dresser found in an antique market in the country, a desk from an adored father, art bought on a magical trip across France. I always want the end result to be the best possible version of their taste, filtered through my knowledge of design concepts and sources. While helping them create homes they love, I have learned so much from them as well. Ive reflected on my own life through my work, figuring out what I personally love and who I want to be.