2013 Authors Series featuring "Love Where You Live" by Joan Osofsky

Love Where You Live by Joan Osofsky and Abby Adams

 Introducing author and entrepreneur extraordinaire Joan Osofsky. Many of you may know her from her three very successful locations of her lifestyle shops, Hammertown Farm, in The Hudson River Valley and New England.

Please Click on any Image to enlarge for details.

"Mediterranean Pizzaz in a Rural Vermont Setting"

Joan,

Thank you for participating in The 2013 Authors Series featuring your new book, “Love Where You Live”.

1)      Would you go back and tell our readers about the beginning of your design and artistic leanings?

I think the beginning of my interest in design began with a friendship in college.  My friend Vicki’s Mom was an amazing woman…a knitter, a couture sewer, an avid antique person, and an inspiration, on so many levels.  The beautiful brick Georgian home in Maine furnished with antiques and the family gatherings in around the fireplace and the love that you felt being there …I will just never forget it.  It made a special impression.  Now Vicki, still my best friend from college, lives in her family homes and I visit and spend time there at least 2 to 3 times a year.

Part of Joan's Collection of Antique Toleware Trays

A found Cast Iron Urn atop a stone wall which transitions the Lawn to the Meadow to Views of distant hills

2) The three Hammertown Barn Stores in the Hudson Valley and New England are renowned and loved by so many loyal customers. How did this spur you on to write your book with Abby Adams?

Because of the response over the years that I felt from people walking in the store.  They loved everything, it made them feel comfortable and they felt the love and soul I and my staff put into all the stores.

A Library Card File, now a cupboard holds beautiful green shades of American Art Pottery

3)      This wonderful book features 18 different homes, including your spacious farmhouse and your current smaller and more intimate cottage. Where did you discover these unique properties?  

Many were customers, others were people friends knew and others came by word of mouth.  We scouted each of the homes and our criteria were the following:  Do we love the home?  Does the owner love where they live?  Can we photograph just the way it is…we are not bringing things in to the homes to style.  This book is about real living, real homes, real people.

Original golden paint on this gorgeous Hutch. The Chairs and Table from Hammertown

4)      Why do you feel the owners all sought out homes with a lot of incredible land and beautiful vistas?

It is often a criteria for people when they look for country homes…the vistas, the views the feeling of living in the country.

5)      Joan, I found the backgrounds of the owners so interesting. Architects and Interior Designers, Artists and Museum Curator, Dress Designer and Restaurateur, the Founder of Coach Leatherworks. In what way do you feel that these careers led to the uniqueness and authenticity of these homes and properties? 

They lead creative lives and their creativity pours into their homes.  

This eclectic mix works so well. Train your eye to seek out treasures that meld together beautifully. The contemporary art sets the tone! I love the pillows, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart.

6)      Have you had mentors or others you have admired in this area of business? How has this impacted your career?

One mentor was Anne Tarbell, who I mentioned above.  Other mentors and people in the design world I have admired are:  Mary Randolph Carter, Mary Emmerling, Bunny Williams, Thomas Woodard, John Derian, Ralph Lauren, Jasper John, Andrew Wyeth, Marston House…I could go on.  People with amazing style and taste who have an authentic spirit and style …that’s what inspires me.

Dining Table and Chairs designed and built by the Owner! The panoramic view speaks for itself!

7)      Finally, what words of wisdom do you have for the person who has a dream and the hope to implement it?

Do your homework and be passionate.  I was very fortunate in that everything was in line for me…my timing was good, the internet was not here, so I did not have that to compete with, and I started small and learned as I went along…I paid attention to detail and gave my heart and soul to this business.  It has paid off, because although not a huge, we have multiple stores that set a standard of good design, spirit and authenticity that people connect with.  The best compliment I can ever get from a customer…”I just feel good walking into your stores.  They are special!”

  

The View and the Home meld together with floor to ceiling windows!
Nature speaks with wood, stone and other natural elements.

Joan, I appreciate you taking the time to add to the aura of your life and book. You are a fascinating and inspiring woman.

Pre-Order "Love Where You Live" 

Be sure to check out the Hammertown Site

"From the moment I walked into Joan's Shop, Hammertown Barn, I became a fan."                                                                                                      Bunny Williams

This a book where every amazing room will  thrill you with the love and thoughtfulness it exudes.

Please leave a message for Joan and of course be sure to pre-order her book!

Thank you for supporting The Arts!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena

I received an advance copy of "Love Where you Live" from Rizzoli, New York
Photographs by John Gruen