Inspired Home: Richard White, ASID
I haven’t done an “inspired home” in a while, but with my new website in place, here I am!
My dear friend, Richard White, has been a long-time design collaborator with me. He helped us decorate the nursery for Hillary in 1990, and then, Hillary’s first big girl room. We worked with David Rice before that, and Richard was a shoe-in once David retired. He was approachable and he listened to us!
That’s a lot of years I’ve been calling Richard to help with this and that. He understands that I come with a strong sense of what I want, and he accommodates. We have even travelled to KC together to search for fabrics!
What is so fascinating to me about talented designers, is their ability to appreciate and accept different design styles. Although this is not my forte, I have definitely learned to appreciate styles that are not like mine. Richard can adapt to anyone’s style. His house represents his fun-loving personality perfectly, but he has designed super sophisticated homes in Omaha as well as vacation homes for his clients. Traditional, mid-century modern, coastal, French country, preppy, masculine, feminine - he has done it all and done it well.
I adore him, so that’s one possible bias, but HOW FUN! His house is a great reflection of his endearing personality and his love of so many things. A treasure trove where the extraordinary mingles with charming oddities. He is both genius and delightfully offbeat.
The entry immediately draws you in and feels warm and inviting and exciting, and around every corner, there is another vignette, waiting for a photo to be snapped.
His art collection is fun. He buys what he likes and has a wonderfully eclectic mix of masterpieces and misfits. If it works, it works…
I love organized chaos... Everything is balanced and pleasing to the eye.
He has a story for every single object and piece of art. He could write a book!
This home is full of surprises.. the rooms are each special in their own way.
Here’s the basement…
Richard is a self proclaimed Titanic nerd.
Back upstairs, just outside the kitchen, is a little sanctuary where Richard enjoys relaxing year-round.
The wood kitchen countertop is made from a single walnut tree that was planted after WWII as a victory tree. When the tree was milled, Richard requested that they use the sap wood (the lighter, outside part of the tree) as he wanted the “planked” appearance. It’s smooth as silk and was treated with a product ideal for the kitchen. It lasts for years and no oiling needed. It has held up beautifully which is saying a lot considering Richard is a cook - he uses his kitchen!
Richard painted this charming table a “classic 1950’s automobile turquoise” and is a good reminder of his intense love for cars. He grew up going to car shows with his Grandpa, and the obsession has lingered through the years.
Powder bath..
Not to be weird, but my favorite thing is how much Richard loves laundry. And…
I am obsessed with his ironing board.
And now for his office / pipe smoking room!
It’s dark and cozy and smells of mahogany!
There are several pipe collections…
And my favorite thing is this stunning cabinet! The wood!!
The guest room is as handsome as can be.
The primary bedroom…
I am a big fan of closet organization, and Richard wins a prize for this. Love it!
A little Fortuny in the closet - complete with an “R” repeat around the front… R for Richard, of course.
I adore how everything has a place and there is a place for everything. I wonder if he lives in perfection all the time, or just before a photo shoot?
I’m sorry, are you a model? Most people, when I ask for a photo during the photo shoot decline, as I would.. Who doesn’t hate photos of themselves? Well, Richard, and I can see why! He is the cutest and the most photogenic!
Thank you my sweet friend for inviting us into your home, and sharing your personal things and all the stories. You are charming beyond measure - warm and endearing. Thank you for being my friend all these years and thank you for welcoming us into your home!