Isn't it iconic?: The Georgia O'Keeffe House and Studio is the best mid-life destination
Design travel takeaways from the artist's place in Abiquiú, NM.
Recently, I traveled with my mom to Santa Fe, New Mexico — but our real destination was the Georgia O’Keeffe House and Studio in Abiquiú, a pilgrimage site for design lovers.
The home, a traditional pueblo-styled adobe positioned at the edge of a steep mesa with views of the Chama River Valley, overlooks the high desert landscape that featured in much of her work. Like many artist’s homes preserved to tell their stories, O’Keeffe’s home and studio is tended by a staff of loving admirers eager to share everything they know connected to the place. It is also the best place for anyone ready to create a different attitude towards themselves as they go through mid-life.
Twice, I burst into tears from the beauty of it all. But what kept calling to me over and over again was how much significant design inspiration the home holds for the present.
Here are some of my favorite moments and takeaways for design and life from a woman who never stopped creating.
Magical doors
The lore holds that O’Keefe bought the home after seeing this door, and I get it. Doors are always transformational thresholds between one life to the next, and this one speaks to privacy, artistry, authenticity, and creativity. No windows means you shouldn’t knock unless invited. Boundaries, baby.
Earthy modern design style
O’Keeffe’s living room is a scene that inspired entire generations of designers, with its nod to the mid-century, it’s earthy minimalism, and its tenderness towards life lived with art. The low profile of the furniture, that corner placement of the modern chair overlooking the garden — all of it is as much as one might need for socializing and cultivating the interior life. Ever wonder why so many need earth tones in mid-life? Time to get grounded.
Noguchi pendants
For the last few years, the large, sculptural, often paper spheres in the spirit of Isamu Noguchi have been everywhere — and paired with a range of design styles. I love them — especially this original Noguchi, paired with a custom-made, reclaimed ply board table. Don’t be afraid to take up space.
Vintage ranges
Ok, so I’m sure this range was state-of-the-art at the time, but the iconic mid-century appliance is a vibe — one a variety of appliance manufacturers have taken as inspiration for today’s retro fridges. The single hanging light bulb is a nice touch of less. Old things are hot.
Coffee connoisseurship
I found many moments to connect with O’Keeffe in her home, but my heart soared when I saw her collection of coffee paraphernalia and when I heard that through decades of tinkering, she finally decided that the pour-over was the most effective process for brewing coffee. Congratulations on knowing yourself!
Minimalist wardrobe
Way before Steve Jobs donned his first black turtleneck, O’Keeffe was collecting the same shirt dress in a range of colors, but mostly black. It’s such a nice invitation to ask yourself: What would be my iconic garb if I decided to develop my wardrobe in the spirit of practicality, simplicity, and authenticity? Keep it simple and fabulous.
A focus on REST
Did you hear rest is trending this year? It’s kind of silly that we have forgotten how to build rest into our day and that an entire subculture of sleep experts has launched on a culture with collectively frayed nerves. I didn’t take many photos in her O’Keeffe’s studio, but I did snap one of this bed located in the same room as her workspace. Work hard, rest harder.
Aspirational phone numbers list
How about making a list of your art friends and placing it right where everyone can see it? It’s bold, it’s charming, and it’s got that “dumb house” as opposed to “smart homes” vibe I’ve been loving lately. Know who your people are.
Plaster everything
It’s millennia-old, but plaster been showing up across the West in design as homeowners reach towards materials that make them feel more grounded, held, and connected to place. This is O'Keeffe’s adobe plaster fireplace in her bedroom — minimalist, charming, functional, and so enticing to touch she placed a sculptural hand on it. Stay tender, my friends.
Reverence for aging
Nothing has given me more hope for my future than visiting the O’Keeffe home and studio with my mom, my forever companion for historic house tours. This how I will always remember her. Take your people with you.
Artfully yours,
P.S. If you go — book far ahead, as the tours fill quickly. Bookings open two months in advance of your preferred date.
This is wonderful!
Ahhh, Georgia O’Keeffe was just the coolest!