Search

Friday Five with O&G Studio

Designers Jonathan Glatt and Sara Ossana of O&G Studio met over ten years ago as graduate students at RISD, where Jonathan studied jewelry and metal fabrication and Sara studied interior architecture and theatrical set design. Their combined backgrounds allow them to blend intricate detailing and experimentation with scale and proportion to bring traditional motifs into the 21st century. This sensibility is showcased and sold at House&Hold with other like-minded designers. The duo, who has an affinity for old things, look towards the wisdom and inventiveness of traditional American design traditions for inspiration. They feel strongly that furniture should be collectible, meaning relevant and fresh now, yet will last for a lifetime and be passed down for generations. They currently work out of a 3,500sf combined studio and workshop space in the East Bay area of Rhode Island, an influence that’s apparent in their Friday Five inspirations.

1. Samuel Gragg’s Elastic Armchair
We love objects that defy time. In 1808, Gragg designed and patented what is considered one of the most innovative chairs in American history. The light, flexible steam-bent wood construction was revolutionary for its time and remains so today. Gragg predates his European counterpart, Michael Thonet, by almost 50 years.


Photo by Jonathan Glatt

2. Vintage Raleigh Sports Bicycle
This bike has amazing and effortless looking design and engineering. It’s not until you take one apart that you see just how much thought went into the design. And, it is still fun to ride.

3. Rhode Island Oysters
We love oysters, particularly Rhode Island varieties, such as Matunuck, Salt Pond, and Poppasquash.  Known for their briny but sweet finish, a result of higher salinity in our waters, Rhode Island has a storied history of high-quality oysters. In season almost year round due to the perfect micro-climate sandwiched between regions that freeze in the winter, aquaculture in Rhode Island has grown substantially in the past five years. Keep an eye out for many more selections to come as newer farmers begin to enter the market.

4. Olafur Eliasson
A Danish-Icelandic installation artist (b. 1967) Eliasson is best known for his New York City Waterfalls and The Weather Project at the Tate Modern in London.  Eliasson creates immersive environments that stretch the imagination and challenge what it means to truly ‘see’ the world around you.

5. SWEETTRADE
SWEETTRADE designs beautifully handmade, nautical inspired accessories and leather goods. Sharing our common love for the ocean, the unique and whimsical pieces have that perfect blend of fine craftsmanship and utilitarian inspired detailing that last a lifetime.

Marni Elyse Katz is a Contributing Editor at Design Milk. She lives in Boston where she contributes regularly to local publications and writes her own interior design blog, StyleCarrot.