Life in Coherence

Yes, this is very true! Mario’s design practice is functional while always bringing in an element of play and surprise. This brings to mind the idea of MEMENTO VIVERE- to remember you are alive- where playfulness, movement, activation in simple daily life can bring fresh energy to the monotone existence often associated with home. We want home to ground us, to nurture us, to hold us- but also to inspire us, and to generate creativity and openness. Home ultimately is extension of oneself. You are what you surround yourself with.

When looking more deeply at terrazzo as a decorative concept we immediately felt the symbolic connection to metaphysical philosophies of non-dualism. Our personal practices of meditation, contemplation and study find their basis in this- making contact with, connecting to, and realizing we are one with the unified field of consciousness. Coming into a state of true presence- present moment awareness- is always the ultimate aim of Mario’s designs and our spaces. And when we are in presence, that oneness is felt. Being in nature can often bring us into that space immediately! In a world that is constantly and increasingly stealing our attention- how can we resist, and stay?

Agnes Martin and Rudolf Steiner were both references in the making of this collection. Both share a spiritual lens in their practices and an appreciation of sacred geometry. Though we particularly referenced Steiner’s studies on color when choosing the palette, he interestingly also felt the same way about shapes - “in the geometrical we find the divine made manifest in form”. For Steiner color and soul are intimately connected- and he saw colors as spiritual realities emanating from the cosmos. He saw earth tones as grounding, acting as an anchor to the physical world, providing strength, hope and nourishment to the soul. Martin was deeply influenced by Taoism and Zen Buddhism, and her iconic grids are certainly meditative and evocative of inner peace, joy and formlessness. In her work, meticulous structure creates harmony and calm.

This is a question we are constantly exploring and refining, with each passing day! It is a dance- one that we feel grateful to improvise together. There are certainly challenges, but also the beauty of partnering with someone you know so intimately. We know each other’s blind spots, and also can sense how we might best bring our strengths and support to the vision. Clear roles are important. Family comes first. The work is a result of living in coherence. Integrity and coherence are essential for us.

Practices that inform our approach to life and work include meditation, breathwork, conscious movement, time spent in nature and plant medicine. These are all doorways to presence, to love, to unity consciousness. Mario’s design practice holds presence as its primary aim. Through aspects of movement, dynamism and playing with perception, a gesture and connection is created. The colors, textures and shapes also communicate. This way of seeing (and feeling) expands into our philosophy of home- how we gather in community, where we place our attention, and the act of self-nourishment in every sense. Finding home within and without. The energy of a space lies between the seen and unseen. Beauty, rituals, harmony, and honesty all play a part.

I would say Nettle! It is one of my closest herbal allies, and one we infuse daily here at home. It is highly nourishing, extremely nutrient dense in vitamins and minerals, naturally anti-inflammatory, and gently detoxifying. Nettle is healing and protective and also has mystical and magical properties! Its natural sting teaches us boundaries, encouraging us to protect our energy and defend against negativity. Dried bundles were historically hung over doorways to ward off malevolent entities. Nettle also symbolizes life-force, resilience and courage as a fast growing spring herb. We love Nettle!

Mario loves modernist architecture for using honest materials, their seamless integration into the landscape and functionality as a main focus. The Seagram building NY is a favorite, and Carlo Scarpa’s entire body of work.

We hope people take away a feeling of peace, and that the space allows them to exhale, if that makes sense. It is meant to feel like a refuge. We hope people come away inspired and excited about possibility - a new way of seeing.

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple, Well Beings by James Riley, and Breath by James Nestor.