My Houzz: An Artist Mixes Minimalism with Character in a Compact Flat
Woodworker and artist Aleksandra Zee’s current gallery exhibition is titled Everything Will Be OK. And when you step inside her San Francisco, California, home, which she shares with her musician boyfriend, Antrom Kury, and their dog, Jack, you get that all-is-well feeling. The serene, mostly white space is only subtly interrupted by natural wood accents, faded colours and mementos she has collected on her travels through the American southwest desert landscapes she loves.
The calming space at home inspires Zee’s creativity in her studio in Oakland, across San Francisco Bay. Zee works almost exclusively with reclaimed redwood lath to make her symmetrical, geometric art. Both her home and studio, also featured in the latest episode of Houzz TV, highlight Zee’s sunny disposition and easy assurance that, indeed, everything will be OK.
That is one cute dog bed!
It's all wonderfully personal and calming...I especially like the kitchen counters and the banquette...always wanted one. Nicely done! p.s. Jack is adorable. :)
LOVE that original vintage kitchen...
Was thinking today about the one I obliterated in my prior condo, costing me 10's of 1,000's of dollars - most of which I lost when I sold it. My mind was going around all sorts of ways I could have expanded the limited storage with shelves, drop-down counter extention, etc, and wish I had been more creative to make the original work. The final reno and open floor plan was nice, but in many ways not worth it. I hope to have another opportunity in the future to find a nice vintage kitchen and maximize it rather than obliterate it.
What a cute couple. And she is so right about it being better to have a few things you love than a lot of meaningless things. For me, the problem is that somehow I start accumulating meaningless things again and I have to constantly work at getting rid of stuff.
Maybe if I could get over that shopping bug?
they're as cute as their house
The basket of photos is inspired!
Great article, thanks for sharing!
What a great apartment. That kitchen is fabulous. For all of the people who don't like a white kitchen and think white = modern, this is what an old fashioned kitchen looks like. It is off white/cream color with the accent being color tile counters. I remember seeing kitchens like that in Los Angeles apartments built in the 1930's.
Love the peace and charm of this home, but where do they do their art? It was mentioned they both are artists. The apt . has no room.
As the saying goes ,,,,, Do what you love and love what you do.
Nice profile.
Nice. Right on. Good luck.
Note to Houzz: Please let's not lose the distinction between antique and vintage.
I have seen Houzz Tours where the homeowners obviously spent a lot of money on designing, building and decorating their ideal home and I have seen Houzz Tours where the owners or renters obviously didn't spend a lot of money. The thing in common, and the reason I enjoy the Houzz Tours so much, is that everyone, regardless of their financial status, made their space an expression and extension of their own individuality and personality.
And thank you Houzz for showing a "normal" home for a change. I find that many times the featured homes are not even close to being affordable to many readers.
Such a wonderful young woman who has chosen to follow her dream and it is paying off. Beautiful artwork that speaks to the soul!
Aleksandra, this is a beautiful expression of you and how you are in touch with your world. Very inspiring! The white of the walls bounces the light around, but it does not feel cold and sterile because you have used live plants, texture,and wood to ground each space. I agree that having less if often having more… because in the quiet times it's where you have the mental space to explore…and be in touch with your most unique and human ideas. I love that you stuck to your passion and your woodwork is beautiful! I love the variation in wood color and how you used opposing patterns, that end up being uniform. Most of all, I love the video and how it shows a cute young couple and their dog really enjoying spending time together doing the things they love.
I want to plan a family vacation and come visit your studio. I really think you would inspire my daughter and I would love a piece of your work in my home! Lovely to connect with you Aleksandra! You are a breathe of fresh air for sure! Keep up the beautiful work!
Very inspiring story. Love her work!
Love your work and your idea of just focusing on a couple important home decor items and building from there. Such an inspiration!
I love, love, love this apartment. I also live in an apartment and am on a mission to simplify my space and only include items that are meaningful to me. I find it restful. You have done a wonderful job decorating or should I say "undecorating" your space. I love the white walls, and all the light. I admire you for pursuing your dreams and I would love to own a piece of your work for my own walls.
I like how the colors are like modern Scandinavian design with whites, wood, and a few colors for accent. And it is so nice to see that if the rooms are simple, the forms of objects shine, even if the objects aren't expensive. Nice to see homey, affordable, and creative - I really love when houzz showcases artist's spaces!
Great work! Loved the art work you created and style, and your dog is so cute looks like my dog Buzzby
Keep up the great work; you are an artist and a great craftswoman, one woodworker to another my hats off to you.......
I was moved to tears...... Your story is inspiring especially for someone of your age. Most twenty somethings that I know are very impatient and want instant gratification. Your patience in producing a piece of artwork and the calm of your private life is a gift...
Love the advice to only hang onto 1 or 2 special pieces of furniture and build your home around those.
Love the boobie pillow, the dog, their apartment and her art work is magnificent!! I wish her all the success that she deserves!!
After watching her, I feel very calm, so I can imagine herself when she is in her environment how she feels. Sheer talent!
Congratulations to you Aleksandra! Looks like you're living the dream lady:)
I'm envious of your spaces and inspired by what you're doing with them...
Thanks for sharing.
~ Jess
The Paper Tattoo
What model of miter saw and nailer do you use? I have been wanting to ask someone who uses tools for "making" - not too little or too much power, also with the power packs. This info would be greatly appreciated - I am inspired to create wooden things but holding back for fear of investing in the wrong tools... Thanks!
Hi Aleksandra, I really appreciate your work. I just want to express my concern for you in your shop; the videos show you using the mitre box and nail gun without ear protection and holding the material in a way that puts your fingers too close to the blade. My husband has been a carpenter for almost 40 years and his hearing has been impacted as a result of not using ear protection faithfully ("it's too hard to put it on and off, I need all my senses when I'm working" etc.); please invest in some really good ear protection (not just ear plugs). Also, please take some time to learn how to place your hands for maximum safety around power equipment; your hands and fingers are way too close to the blades and your hand placement on your pieces when using the nail gun is unsafe and is putting you at risk of injury. You mentioned you have been working independently for a year; if you want this to be a career, please take every precaution to work safely and to protect your body. My congratulations to you for taking the 'risk' to be independent and my best wishes to you for a long and successful career. Sincerely.
Aleksandra, I am just taking a wild guess, but if I had to guess your astrological sign, I would bet you are a Taurus :D. Easy going, earthy, loves woods and texture...honest to yourself, a lovely calm elegant home and a loyal and calm vibe you share with your boyfriend.
Nice work Aleksandra.
What a wonderful video that shows the artist at her work space and her home space and the continuity between the two. Love the artwork and the vision; all the best to you, Aleksandra, and thank you for sharing your spaces and your philosophy with us!
Very cool and inspirational. I love her work and her living space. Just discovered these videos. Great job Houzz
Love your exhibit title "Everything Will Be Okay". That is comforting and peaceful in itself just like your art work and living space.
Great video! Really gets at the heart of who Aleksandra is. The interiors definitely reflect the eclectic bohemian style. Love it! - Olga
Wonderful video and story! Not only is a fascinating piece about their apartment but also inspiring about Aleksandra's Creative passion
Lots to like here. Small details like the fresh, pale blue tile trim on the counter-top in the kitchen, the funny pillow case, the hats on the wall big and small and my favourite, the basket of photos (thanks for this fabulous idea) are all lovely touches. The bench and desk are beautiful too.