Make Yourself at Home Exhibit: Creating My Interpretation of Home at Foster/White Gallery

I was thrilled when Foster/White Gallery and Reflection Marketing invited me—along with two other Seattle designers—to help transform their Pioneer Square gallery into something slightly unexpected: rooms that looked and felt like real homes. The idea behind the “Make Yourself at Home” exhibit was simple: take art off the white walls and show what it looks like when art is experienced, not just seen.

Walking into the gallery during install felt a bit surreal. Instead of the usual open, echoing space, there were sofas being moved in, hardwood flooring going down, wallpaper going up, lighting being adjusted—almost like we were designing a home inside a gallery. The three of us—The Residency Bureau, Mutuus Studio & Memento Interior Design—were given a section to interpret in our own way, using artwork from the gallery’s roster and furnishings from community partners.

Artwork: Ilana Zweschi

Wallpaper Install by CP Decorative Arts + team; Wallpaper courtesy of Tempaper & Co 

The concept for my room, In Good Company, was inspired by the kind of gathering where anyone can feel at home—where you might not know many people at first, but conversation, laughter, and comfort come easily. I was reminded of a space I was in with a group of friends where everyone would gather later in the day to meet up, tell stories, and laugh a lot. It was a space that just felt good. That’s the idea I wanted to bring to life in this exhibit—a feeling. It was about being in good company. About connecting—or disconnecting. And just enjoying the people around you. I think it’s an ideal we all strive for in our own homes.

As someone who uses a lot of color and pattern, I covered the walls in patterned wallpaper and layered in colorful pieces from Foster/White’s collection. It’s important to show people you don’t have to choose between solid walls with artwork or wallpapered walls without. The two can go hand in hand, if you pay attention to the scale of the pattern.

Artwork L to R: Stephanie Robison, Robert Marchessault, Rachel Maxi, Casey McGlynn, Guy Laramée, Cody Cobb, Ilana Zweschi, George Rodriguez, Janna Watson

What made the whole experience special was seeing how different the designers’ perspectives were. Each room had its own personality, but they all shared the same intention: showing how art becomes more meaningful when it’s part of daily life, not just something you glance at on a gallery wall.

Being part of this project reminded me why I love what I do. Creating spaces with soul, with story, with art at the center—it’s what makes a home feel truly personal. And seeing visitors step into the rooms and experience them the way we’d hoped was incredibly rewarding.

The exhibit debuted at Pioneer Square Art Walk on Thursday, November 6 and ran through November 21 at Foster/White Gallery. 

See more at Seattle Magazine.  

Special thanks to all the community partners who helped me bring this room to life: 

Tempaper & Co., CP Decorative Arts, Woodpecker Flooring, Susan Wheeler Home, Arden Home, Dixon Showroom, Winterwood Cabinetry, Architectural Surfaces, Avrio Surfaces, Driscoll Robbins Fine Carpets