In this article, titled “Is Roz Chast ‘Terrible at Decorating’? You Decide,” the reader is introduced to Roz Chast, a well-known cartoonist for “The New Yorker.” The article explores Chast’s struggles with making decisions about home decor and her unique and eclectic style. From her dreams about her old apartment in New York City to her collection of art and scarves, Chast’s home reflects her personality and creativity. Despite her self-proclaimed lack of skill in decorating, Chast’s home is a vibrant and captivating reflection of her artistic spirit.
Chast’s Dreams of Her Previous Apartment
For years after moving to Connecticut, Roz Chast had recurring dreams about her previous apartment on West 73rd Street in New York City. In these dreams, she would be back on the street she once called home, but the details of the apartment would vary. Sometimes the lobby would be a newsstand, or the building would be transformed into a hotel. Other times, the apartment itself would have strange features like a giant hole in the middle or a slanted floor. These dreams served as a reminder of her attachment to New York and the sense of home she had there.
Reasons for Moving to Connecticut
Roz Chast and her husband, Bill Franzen, made the decision to leave New York City and move to Connecticut in 1990. At the time, they had one child and another on the way, and they needed more space to accommodate their growing family. They were looking for a place with good schools and a reasonable price, and Ridgefield, Connecticut fit the bill. The house they found, built in 1940, was not too far from town and had all the necessary amenities. The move to Connecticut was driven by practical considerations and the desire for a better quality of life for their family.
Choosing the House in Ridgefield
When it came to choosing their new home in Ridgefield, Chast and Franzen knew immediately that they had found the right place. Franzen had done the initial scouting of the area and narrowed down the options to three properties. Chast was particularly drawn to the house they ultimately chose because of its built-in bookshelves. As an avid reader and collector of books, the presence of these bookshelves felt welcoming and signaled that this was a place where she could make a home. The house, although not grand in scale, had all the standard rooms they desired and provided the space they needed for their family.
Chast’s Preferences for Standard Rooms
One of the reasons Chast loved their house in Ridgefield was because it had standard rooms. She didn’t want a large house with unnecessarily high ceilings or rooms that served no practical purpose. The rooms in their house all had a specific function, such as a dining room, a living room, and a kitchen. Chast’s preference for standard rooms reflects her desire for a home that is comfortable and functional, without any unnecessary frills or wasted space.
Changes Made to the House
After moving into their house, Chast and Franzen made some changes to make it feel more like their own. Chast’s mother-in-law, a kitchen planner, drew up designs to take down a wall and combine the kitchen and dining room. The couple also installed new glass-fronted cabinets, painted a pale lilac, and later converted a screened porch into a computer room. These updates were meant to reflect the couple’s personal taste and ensure that the house suited their needs and preferences. Chast wanted her home to be a reflection of herself and her family, rather than a cookie-cutter space.
Living Room Furniture Replacement Delay
Despite making updates to other parts of the house, Chast had put off replacing the furniture in the living room. She admitted that she was not good at making decisions about furniture, as she found it difficult to choose between different styles and couldn’t justify the expense. However, after her children moved out, she finally replaced the furniture with a new blue-gray sofa and matching chairs. While Chast may not prioritize furniture and interior design, she recognizes the importance of creating a comfortable and inviting space in her home.
Chast’s Focus on Art
Rather than focusing on furniture and décor, Chast’s main priority when it comes to her home is the art. As a celebrated cartoonist for “The New Yorker,” Chast has a deep appreciation for art and has curated a diverse collection in her home. Paintings, photographs, and framed cartoons adorn the walls of her kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Each piece of art holds sentimental value, and many have been traded for Chast’s own cartoons. Chast’s love for art is evident throughout her home, and she finds joy in surrounding herself with pieces that inspire her.
Collection of Scarves
One unique aspect of Chast’s home is her collection of scarves designed by New Yorker cartoonists from the 1940s and 1950s. While these scarves were intended to be worn, Chast has chosen to have them framed instead. The scarves, designed by cartoonists like Charles Addams and James Thurber, encapsulate Chast’s love for both art and cartoons. By framing the scarves and displaying them in her home, Chast celebrates the creativity and whimsy of these unique pieces.
Chast’s Pied-à-Terre in Manhattan
Although Chast has lived in Ridgefield longer than any other place, she still maintains a connection to her old neighborhood in Manhattan. Eight years ago, she rented a studio apartment in Manhattan, not far from her previous home on West 73rd Street. This pied-à-terre serves as a retreat for Chast and allows her to feel connected to her beloved Upper West Side. Despite her love for her house and town in Connecticut, Chast admits that there is a certain aspect of New York that will always make her feel at home.
Feelings of Home in New York
For Chast, New York will always hold a special place in her heart. Even though she has lived in Ridgefield for many years and loves her house and town, there is a distinct sense of home that she feels in New York that she has not been able to replicate elsewhere. This feeling may be attributed to various factors like the familiarity, the energy of the city, or simply the memories tied to her time spent there. While Chast has found a sense of home in Connecticut, there will always be a part of her that feels most at home in the bustling streets of New York.
