Philadelphia Magazine: The Good Life: Favorite Things, February 2006
Download Article (.pdf)For Warren Muller, beloved objects are as much something to give away- or sell as part of his sculptural lighting designs- as they are items to hold onto. Sitting in the fabulous loft he shares with partner RJ Thornburg above bahdeebahdu, their Old City studio/office/interior design shop, the self-described “luminary” copped to a few of his current faves:
1. Dining room chandelier
In the constant migration of objects up and down the stairs between studio and home, this work of Muller’s has had staying power, hovering over the dining room table for two years now. His favorite part? The ceramic bull that can be lowered to form a centerpiece.
2. Faux leopard hat
“When Hack was filming here, we became friends with the producer who invited us to her house in the Berkshires. When we got there, she said we had to go to this store that sells the greatest hats. The best part is it’s warm, expecially when you put the flaps down.
3. Dirk Staschke statue
A client- really, a patron- of Muller’s works gave him this beautiful and disturbing statue from the Wexler Gallery in Old City. “I like ambiguity in art, and this piece is so vague and well-done. Like, he’s sad, but all-knowing. Hungry, but sitting on a world of abundance. And he has my eyes.”
4. Gap flannel-lined jeans
They’re a great alternative to long underwear, and they feel like pajamas.”
5. Toasted sesame with sea salt
Muller toasts some sesame seeds, then grinds them with a mortar and pestle and adds in sea salt to make a condiment that’s similar to Japanese gamasio.
6. Elbe the chihuahua
Muller and Thornburg saw him in a pet store in Barcelona three years ago, and ogled him throughout their weeklong stay. Assuming there’d be a quarantine on pets brought to the U.S., they never inquired about the doggie in the window. So when they saw him and his pipsqueak brother in another passenger’s pet carrier on their plane ride home, well, they went a little nuts. Long and hilarious story short, the couple who adopted the dogs took pity on the pleading, lovesick men and dropped Elbe off at their apartment the day after the flight. Lucky dog.
7. Jimmy Scott CD’s
Muler’s favorite is Holding Back the Years but he’s got a dozen more with Scott’s jazz standards and doesn’t miss an appearance when the 80-year-old musician plays at Zanzibar Blue. “he’s this beautiful, frail, small man, but he becomes larger than life when he gets on stage,” says Muller.
8. Trader Joe’s Citrus Body Lotion
Those artist hands do get dry. Muller likes this refreshing, not perfumey scent- and the $2.49 price tag.