Cindy Sherman is a pioneering conceptual photographer, MacArthur-anointed genius and uncanny chameleon who has an exhibit at Metro Pictures in New York now and a retrospective at the Broad in Los Angeles next month. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a seven-time Emmy-winning actress, former “SNL” regular and originator of the lousiest — and funniest — dance move of all time, whose hit presidential comedy, “Veep,” is currently in its fifth season on HBO.
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Relaxation Hoodie
A cocoon-like sweatshirt in calming Baker-Miller pink that comes with a soothing soundtrack ($310, vollebak.com).
Cindy Sherman
If looking at pink is calming, wouldn’t you have to stare at yourself in a mirror while wearing this? Maybe I’ll wear it before the next opening I feel anxious about — or to it.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Putting on a pink straitjacket and zipping your entire head into a polypropylene bag has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety? I’m claustrophobic, so when I tried this — while driving — it was ineffective.
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Twix Spread
A toast-friendly twist on the classic chocolate bar (about $3, groceries.asda.com).
Sherman
It’s like crack for sugar addicts. A couple days in, I polished the whole thing off without even using a spoon. I felt so gross afterward.
Louis-Dreyfus
Is this really necessary? Do we need to spread candy bars on things now? Have we no shame? F.Y.I., it’s delicious.
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High-Tech Faucet
Touch2O, which turns on and off by tapping on the spout or handle ($618, deltafaucet.com).
Sherman
It’s great if you’re cooking chicken, because you can turn on the water with your elbow, but my kitchen isn’t quite so “American Psycho” minimalist.
Louis-Dreyfus
I’d tap that.
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Smart Suitcase
Luggage that weighs its contents, charges your phone and geolocates itself (from $295, raden.com).
Sherman
I like the idea, but when I went upstairs to check on my suitcase — knowing that it was downstairs — the app was confused. It said “out of range.” I checked later in a cab, and it still said “out of range.”
Louis-Dreyfus
I love this bag. Very sleek, very groovy. It’s got its own app — weighs itself, locates itself, unfortunately does not pack itself.
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Cloud Light
An ambient lamp that flashes to the beat of songs played on its built-in speaker ($580, richardclarkson.com).
Sherman
I didn’t realize what it was at first, and I started ripping up the cloud. It still looks O.K., maybe as a nice accent light on the floor somewhere.
Louis-Dreyfus
My forecast for its success: cloudy, but may clear up when I dig it out of recycling and plug it in. I thought the cloud was packing material.
With a client list that includes impressive names like Rolex, Sony, Hilton, and Saatchi, the architects and designers of the Houston-based Rottet Studios are not only used to working big, but also working smart. It’s how Founding Principle Lauren Rottet built her business into the international powerhouse it is today, with offices from New York to Shanghai and a litany of awards and accolades including a recurring spot in Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Design Giants.
In this special feature with Artspace, the Rottet team looks to the Light and Space movement as they tell us how savvy collectors can fill their homes with beautiful artworks while also adding a sense of expansiveness to any room through intelligent placement decisions. Read their advice if you’re interested in opening up your space without taking down a wall or adding a window.
IT'S ALL ABOUT LIGHT AND SPACE
"As designers, we strive to transport the occupants of any space into a new environment by eliciting an emotional response from their surroundings—all complimented by carefully curated works of art. Our decision to focus on 'Light and Space' refers to the influence the Light and Space artists have had in Lauren’s work. As a result of this inspiration, Rottet Studio is always exploring ways to make interior spaces expansive beyond their actual physical parameters and kinetic enough that one doesn't become bored in them day after day."
An interior by Rottet Studio, featuring a piece by Camille Seamon.
ENTER A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION
"When searching for an artwork to help expand an otherwise small space, you need to look for pieces that have dimensions themselves. For example, these works by Andrew Moore create the illusion that you can walk right into the photograph. By placing them in a 'dead end' position within your space—such as the end of a corridor—it will appear as if the room continues infinitely."
"Candida Höfer’s piece can also provide this effect, with the added bonus of a pop of bright color. Using a 'warmer' work as a feature within a room with colder tones—or vice versa—attracts attention and tricks the mind, allowing you to be transported from your physical surroundings."
"Choosing a calming piece is largely about finding softer colors, but the meaning behind the piece is equally important. For example, Thomas Ruff’s jpeg ib02 can help drastically calm a static environment because the piece emotionally transports you to a peaceful setting—calm, cool waters and blue skies."
"John Baldessari’sBrain/Cloud is an equally calming representation of the beach lifestyle, complete with palm trees, beautiful weather, and your head in the clouds. Although these two pieces present dramatically different settings, both can utilized for their soothing qualities."
"We often use photography for its transportive effect, but we also find that abstract art, both geometric and expressionist in nature, can add dimensions that tend to trick the eye. Sometimes we hang a small piece like Judy Ledgerwood’sDon Julio asymmetrically, leaving the wall otherwise blank to make the whole room feel larger. Smart and considered placement can make the space around the art feel more expansive and interesting."
Relaxation HoodieA cocoon-like sweatshirt in calming Baker-Miller pink that comes with a soothing soundtrack ($310, vollebak.com).
Twix SpreadA toast-friendly twist on the classic chocolate bar (about $3, groceries.asda.com).
High-Tech FaucetTouch2O, which turns on and off by tapping on the spout or handle ($618, deltafaucet.com).
Smart SuitcaseLuggage that weighs its contents, charges your phone and geolocates itself (from $295, raden.com).
Cloud LightAn ambient lamp that flashes to the beat of songs played on its built-in speaker ($580, richardclarkson.com).
Palace Square (2000) by Andrew Moore, available on Artspace 
