vintage spaces
ames Pennington is the friend you thank your lucky stars for. And if you don’t have him, you hope for one just like him. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, James is a photographer and all around artistic soul, using his unique taste and off-kilter creativity to transform any space into a cozy retreat you’ll adore forever ... or until he decides to change it. “I like literally everything,” James said with a grin. “I just love stuff so much. Generally I gravitate toward pieces that reflect my music taste, so pieces from the ‘20s, ‘40s and ‘70s always stand out to me. But really? I love it all.” For someone who loves stuff, this Omaha transfer has found a way to organize his wares to appear seamless, neat and intentional in his quaint two-bedroom apartment. Just adjacent to Hospital Hill and once serving as a lodge for nurses during WWII, the 12-unit building is a hot ticket item in the city. Many of the residents have lived there for a decade or longer, making the apartment a tight-knit community of friends. Thanks to a lucky dinner party, James landed one of the coveted units just one year ago. “I happened to be visiting one of my friends here in the building, and I overheard one of the units was open. I jumped on it fast,” James said. “I love everything about this building. The location, the structure, the vibe. All of it.” Frankly, this isn’t the first time James has used his friends to get something he covets, either. Every good picker has a trick or two, and for James, friends are the ultimate untapped resource. Specifically in his case, friends with superb taste and an inclination to redecorate. For James, it’s all about laying the groundwork early. As he visits friends’ and family’s homes, he keeps his eyes keenly peeled. “If I see a piece I love, I immediately claim it,” James said. “I make them promise to let me have it or buy it if they ever consider replacing it. It could be three days down the road or years, but eventually, I usually get what I’m hoping for.” Picking one “style” is overrated. Buy what you like and make it work, just like James and his Hospital Hill home. Your Best Friend’s House J Words Kim Antisdel Photos William and Jill DiMartino
VintageKC / Fall 2014 24
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