Ride On: Scott Johnson & Maureen Post
Scott Johnson and Maureen Post’s home is so much the antithesis of the sterile, minimalist space that fills page after page of interior design and architecture magazines. Where those lack in character and soul, their’s fills to the rim with warmth, character and charm. You won’t find fancy pieces out of a catalogue–their home furnishings have amassed over the years thanks to resourcefulness and a keen eye–but their collection of industrial chairs, all worth a pretty penny these days, will no doubt leave you envious.
The two have pieced together their shared home of two years with treasures found at rummages, flea markets, the occasional salvage yard and even taken in from Scott’s restaurants (him and partner Leslie Montemurro own the restaurant group Mojofuco Inc., which has given birth to some of Milwaukee’s greatest spots–Fuel, Palomino, Comet, High Hat Lounge, Garage, Balzac and Bel Air Cantina).
A myriad of photographs of family, friends and travels taken by both Maureen, a freelance writer and photographer (see her work here) and Scott, alongside paintings and artwork by local and international artists climb up the walls like the ivy that grows outside their home, while pieces resting on the floor or on shelves are layered atop each other, creating fluid vignettes with their own stories to tell. Even the fridge acts as a canvas for storied images. It all works together largely due to the neutral colors that paint each room and the couple’s ability to filter out the filler. Though there are plenty of pieces, each one serves a purpose and brings its own unique quality to the beautiful East Side Milwaukee home. Dense and interesting, while at once cohesive and inviting, the home shows just how inspired, passionate and full of life the couple are.
Ivy grows atop Scott and Maureen’s verdant East Side home in Milwaukee, WI
- Maureen and Scott relax in their bright dining room on a sunny summer afternoon
A neutral color scheme balances the layers of pictures, paintings and pieces abound in the home
Items of different sizes and shapes stacked up and leaning against one another make for an organic vignette
Scott built the dining room table originally for his workshop but put it to better use upon adding steel legs and casters. A mix of aluminum Good Form chairs and blonde wood chairs add even more character to the well-crafted table
Trippy painting (center) by Scott’s friend, Milwaukee-based artist Fred Stonehouse http://fredstonehouseart.com/
The striking blue painting was once a Fred Stonehouse piece called “Island” from 1985. Milwaukee photographer Stanley Ryan Jones rescued it out of a dumpster and gave it to his girlfriend’s son, Adonis, to paint on in 1992. Scott purchased the painting from the very first art show held at Fuel Cafe. Upholstered blue chair (right) was Maureen’s grandmother’s
Photography plays an important role in their home. Books on the subject are a backdrop to a photo in a mug of Maureen’s mother
The living room, framed with number plates from Scott’s race bikes. Coffee table was a thrift store purchase that Scott vamped up by adding casters
The bold red painting is one of Scott’s very favorites painted by his college friend Nima Tehrazi. Scott adopted the piece when Nima realized his wife wasn’t nearly so fond of it
Taxidermy like the boar head (top right) appear subtly throughout the home, keeping a watchful eye. Scott picked up the slender gold lamp (left) at a rummage despite Maureen’s uncertainty: “It speaks to Scott’s ability to see things in a way different from me.” Needless to say, it’s Scott’s favorite lamp.
An entire wall of photographs taken by both Maureen, Scott and friends paints a colorful portrait of their lives and experiences
Family and friends may be scattered around the country but photos always make them feel closer
Wood dog sculpture by a Wisconsin folk artist, purchased at the Dean Jensen Gallery
A wiley boar (left) originally from a forest region of Bavaria and stoic cow greet you upon entering Maureen’s office
One of Maureen’s favorite pieces is an old Milwaukee Public Library table, once her father’s, which she refinished and uses as a desk
Family matters. Maureen’s grandfather and great grandfather (pictured left). “It was so rare to have your photograph taken back then so something special was captured here,” shares Maureen
In the background, a piece by a Brazilian artist made up of passport pages
A view into the living room from the foyer, which also doubles as Scott’s office
An old school desk in a soft seafoam green scored from the Elkhorn Flea Market, paired perfectly with a vintage swivel chair from Monogram Boutique in Delafield, WI http://www.monograhampaper.com/boutique/
A long list of to-dos from the many restaurants co-owned by Scott
In frame: Tattoo flash by Joe Darpel had recently been on loan to a Chicago art gallery
Freebird. Center image of bird is a screenprint from the Just Seeds Artists’ Cooperative in support of a cause rooted in Chiapas, Mexico http://justseeds.org/
Tiny it may be but it’s cozy and filled with love
A few of Scott’s trophies from past motorcycle races
The vintage-industrial kitchen houses some great flea market finds and displays some of the couple’s creativity; A utility tool chest with a butcher block on top becomes added counter space
Cooper peeks his head into the kitchen, where old signs, photographs and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display
An old racing sign marks the garage which houses Scott’s many bikes
Maureen, Scott and pup Cooper hanging out in the bike garage
“It’s kind of like Appalachia back here,” says Scott of their spacious yard. Vintage camper narrowly fit up the driveway but it sure looks at home in between the trees
I didn’t think it was possible to be even more enamored of Scott and Maureen. Clearly, I was wrong. LOVE it, love it, love it. Thanks Home Again, once again, for being one of my very favorite blogs.
Thank you so much for sharing such kind words Joy. It means a lot to know people are enjoying the posts. If only I could update more often!
One of my favorite places on earth. Miss you guys.
Home Again sure has the it right, they are and live love beautifully! Love you both, tons!