TThe term “dark and light academy” might conjure up mental images of cloaked figures studying in obscure libraries or Indiana Jones with his feet resting on a wooden desk while rows of leather-bound books lay in the background. But for Carice Fawcett and Tyler Sharpe, the concept extends far beyond imagination and cinema.
This is how they describe their way of life inside a yellow one-story house On the corner of North Winnetka Street.
The recently engaged couple share a similar aesthetic, which leads to a home that is an ever-evolving collection of adventures.
Plus, it’s home to their mysterious dog, Wyatt.
Sharp brings together photography, writing, and organization. He runs a publication entitled The modern hunterwhich focuses on representing and redefining the world of hunting through photography, film, discussion and storytelling.
Fawcett, who studied printmaking and painting in Savannah The College of Art and Design uses its technical expertise at The Citizenry, a company focused on producing ethically sourced and honestly produced home goods and furniture.
“It’s been so great to work with a company that puts people first,” says Fawcett. “They are all handcrafted products, and they are all from all over the world.”
The main entrance features a spiral-horned antelope guarding the living room. It overlooks plenty of leather seating, neutral paints, and woven baskets that hide cables and provide storage. A zebra skin gives a textural distinction to the center of a room, and three stuffed pheasants keep each other close to an assortment of leather- and fabric-bound books. They are not shy about showing off their hunting trophies. Although it may seem counterintuitive at first, Sharp says, hunting and conservation go hand in hand.
He says that misunderstandings about the relationship between hunting and conservation is a “PR problem”, and that “the hunting industry in general does a pretty terrible job of communicating to people (that hunting) plays a role in conservation”.
The devil is in the details of home design.
Expensive leather is exhilarating, but too much can lead to damage The house feels like a furniture store. The homeowners explain that rustic woods speak volumes about personality, but one of them can quickly transform an intriguing library into the decks of a pirate ship.
Fawcett has a meticulous eye for textures (think burlap, canvas, fine-grain leather, faux leather, sandstone, throws, pillows, and rugs that take up more than a square foot of floor space) and their functions within their spaces.
The dining room incorporates familiar components of sturdy beamed wood and conversational pieces. On the wall hung nearly a dozen framed artworks, some collected and others created by Fawcett.
“We love this museum look,” she says. “I love drawing.”
Color also plays an important and interesting role in their home. Fawcett’s Instagram bio proudly speaks of her color philosophy.
“Maybe it’s a little neutral,” she says.
But this does not mean that the natural design is only in beige and brown tones. Larger pieces like chairs, sofas, and tables don’t offer much outside of this palette, but the minor elements pull their weight—richly colored books, lively green plants, and paintings break up any monotony that can develop within the space.
Sharp makes the most of the smaller hideout between the dining room and kitchen. This space is only about 8 feet by 4 feet, making it look like a corner inside a Trinity College library.
A fold-out desk festooned with trinkets and photos from trips is where he writes, but you won’t find a laptop. Instead, a stack of paper and a corked metal pen are his favorite tools.
“I try to separate my creative writing space from the desk,” he says. “This is where I try to keep that part of my soul alive.”
On the opposite wall is a collection of spirits and liqueurs.
“It’s right next to the bar. “So, I’m fine, I guess I’ll have a drink,” Sharpe says with a laugh.
The couple has a set of rules that guide their group.
“I’m the kind of person who goes for a walk and says, ‘Oh, that’s a really good piece of bark; it’s a really good piece of bark.'” “I’ll bring it home with me,” Fawcett says.
The two agree on most things without much verbal communication.
Take the full-size suit of armor guarding the corner of their dining room.
“She called and said, ‘They have a knight for $100.’” Sharp says. “I said, ‘Why are you even calling me? Yeah!’”
Although there is no substitute for traveling the world, Sharp and Fawcett do not mean to imply that one must travel halfway across the globe to find decor.
The two found many of their own without ever leaving town.
“We also love going to vintage and secondhand stores, and walking around so the piece can talk to you,” says Sharp.