The story so far

Guy Koolhof -

Yesterday was the three-month anniversary of guy with an eye, and I think it's a good time to take a breath and see where we've been.

This newsletter was born in a state of crisis after my sudden and unexpected COVID-driven job loss. I decided to reinvent my mission in life and pursue a path in writing and design that I'm still formulating as we go. I'm convinced that our lockdown time has permanently altered the way we experience our homes – and I want to help you capitalize on that so you can tell your story in a new way.

Season 1

The pilot season of guy was for eight weeks this past summer. We began with the opening sequence of a classic musical, An American in Paris, and observed how the main character, Jerry Mulligan, had perfectly designed his tiny home.

From there we looked at a must-have design book and went on to explore two topics relevant to a reawakening world: the lost art of shopping for vintage design in person and the fresh potential of choosing your decorating speed.

Then we dove into a variety of subjects: city architecture as interior inspiration, the curious power of ashtrays, how furniture can misbehave (and get away with it) and the potency of negative space.

Season 2

Season two began after Labour Day and has been all about micro-decorating, which we defined in just five words: "Small design moves, big results."

The story of how I became a micro-decorator at age three led to a series on micro-decorating moves: miniaturize, rhyme and more to come.

A discussion of micro-decorating as micro-dosing hinted that there's more going on than you realize when you buy a new table lamp or rearrange a shelf.

We're halfway through the season now... so where do we go from here?

You're invited

Guy with an eye is more than a website, more than a newsletter. It's a growing community of people who are keen on exploring the connection between the objects around you and the states within you.

If you're excited about how the words "interior design" can have two meanings, the traditional one and one that speaks to your sense of self, you're already part of this movement.

There are three ways you can get more involved:

  1. Let your design-conscious friends know about guy with an eye by sharing this newsletter.
  2. Send me your feedback. The direction of this project will be shaped by your comments and questions.
  3. Keep on reading. I'm doing this for you as much as for me.

Thank you for being part of this. I can't wait to discover where we'll go together next!