April 2008

Less clutter was definitely a priority in this kitchen. Order and organization are packaged in a simple, modern design. Taking inspiration from Ann’s pottery collection in the living room, the orange tone of the Snaidero kitchen complements the rich, dark stain on the floor. Stainless steel appliances, honed granite counters and a backsplash of thin horizontal glass mosaic tiles in deep amber complete the textural experience in this space. With all of the functional elements hidden behind the clean lines of the cabinetry, one might wonder what surprises or unique gadgets are tucked away. "The number for room service," muses Ann. While she does not tout her cooking skills, Ann knows the heart of the action is in the kitchen, so an island and bar space provide plenty of room for entertaining.

For former Shorewoodian Kate Goldwater, fashion is her passion.

Even as a youngster, Goldwater was in a design-frenzy mode, with her first "real" piece of haute couture being a pair of pants cut from a toy tent and held together with staples and duct tape. That was in eighth grade. "I also cut up my mom’s old Spandex workout clothes and made other things from them," she recalls, laughing.

Goldwater has come a long way since then, in fact all the way to the Big Apple where her shop, AuH2O Designs in the East Village, is a magnet for the hip and trendy. The shop name came from the periodic table’s chemical symbols for "gold" and "water." AuH2O opened after Goldwater graduated from New York University in 2006. She lives in Brooklyn, a 40-minute subway ride to work.

Finding the NYU art program too restrictive, the Shorewood High School grad designed and defended her own major, concentrating on art and social justice. Then, launching into the world, Goldwater found her store location on Craig’s List and enlisted the help of a girlfriend’s business-major husband to line up an attorney and accountant, thereby covering her professional support bases.

It didn’t take long for the shop to become a big draw for the clothing-saavy students, young professionals and tourists who flutter through the neighborhood like brightly colored birds. But the reality of retail has sunk in.

"I’ve learned that January and February are slow months but summer and fall are really good," Goldwater says, with the wisdom that comes from the hard work it takes to keep a cash register alive and functioning. Repeat customers get a 10 percent discount. "Seems like I’m doing that a lot," says Goldwater, citing the return buyers flocking to the store. She tries to keep her prices less than $100, making them affordable for the high school and college set.

The master suite is a multifunctional space that provides Ann with the feeling of home sweet home. Whether lounging in bed or in the club-like lounge furniture, she has views of the lake or her television. Packed with amenities, this space is not shy on artistic inspiration. Once again a backdrop of warm colors and rich textures highlights stylized furniture selections and artwork, including oxidized metal wall sculptures.

Goldwater’s designs have also been critically received by New York’s in-the-know fashionistas, who are always seeking the vibrantly different to wear. Although the ever-enterprising Goldwater tried out for "Project Runway" three times, she never made the cut. It’s their loss. Shoppers, many eventually becoming fast friends, regularly find Goldwater behind the counter of AuH2O, working away on a trusty sewing machine she’s had since she was 13 years old. It’s still plastered with Howard Dean and "Keep Abortion Legal" stickers. Goldwater has since moved on up the political ladder, now being a fervent supporter of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. "No, I am not related to THAT Goldwater," she emphasizes, referring to the late conservative Republican politician Sen. Barry Goldwater. "I don’t want to hide my beliefs," Goldwater emphasizes.

She attributes her fervor to supportive parents, aerobics instructor Amy Goldwater and Atty. Charles Crosse, and her 77-year-old activist grandmother, Judy Goldwater, who lives on New York’s Upper East Side. Young Goldwater also has a plethora of great-aunts and uncles on Long Island.

As such, Goldwater, 23, champions numerous feminist causes and eagerly engages visitors in animated conversation on just about anything, which adds to the charm of AuH2O. She chatters a mile a minute, sipping orange juice or hot chocolate, although her store is adjacent to Abraco, a popular East Village coffee shop. "I don’t drink coffee," Goldwater laughs. "I talk fast enough."

The slate-covered master bath is a true spa-like experience. The rough texture of the multi-colored slate tiles on the floor and walls is contrasted by the sumptuous goat hair rug. Translucent glass doors with circular cut-outs for handles add another little surprise in the details of this space. The dimensional box-framed medicine cabinets and honed granite counters complete the look of this bath interior.

Since her clothes are made primarily from recycled materials, they are a statement in themselves. "I wouldn’t call them ‘eco-fashion,’ like made from hemp. But they are made from cut-up T-shirts, swimsuits, aprons and just about anything else. I also carry a lot of vintage clothing," she explains.

In addition to her own work, she carries Allison Teicht handbags, clothing adorned with antique buttons by Nadine Fischel and jewelry by Marne Meisel.

Several design interns and employes who help tend the store allow her time off to visit Milwaukee for holidays, make the requisite gallery rounds and concert scene and play soccer. Goldwater belongs to women’s and co-ed leagues in New York and, harkening back to her high school playing days, is her team’s top scorer. Occasionally, even Grandma Judy comes to cheer at a match.

With what time is left in the day, "I’m kind of seeing someone now," she indicates, dropping hints about an architect/urban designer boyfriend. "But I’m married to my store right now. It’s my baby."

Yet, even with that hectic lifestyle, she concludes," I love working until 7 p.m. on an article of clothing and then wearing it out that same night at 8 p.m. I know it will be one-of-a-kind."