Inside the homes of Matt Hranek- Explorer, Eater, Drinker"
As a man who has made a career out of travelling, it is in his personal homes that I draw the greatest inspiration from Matt Hranek, who goes under the moniker WM Brown as editor of WM Brown Magazine.
Describing himself as an ‘Explorer, eater, drinker.’ Hranek embodies an ‘old school’ approach to life beyond his preppy leaning fashion choices and love of classic cars and vintage watches. This can be seen in two of his homes that have featured heavily in his output over recent years.
In addition to his current project focussed on restoring a French Chateau and his Roman apartment it is the houses in Central France and his Upstate New York farmhouse that best provide a glimpse into his home life.
His French home situated well off the beaten path in Saint-Yzans-de-Medoc represents a departure from the bustle of Rome and Brooklyn. Robust, period stone fireplaces, earthen colour pallets and an eclectic décor sympathetic to its local heritage are married with functional pieces that Hranek isn’t afraid to actively use. This can take the form of a restored bicycle or vintage ashtray but most prominently we see this in his kitchen. Curating and using market finds throughout his prolific online, culinary output the food remains the hero of the shot, whilst the space within his home provides a backdrop setting it clearly with his artfully considered context.
Contrasted with the old world charisma of his home in Saint-Yzans-de-Medoc the undoubtably mid-century leaning farmhouse in Upstate New York displays an alternative aspect of Hranke’s approach to his homes. With it’s clean lines, minimalism and full height windows that overlook the fields within which it sits the home not only stands in defiance of its rural setting but proves the antithesis of Hranek’s other properties.
Showcased regularly during the initial days of the Covid lockdowns this property acted as a stage within which to fill their time with impeccably constructed meals again showcased within the intimate confines of Hranek’s personal kitchen. With meticulously followed recipes and cocktail hours a plenty this farmhouse has become as much a feature of his work as the exotic hotels and fashion journalism for which he has made his name.
Taking inspiration from this in my own home I look to marry form and function. Allowing for fewer, better quality kitchen pieces with a desire to eschew the disposable and consciously use those espresso cups picked up in Italy or cook with the vintage stoneware gifted as a wedding present. likewise, not reserving the best parts of my home for a special occasion but bringing them into everyday use, romanticising the mundane to bring a touch of WM Brown sophistication to my home.
Images @wmbrownproject & @yolandaedwards