EVERARD + MOLLY FINDLAY
Family life at home 24/7
The Findlay family – global strategist Everard, artist Molly, and their two daughters, Isa (left) and Eleanor (right), have been living, working, and schooling from their 1918 home near the Hudson River in Nyack, NY, for most of the pandemic. They've made it work by taking a flexible approach to every room.
The living room is the “everything” room
“We’ve always been nomadic within our house, using spaces interchangeably. Rooms shift from conference room or research center to playground, theater, lab, art studio, test kitchen,” says Molly.
“We call our sofa ‘Cozy Island.’ It’s where we love to snuggle, do flips, make forts, make videos, and nap with Kit Kat, our cat. There’s no end to the adventures on Cozy Island.”
A roomful of plants helps stave off winter blues
“In warmer weather, the plant room is perfect for dinner and classes because it can be open-air.”
The dining room as office and
schoolroom
“Our main dining table has become our desk, so we’re now using the breakfast room for most meals, as well as for school and art projects – it’s one more work-live-play hub.”
“The house is our shelter and our collaborator. It’s a hub of invention. For most of us now, home is our main interaction with the world.” — Molly Findlay
Making the most of family time
“Spending more time together has been one great aspect of everything slowing down. We’ve been doing sewing projects, art projects, gardening, we’ve made soap, and lots and lots of bread. Isa, 13, (right) is our resident beekeeper and the family baker. Eleanor, 9, (left) loves to make videos. Both girls bring so much joy and invention to every day.”
Working to make a difference
“We’ve been working on some projects we’re so excited about. One is called Museum of the Courageous, telling the stories of people who have taken a stand against hate crimes in the US. We’ve been learning a lot of history that hasn’t been widely taught about the people who shaped our country by refusing to tolerate hate.
“Another labor of love is our long-time involvement with Grow NYC. This sustainability resource is responsible for all 55 farmers’ markets in the city, recycling programs, school gardens, and so much more.”
A house built to combat pandemics
“This house was built during the last global pandemic – the 1918 Spanish Flu. It had a very advanced radiant heating system and every room has multiple windows and doors. Apparently steam heat was developed during the Spanish Flu so that people could be indoors with the windows open.”
