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When not on tour with Gang of Four, Belly, or The Bangles, Gail Greenwood and artist Chil Mott make the most of their 1930s cottage

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Not every kitchen makes it into the New York Times, but the cherry-red Middletown one of Gail Greenwood and Chil Mott has – not in the “Home & Garden” section but “Music.” Greenwood is bassist for the alternative rock band Belly, and while a sunny space by the fridge may not be a typical backdrop for a photo shoot, this is no ordinary room. Though the band normally practices in the basement, members of the group gathered around the chrome-legged table for the shot, backdropped by authentic 1930s wallpaper.

Greenwood and Mott have made the charming Aquidneck Island cottage their home since the 1990s. They first relocated from Providence as renters to be close to the beach for surfing (less than four miles away). Once the pair took ownership of the 1938 home, a shared drive to make their imprint really took hold. Both artists and graphic designers who run Greenwood Associates from the entire second floor, the couple found themselves drawn to authentic vintage style for the main level. What may have started as practical – accepting cast-offs from family and friends, even a piece of taxidermy – developed into a penchant for heirloom quality and period design with an execution so precise it caught the eye of location scouts for Wes Anderson’s film Moonrise Kingdom.

Being the third owners of the house, many original features are still intact and coveted by the duo – things like mounted light fixtures, a cast iron double sink, and solid wood cupboards, which the couple painted and then replaced the hardware to give a refresh. Even things new to the home aren’t so new, like the antique rose-patterned wallpaper purchased at Secondhand Rose in New York City, or the 1940s Universal stove from since-closed Earthen Vessel in Providence.

When asked to define their decorating style, there’s a bit of an edge. “We call it ‘Dead Grandmother’,” says Greenwood, currently on tour with English post-punk band Gang of Four as a full-fledged member, and playing bass for The Bangles. Throughout the home, touches like floral prints and lace are always tempered with something mildly edgy, resulting in looks that are more interesting than twee. Case in point: beyond the quintessential New England stone wall, approach the charming cottage to find a little skull affixed just below a light fixture; illuminated at night, it lets you know this is no ordinary house.

Follow the pair’s many endeavors on Instagram: @gail_greenwood_official, @chil.mott.

 

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

 

Shop by Color

Inspired to add colorful accents into your living space this season? Check out home good shops that display wares by hue, including Simple Pleasures in Charlestown, Groundswell Garden + Home in Tiverton, and Store Four in Wakefield.

 

Take Note

When you’re in more than one band like Greenwood and Mott, who are in Benny Sizzler together, you need a good music shop, and Mama’s Boy Music in Portsmouth fits the bill. Find instruments, repairs, lessons, and more. Be prepared: cash only.

 

Island Goods

Aquidneck Island go-tos include The Green Grocer in Portsmouth, and The Fabric Connection and Island Books, both in Middletown.

 

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