A Place to Dream Above the Clouds
This past spring, I got invited to an opportunity of a lifetime . . . to do something I’d written down as a goal for the year, but never knew would actually come true. Y’all, I was invited as a featured designer for the Real Simple Home 2023!
I’d seen other designers whose work I LOVE complete this showhouse. And every year, it turns out simply beautiful! So, to be part of such a talented group of hand-picked designers for this round - my heart was full!
This year, along with the other designers, I’d be taking on the design of a beautiful waterfront penthouse in Brooklyn, NY . . . and my assignment? The primary bedroom!
With just a few months to get from the concept phase to installation, it was time to get to work!
The Concept
Design Moodboard
Inspired by the natural elements found outside the windows as you looked down into the city, and Fantasy by Kali Uchis, I set out to create a primary bedroom that would reflect the mood and vibe of, Ethereal Sunsets! Think warm, luscious, joyful, powerful and soft - all descriptives of how I wanted this space to feel. And as a synesthete who experiences chromesthesia, I am able to pull colors, textures, and patterns from the sound of music.
Whenever I hear a song, it’s as if I’m thrown into a kaleidoscope full of color and pattern! Based on the notes and lyrics of the song, colors assign themselves to those elements, and from there I use those colors to design any given space. By applying the same method to this project, I was able to come up with a design that would hopefully transport its viewer to another world!
For this project, we had the pleasure of working with some amazing sponsors to bring our rooms to life! With that, we would design our respective rooms based on the availability of certain products from each brand. Naturally, my room underwent several iterations due to supply chain and pieces that would change in availability. Determined to bring to life the vision I had for the primary bedroom, I was able to successfully pivot during the design process!
Above, I developed room boards to capture the design as I envisioned, really bringing to life the initial sketches of my concept.
Please keep in mind, each designer took on the task of designing spaces that we’d never seen before and only had measurements and floorplans to work with.
Each item in the room board was sourced from brands that offered their products as a donation, something that lightens the financial lift that typically comes with producing spaces in showhomes. Because showhouses can get expensive! Also, I was inspired to incorporate my Ruth’s Garden wallpaper with Chasing Paper in the design - presenting another moment to honor the legacy of my grandmothers through design!
The Installation Process
Me marking the positions of the three pendant lights we were to hang to create a larger chandelier.
With all of our furniture - ok, for the most part - ready to be delivered, and most of the finishes already applied to the spaces, July meant it was time for us to start the installation process!
Jurnee and I booked a team trip to Brooklyn to bring the room to life. Y’all, the building team hired by Real Simple was the BEST! Mike and Vinny were not only welcoming, but also celebrated their craft with every detail applied to our spaces!
At this point, almost everything had arrived to the showhouse to allow us to finish the install before a photo and video shoot of the space at the end of the week. However, we were still missing key pieces like a rug, decorative pillows, and other smaller accessories to layer on personality in the room! Thankfully, and after reaching out to a friend, Francesca of Dyphor offered a few pieces from her shop in Brooklyn; pieces that would further elevate the room’s design!
One thing Jurnee and I were going to make sure of is that we ATE! And not only in the sense of bringing the design to life in this room💁🏾♂️. But after a few long days of working to complete the install on time, a classic New York pizza just seemed to hit the spot!
And after four days of work . . . here was how the room turned out!
The Result
Photography: Christopher Testani
Photography: Christopher Testani
Photography: Hoshi Joell | Pillows: Dyphor
Photography: Tory Williams
Y’all, it’s one thing to have a concept on a moodboard and floorplan. It’s another thing and indescribable feeling to see the space you imagined - and for such an impactful project - come to life before your very eyes! I will say, upon completion of this install I cried tears of joy!
This room was designed with a lot of love and care. I like to say that I design from a place of happiness with the goal of creating an emotional experience for all who get to visit/inhabit said space! This room turned out much better than my dreams had ever imagined!
What this Moment Means
For me, being a designer for the Real Simple Home this year was one of the most meaningful moments of my secular and personal life! Having your work sought out by such a respected design authority really speaks highly of your personal craft. As someone who has constantly dealt with imposter syndrome as a designer, this experience helped reassure me that I am exactly where I belong!
This space was a dedication to my grandmothers, to my father’s lessons of creativity and application, my mother’s constant confidence boosters on the days I’m not feeling 100%, and to the legacy I want to leave on this world as a designer who creates spaces to celebrate color, love and the genuine beauty of individuality!
This project . . . this project was conceived in my heart. And I’m simply humbled that this space now exists in the physical world and can be shared with others to experience!
Inspired by musical sound and the colors found in the treetops below, the sky above, and the warm hues of golden hour, I’m honored to have brought the concept of and Ethereal Sunset to life!
Without the sponsors listed below, this space wouldn’t have been possible! To my partners in this project, I wholeheartedly thank you!
Wallpaper: Ruth’s Garden in Midnight - Chasing Paper
Nightstands: Finnley Closed Nightstand in Mocha - Arhaus
Dresser: Brock Seven Drawer Dresser in Dark Twighlight - Arhaus
Bedding: Border Euro Flax Linen Duvet - CB2
Mirror: Grace Bone Inlay - CB2
Shades: - Kirsch
Sconces: Estee Wall Sconce - Mitzi
Pendant Lighting: Blyford in Aged Brass - Hudson Valley Lighting
Chairs: Oslo Armchair - Maisonette
Paint: Summer’s End (Ceiling) | Mountain Midnight (Walls) - Valspar
