When ceramic and textile artist Malene Barnett bought her house in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood eleven years ago, she admits it was “a total wreck.” After years of work — and a stunning application of Caribbean-inspired colors — her house is now a vibrant haven in the city. Come on in…
FOYER
Paint on stairs: Sweet Orange.
On a project: When I first saw this house in 2008, it was a mess. There was a hole in the roof, and water was leaking all the way down to the ground floor. It was uninhabitable at the time. But I knew it had good bones and that it was basically all fixable.
On an island vibe in the middle of Brooklyn: I wanted the house to make me feel like I was in the Caribbean — with bright colors and ocean blues — since it’s where my family’s from and the place I always want to be. I wanted to have my own oasis that felt like a different experience than the one you have when you step out into the city streets.
KITCHEN
Paint: Soft Green. Hood: Elica, similar. Kettle: Target.
On cookbooks (or not): I don’t feel like a kitchen has to be dedicated to cookbooks alone. I like keeping all kinds of books that have inspired me in here — including novels, memoirs, style guides and art books. When I’m waiting for food to cook, I can flip through anything.
On food: My favorite recipe blogs are Minimalist Baker and Cookie and Kate. I’m a vegetarian, and I go for a lot of West Indian or West African food, with a touch of Asian cuisine. When people come over, I’ll do plantains with rice and peas and a lentil salad.
DINING AREA
Dining table: West Elm. Chairs: West Elm.
On a home with flow: The space is open, so there’s a nice flow between rooms. When I entertain, I’ll cook while friends wander between the kitchen, the dining area and the living room. The space helps keep the conversation going.
On a wall of memories: I love displaying a mix of pieces I’ve collected during my travels. The glass paintings on the right are from Senegal. On the left, there’s an etching portrait I did back in college. I picked up the tree of life in India.
LIVING ROOM
Paint: Peacock Blue and Ocean Spray. Curtains: Ikea. Yellow sofa: Consignment. Brown sofa: Room & Board.
On all-color everywhere: Turquoise is my favorite color, which is why you’ll see it all over the house. I believe you can never use too much color. That’s just the way I grew up, in a house with no white walls; we always had color around us. I like painting the ceiling, too. If you’re into color, I think you just have to go for it and not think about it too much! You can get guidance from a professional who can help you visualize the space, but it’s only paint. If you really don’t like it, you can change it.
Mirror: HomeGoods, similar. Buffet table: antique.
On a piece of home: There are lots of old pieces around here. The buffet table is particularly special to me, because it was one of my mother’s first pieces of furniture. At the holidays, we all knew to go to that cabinet and get out my grandmother’s china. That piece means a lot to me.
BEDROOM
Paint on walls: Blue Orchid. Paint on doors: Magenta. Bed frame: West Elm. Yellow pillows: similar.
On bedroom goals: I hoped to create a serene, calming environment, so I could relax and rest for (hopefully) eight hours of sleep. And the pale purple color worked! I sleep REALLY well in here.
Painting: Malene Barnett. Credenza: consignment.
On staying true to yourself: I’ve always dreamed of getting an upholstered headboard. It’s funny, I got a grey one first. But as soon as it arrived, I took one look at it and said, ‘Oh no, I am NOT a grey person!’ So, I returned it and went for the other option: bright yellow.
BATHROOM
Laundry basket: Ikea, similar. Stool: HomeGoods, similar. Towels: Target.
On becoming a bath person: I designed this room to feel like a spa, with pretty tile and a little chandelier. For a long time I didn’t use the bath, but finally it hit me: I need to take advantage of this tub! Now I use it all the time.
Mirrors: Lulu and Georgia. Sconce: Lulu and Georgia, similar. Bust: Malene Barnett.
On aspirational sinks: I was single when I designed this house. But I hoped to have a partner, so I put that out into the universe by installing double sinks and double showers. I do have a boyfriend now. And listen, eventually we’ll have double toilets and tubs — I believe an adult should have their own bathroom space!
Thank you so much, Malene!
P.S. More home tours, including a Minneapolis house with the cutest dog and a spaceship building.
(Photos by Kate Sears for Cup of Jo.)
I am not a color girl, but this house appeals to me because it’s a true home. She has embraced her own style; making choices to her environment that brings her joy! Her rooms are filled with great design ( love that niche wall!) A home should be personal and she has filled it with meaningful things. A true collected over time style. To me, it’s the meaningful, unique things that make a house a home. And she is absolutely beautiful – can’t miss that glow!
LOVE it. ❤️
What is the name of the color on the bathroom doors—the purplish periwinkle in the last pic?
This place is a dream!! THOSE COLOURS. I am swooning.
Wow. I would think that using all the color would make a house too busy, but there’s such a cool, relaxing oasis-y vibe! I love the spa bathroom and all the blues, inspiration to try something other than white in my own place.
This is probably my favorite house. I love the colors along with everything else..
I’ve never seen someone utilize color in a way that so perfectly evokes the *feeling* of a place like Caribbean, the way this apartment does. I’m in awe. What an oasis!
This home is stunning. I’m a neutrals girl but mostly to avoid decision fatigue. I love seeing how people use color. Also the tile everywhere bathroom felt so luxurious. Amazing home!
MOST BEAUTIFUL BATHROOM EVER!
The all-over tile in the bathroom is a total stunner. I am stunned. Plus – why did I never think to put a hamper by the tub? Genius. This is a gorgeous home – thank you for sharing it. And thank you, CupofJo for the diversity!
Beautiful!
Gorgeous. Love this one!!!
So gorgeous!!!!
I live in BedStuy as well, and always wonder what the insides of all the beautiful brownstones look like. Thank you for sharing your home, Malene!
Amid days of difficult headlines and news stories this home and post offer refuge. I’m taking a deep peaceful breath imagining the happy soul that imagined, then created such a space – bravo and thank you for sharing with us. :-)
I need to paint something Sweet Orange now, immediately!
I thought it was the light from the sunrise shining down her stairs at first. Now I need to paint something Sweet Orange too.
I love this home! The colours and aesthetics are amazing.
GORGEOUS.
Love the yellow bed in the purple bedroom. My guest room is a similar color and I’m always putting yellow things in there.
Never seen ANYTHING like it. The color combination is just heavenly. The details….. I’m in love with Malene’s aesthetic.
Holy cow! A girlfriend and I JUST stayed in the garden level apartment of Malene’s home on a trip to NYC (we rented through Airbnb). The rental is also quite lovely – small world!
wow, what a small world for sure!
I love all of this.
I love the colors. I love the thoughtful mid century pieces with family history. I love the art.
On occasion I flip through magazines like Coastal Living just for color palette ideas beyond all the Scandinavian white that’s everywhere (we live in coastal Florida) but so much of the design smacks of old retired white lady and there isn’t much deviation from that. Thanks for featuring women of color and their stories. Nice job on your home, Malene – I’m coming back to this one again.
I’m also curious about the dress! So elegant!
Both dresses! Love.
Stunning is the word. What a beautiful, serene & funky home!
Um, it’s perfect. That’s the comment. Super perfect.
I am in total agreement that an adult needs his/her own bathroom. It’s (in part) how our marriage survives.
Beautiful house, but I don’t think the planet can sustain an individual bathroom for every adult… And let’s not forget, there are still so many who don’t even have one to share.
Among all the things on the list to “save the planet”, I don’t think the amount of toilets is one of them. ?
@Kekki Well, it’s not top of the list but the point is that we’re in a state of planetary crisis where EVERYTHING counts – and actually construction is one of the major industries that needs to be slowed down significantly, so things like ideas about how many bathrooms a home ‘needs’ are relevant to the climate emergency. That statement that “an adult should have their own bathroom space” stood out to me as demonstrating how much our everyday thinking needs to shift in a very short space of time. It also demonstrates some very real well-off/’developed’ world privilege-thinking!
Not to mention that BOTH rooms would need heating in winter, i.e. twice as much energy for bathroom heating as they’re currently using! It all counts!!
Honestly, pretty much everything is on that list.
Gosh I love this. I’ve been craving home tours that actually feel like they have a soul, and this one really does.
Just gorgeous! Love this so much – everything about it – the colors and the furniture. Really beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
This is the most stunning & inviting home! The warmth radiates from every inch of the space (and from Malene, too). Seeing her home truly inspires me to boldly choose more color in my life — from the paint on the walls, to the clothes in my closet. I also love the idea of a soft, gentle color for the bedroom to help with quality sleep! Thanks for sharing, CoJ xo
I look at that kitchen and the south Asian in me is like – so pretty, but where is the _real_ kitchen? Haha, such few condiments, plus all the white gives me shivers.
So beautiful though. Love the ocean blue. I wonder how it must feel to step inside during winters/snowstorms – instant carribbean!
What lovely colors and ambience in this home! Her vintage furniture finds are gems!
I love her earrings! I’d love a source if she wouldn’t mind sharing. She’s be a great candidate for a beauty uniform or week of outfits post.
“Oh no, I am NOT a grey person!” – Love it. I am a grey-textiles-loving person and I love to be inspired by people who love and use color in decor! Kudos for such a beautiful space.
Wow! What a stunning home, it looks like a dream! You can absolutely tell an artist lives there, the spaces have so much life. Thank you for sharing Malene!
This house is too beautiful for words!
Totally unrelated and sorry to be a Debbie downer but there are so many typos in this article that it’s actually unpleasant (or at least very distracting) to read as it interrupts the reading process. Just thought I’d mention it as I’m sure I’m not the only one that it bothers. This would never keep me away from this amazing blog though…just a friendly remark :)
Oh thank you for this comment! I’m not seeing any, could you point them out? Thank you! Xo
I loved this! The home and the interview. Wow, those colors! I don’t like as much color in my own space but this is so pretty and fresh feeling. I absolutely love the dining room wall with all the insets, and also that bathroom is a DREAM! And what a good idea about keeping books in/near the kitchen so you can pick one up while waiting for things to cook!
What an absolutely beautiful home! I swear that every time you post a home tour I swear that it is my new favorite. They are all just SO good! The bold use of color in Malene’s home is so inspiring and welcoming.
Crikey! Malene has created the most amazing, warm, home.
I am absolutely mesmerized by this home.
Where is the door handle from on that last picture? Awesome!!
we’ll ask!
Wow I am FEELING that bathroom. I love teeny tiny tiles, and her design to have that time on every square inch of wall, floor, AND ceiling…. I am inspired
The most beautiful house tour so far! I am amazed by the colors and would like to replicate this style at our place, like, today!
I knew I had seen this place before! If anyone wants another look, it’s also featured in Interior Lives (with Wendy Goodman) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P-uZdM_5W8&list=PLtmzdzCeRsyEgdpuu52awPQkfWZpK-geU&index=7
Love that bathroom! And always inspiring to see homes rooted in personal history and people following their own ideas of what home is rather than current trend hegemony.
I love the colors! It definitely has that Caribbean vibe!
Oh my gosh this is amazing! I love that Malene tiled her bathroom ceiling – genius! I just popped over to her instagram, style for miles, can’t wait to see Malene’s week of outfits soon :-)
I am OBSESSED with this place.
Stunning home, the bathroom in particular is gorgeous.
I would love it if Malene could share one (or some!) of her favorite recipes for a food post here!
Good gracious is this place beautiful! Just wow.
STUNNING!!! Malene has exceptional taste and style. And can we talk about the handle on the pocket door to the bathroom???? B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!!!
This place is STUNNING!! That living room? The colors? The art? I’m so in awe
So much color and joy…I love it! And all types of books in the kitchen? Mind. Blown.
I’m from Miami and am screening YES at every photo. This woman’s style is so so good.
I’d love to know a bit more about how people are affording their homes. Maybe as a separate series? I love looking at these but my god for such a huge space in NYC I’m like how is this possible? And it seems like every NYC home featured is like this (size wise) somehow lol. Is everyone a millionaire except me?? I work in finance and I definitely can’t afford this!
thank you for your note! a separate finances series could be great and really fascinating. we’ve talked about doing something like that, so i appreciate your interest! we’ve featured a few larger apartments recently, you’re totally right; but here are a few smaller spaces from the archives, if that’s helpful, too:
https://cupofjo.com/2018/03/tips-for-living-in-small-spaces/
https://cupofjo.com/2016/01/15-tips-for-living-in-a-small-space-with-a-baby/
https://cupofjo.com/2018/07/tips-for-small-space-living-family/
https://cupofjo.com/2019/01/small-house-tour-shavonda-gardner/
https://cupofjo.com/2018/05/tips-for-living-in-a-small-space/
https://cupofjo.com/2019/09/brooklyn-apartment-home-tour/
thank you so much, EA!
I’m here to second this! This home is STUNNING but it’s hard for me to think about anything but the $$ behind it.
I totally agree, BUT I would guess that this was done over many years, not all at once. it seems like the number of years is missing from the opening paragraph; “After nearly years of work….”
My guess is 10 years, since she purchased in 2008?
Thanks for your response Jo. To be clear I didn’t mean my post as a criticism. I guess I’m just nosy but for example in this post, the house featured belongs to an artist and it sounds like she financed it solo. I’d love to know, was it possible because she mentioned it was a fixer upper, so she was able to get a good deal on it? How much would fixing it up cost? Or is it that she’s renting out some of the rooms, or has multiple income streams, or had help from family or whatever?
Maybe it’s the HGTV lover in me but I’m always curious about these things particularly bc I also live in nyc and property is so expensive (especially a beautiful and spacious spot like this) so I’d love to understand how people afford their spaces and also get some inspiration on how I can do that too. More so bc the featured home belongs to someone with a non traditional job, which is why I was really thrilled to see this post. I hope that doesn’t come across poorly, bc that is not my intention at all. What I’m trying to say is like, if she were a partner at a law firm or something I’d be like ok yeah I get it, this is someone that way outearns the average New Yorker so they can afford a huge home. Just trying to understand so I can plan for my future basically and get some inspiration. The only people I know personally who own a home here are trust fund babies so it was cool to see that normal people can make it work
I posted below but it may answer some of the question – I rented the garden level apartment to this space via Airbnb :) Probably provides some of the revenue stream you’re curious about.
Also, worth nothing that buying a house in Brooklyn in 2008 was a different market for sure! My husband bought ours in 2009, and there’s no way we’d be able to buy a similar building in our neighborhood today.
I agree!!! I work in finance too (With aspouse is in a finance adjacent field) and I wonder the same thing. How do people afford these massive beautifully renovated NYC (and San Fran) homes. I can’t imagine the cost to buy and gut renovate a brownstone. I’m pretty candid that the main reason we were able to afford our 1400 sq ft apt was that we bought it in 2011 When the mkt was still soft, it isn’t in a trendy area and it hadn’t been renovated in 30yrs, and we renovated it without a designer/architect.
Cool, thanks Vanessa! Beautiful home :)
EA,
I totally relate to what you are saying. It can feel like you’re the only person working hard and just “getting by” when you make the decision to live in a big city. It can sometimes feel discouraging. Especially when you’re an interior designer like myself (oh look- I can purchase the same candle as my clients!). Lol. I didn’t take your words as being critical, just human. A clean home, fresh flowers, and your favorite books always goes a long way. Maybe a fun paint color too? xo
There *are* commercially successful artists who make money–think what a house tour of Jeff Koons’s place would look like :) Plus it looks like Marlene has strategically diversified into things like carpets (which I’m about to show my husband–we’ll be saving up for one of those, they’re amazing). I’m always happy to see artists who have built up some financial clout!
Totally agree EA and I think you put it wonderfully, I did not read it as a criticism and I too would love to understand how people afford their spaces and also get some inspiration on how I can do that too.
Several of Emily Henderson’s employees have written about their homebuying process on her blog. Really fascinating. I think CoJ could expand the scope and show more diversity of approaches. The women on Emily Henderson’s blog purchased pretty run down buildings and put a TON of sweat equity into it, I’d also be interested in seeing people who did small renovations, no renovations, bought due to rental income, and heck, maybe some people who didn’t buy at all because they realized they’d would generate a better return on their investment ;)
That’s exactly how I feel often when I read about NY Real estate. I work in finance too and I struggle to save 20% down payment for a one-bed coop in Queens. When I hear about an ‘artist’ who can afford a Brooklyn brownstone circa 2008 prices I get really EXCITED like yes girl GET IT DONE. But then I read further and not one single tip on how one saves for this total reno project. I WOULD DEVOUR that article on how to realistically save for a home. In other news, what happened to ASK PACO please help!
ONE DAY NEW YORK, I will own you – or at least an 1200 sq ft version of you.
Truly one of the most incredible homes you’ve ever featured. I had to scroll through multiple times to catch everything – the door pulls! the tiles! the shoes by the bed! the busts! I got actual chills from that bathroom. Wow. Just wow.
I love all those shades of blue, and the tiles!
So calming – and such a relaxing vibe.
Dee
HOLY WOW!
Such a happy space! Love the aspirational 2 sinks :)
I too have painted the inside of my condo door a bright yellow. It took me a few years to make that decision, and I’m still so happy I did that #laserlemondoor
so i’m a TOTAL gray person, in fact my husband says i’m obsessed with gray in our house :) but this is so beautiful in every way, i’m speechless! he did talk me into blue cabinets so…baby steps
Love everything about this home. There is warmth and personality at every turn. ☀️
What a beautiful home! All those colors are so stunning and her bathroom is the dreamiest. And I love that she keeps non cookbooks in her kitchen, my dad has always done that, and I’ve never seen anyone else who does it too!
Love, love, love this apartment. The colours! The light, love it all! :)
I am totally obsessed with the colors in Malene’s home! It is so gorgeous and bright, yet calming. I definitely want to tuck a few of these color combinations away for when I get to decorate a home one day. Thanks for sharing!
Best house tour ever!
I’m terrified of mixing colors on walls after having made a few bad choices. This house is gorgeous and fearless! It absolutely feels like a slice of the Caribbean, incredible. I love love love it, I’m so blown away by Malene’s vision.
AMAZING! I love the vibrant colours and energy!
I have the grey headboard. Because obviously I am a wimp.
So blown away by all this joyful color!
Ughhh. Are you kidding me??? This
Is perfection.
This: “And listen, eventually we’ll have double toilets and tubs — I believe an adult should have their own bathroom space!”
Why don’t I keep books in the kitchen? Also, love the bathroom tile. It looks so peaceful.
Simply gorgeous…every room feels so lovingly thought out and truly special. Malene radiates such beauty too.
I have come to appreciate the use of color throughout my life. I used to be that girl that had an all black wardrobe and very modern black and grey furnishings for a minute..but living in Seattle for 31 years has changed all that. My house and wardrobe are full of color; the seemingly endless days of grey skies provide the perfect backdrop for any and all colors.
This is easily the most beautiful home I’ve seen online! Seeing these photos felt like a breath of fresh air – truly gorgeous!
Absolutely dreamy home! I want to see this inspiring woman in a Week of Outfits and Beauty Uniform too, and more more more pics of that gorgeous house! Malene, you have an amazing eye for color, pattern, proportion, everything.
So gorgeous. And the books (of all kinds) in the kitchen is just genius. Love this apt and Malene’s style. Absolutely stunning!
Wow wow wow wow!! Phenomenal space. I love the warmth Malene created and I can only imagine how much each corner, nook, and cranny inspires each day. This has seriously shifted the vision of why my future home could be!
*what, not why! Even “who” would have been a better autocorrect! lol
Wowza! Now that’s a home.
Oh my. So much beauty. This is the most inspirational home tour I have seen in years — and I look at a lot of home & design inspiration!
The bedroom with the rich yellow bed and warm wood dresser and soft purple walls…sigh.
aahhhhmazing. so inspiring! I also aspire for my house to feel like an oasis from the city (although my personal inspiration is “treehouse”). these images feel so calm and happy! And it’s so nice to hear it took 11 years, makes me feel calmer about not having all of my ideas in place already.
And funny to hear about the bathroom philosophy, here in Ecuador houses and apartments generally have *at least* one bathroom per bedroom.
Oh my gosh. I love this. I looked at a house in Bed Stuy in 2008 with a hole in the roof… I wonder…?
I’m so colourphobic in painting, but this feels magical.
Can I come over?! ;)
I love this home tour! These colors are all so happy. I love the turquoise and that yellow just screams joy to me.
what a gorgeous home! love the bathroom and I am so with you that adults should have their own bathroom space. My husband and I have separate bathrooms and my bathroom is my sanctuary.
I almost cannot contain myself over how wonderful and personal I find this home. Malene has done the most colorful and heartfelt transition with her home. I am beyond inspired. Thank you for this really original story. Colors and placement are the words in this post.
It’s funny how you say you gravitate towards colors because you grew up around them. I did too and now as an adult, I run away from them! However I can appreciate them in someone else’s home and I love how true to yourself you are. I especially love the soft purple, so calming. My daughter would love your bedroom. :)
So beautiful! It really does feel like the Caribbean! I love all of it.
Incredible layering of colors, fun and unique designs and feels so true to her style. I love this one!
What a lovely home, I love the color and artwork throughout. But what really caught my eye were the unique door knobs! If I didn’t have antique knobs that I already love, I would totally be jumping on the bandwagon! :)
Stunning! I love the doors with the (mermaid?) handles. Are they all pocket doors?
This space is so full of story and magic -you can feel the places and art and people she is carrying in her and also her deep beautiful spirit. The sculptures! The art! The books! The colors! Like so many have said, I love love love the aesthetic pleasure and joy so much but even more love how deeply expressive it is of someone’s soul.
YES!! This house is A. mazing and I kept marveling at how well she “put together everything” until I realized–no, it’s just a reflection of her spirit that makes it all such a feast for the eyes. I AM a gray person, but loved this home tour! Thanks for opening up the doors so we could peek in, Marlene!
WOW! The use of color here is truly stupendous! Maybe my fav house tour of all time? I love the pale purple bedroom and the niches in the dining room. What a beautiful home, Malene.
I love this house tour so so much. It’s a reminder that your home is just that, yours!
I’ll admit to not following house tours in general too closely, but WOW Malene’s home is gorgeous! The colors work so beautifully together; it’s like being immersed in a Gauguin painting. The space feels so uplifting and warm and comforting, I would so enjoy living here. And I love that this home was decorated for HER – she styled it to her tastes and thankfully didn’t follow what everyone else is doing.
Such a gorgeous home! Thank you for sharing this one with us
I LOVE the colors, white is used so often now, yes to color!
WOW– this is so gorgeous (and so is Malene!!!). Thank you for sharing.
It makes me think of the quote (which apologies if I am misattributing! … you never know with quotes you see):
“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways”. ~Oscar Wilde
–which is exactly what I feel looking at this home!
What a beautiful, happy home. Thank you for sharing, Malene!
The color feels like she invented it out of the well of her inner self, free of any aspirational pressure. It makes me look at my home and suddenly wonder how it would be to have sculptures celebrating my kind of body, colors and fabrics evoking where my family is from, like she has done…and in knowing I have not and would not display such truths, her home feels like a glorious defiance in flying her own flag. It’s courage she has! This one is unique and I’m giving respect for the self awareness and courage to be seen in every single room.
I love this comment. I feel exactly the same way.
I have never been so in love with a home!
Truly one of the best house tours I have ever seen on COJ! I am inspired by everything – taste, colors, decoration, space… Stunning.
Love, love, love. Also, where is that dress from, please? I love it too!
I’m also curious about the dress! So elegant!
Such a beautiful home. I am a little biased but Brooklynites have amazing style!
My production company, SLMBR PRTY, just shot a commercial for Lola pads here! It’s such a beautiful and unique space. So funny to see it pop up here!
She is beautiful and so is her home!
What a BEAUTIFUL bathroom!
The blues and lavender are so calming and beautiful! Would also love to see a week of outfits from her too!
Came here to write the same thing – I second this! :) Malene has such a beautiful and defined sense of style in her home. I’d love to see a week of outfits too!
Agreed!
I also came here to say the same thing. Her home is SO personal, so colorful, so unencumbered by popular minimal neutrals, that I’d love to see how she approaches other aspects of her life – outfits, gifts, work/life imbalance, holidays…
We all need to celebrate anyone letting their freak flags fly :)
wow I love it so much. I’d have to say the colors, the most, but also her beautiful furniture!
Where is her stove from?
Wow! Thank for showing such a wonderful and unique house! Finally something different from now traditional Nordic style!
My favorite house tour. I bookmarked this and I want all the things!! What an inspirational home! Malene and her style – Stunning!!! Also, I have been looking for signs to explore textiles. How does one explore a career in textiles? I have a financial services background but I am soo drawn to fabrics (I don’t know how to sew) and feel pulled to fabrics (their designs, color, texture). If anyone has any tips on where I can explore, I’d love to know!
Hi AMK! I recently started the surface/textile design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC). It is designed to get you a career in the textile industry and the faculty are all industry professionals. I am learning weaving, computer design for print, and taking numerous painting classes (for designing for apparel and home textiles). It’s so much fun! Perhaps that could work for you, too…
I once dreamed of being a textiles designer… maybe take a graphic design or illustration class (there are lots of online options too now) and see if you like it!
AMK, just wanted to say hi… I’m another AMK!
Thank you for the recommendations and insights! I REALLY appreciate it!!!
N.C. State University, where I work, is home to the Wilson College of Textile -the only remaining textiles college in the U.S.! https://textiles.ncsu.edu/
That living room. I can imagine late nights and lots of wine and laughs and long debates and lounging with family and friends in that space. I am inspired!
The outside is also totally lovely- we have lived nearby for nine years and it’s long been one of my favorites!
What a beautifully designed and happy house! I loved all the details and texture. Thank you for sharing!
As a fellow artist, I really appreciate her sophisticated sense of color! So beautiful, warm and welcoming! Especially love that bedroom and stairwell. Very inspiring.
Agreed!
I also came here to say the same thing. Her home is SO personal, so colorful, so unencumbered by popular minimal neutrals, that I’d love to see how she approaches other aspects of her life – outfits, gifts, work/life imbalance, holidays…
We all need to celebrate anyone letting their freak flags fly :)
That bathroom!!??
I’ve followed Malene on Instagram for the last few years because she makes the most beautiful area rugs (as well as other beautiful art). She is also doing the important work speaking out for POC, and WOC in particular, within the interior design space. I’m glad you have included her here.
That house is GORGEOUS.She has great taste. Love,love,love!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE. This home is so pretty, and also shows how you can use a bunch of different colors and still have a soothing comforting vibe- they don’t all have to be neutrals and empty. It’s also so nice to see people who just decorate with what they like and “don’t think about it too much”. Just beautiful.
Agreed! Love this calm, colorful home <3
Great tour! This sentence spoke to me: “But I hoped to have a partner, so I put that out into the universe by installing double sinks and double showers.” My husband and I got pregnant this summer but unfortunately suffered a loss. In that time we had put an offer on a house in a better school district (read: much higher taxes). Now that we have a moment to think, we’re wondering if we jumped the gun on finding a new place to live. Even if we had a baby today, school is still 5 years off. Do we really need to pay these high taxes NOW? But now I’ll look at it as telling the universe “Hey, I’m ready. Get on with our baby!”
Thank you for this much more positive perspective, Marlene!
i love that, AG! i’m so sorry for your loss this summer, and will be sending you all my good luck vibes. you already sound like a thoughtful, wonderful parent. xoxo