Solange. Knowles. Just saying her name evokes the feeling of creativity and artistic expression. Solange has her hand in multiple mediums of artistic expression, from her music to the way she produces her video and live performances , to composing music for the NYC ballet company, the photography book that she released last year, and the examples could literally go on and on. I wouldn’t expect for her personal interior design style to be any less artistic and creative than any of her previous projects. She recently invited Apartamento Magazine inside her home and discussed her design of her condo and her love for black art among other things.
The style of her space is what she is calling organic modernism. Organic in the fact that nothing in the space feels forced, it all seamlessly flows together. Modern in the way the pieces of her home have clean lines and a lot of interesting geometric shapes. From the curvature of her sofa (that she designed), to the interesting wavy shape of the accent chairs that fill the space. It all feels so dope. So Solange.
The entire space is full of treasures that she has collected over the years from her extensive travels, as well as vintage pieces (office desk!!) she has found. Her walls are adorned with art, primarily from black artists. About the black artists Solange says (via Apartamento), “ My relationship to living with art comes from my mother. My mother collects a lot of African and Black art, and so I’ve always lived among Black women artists, work that looks like me and gives me a sense of pride about my own beauty and sense of self. “
The textures she uses are rich velvets and other durable fabrics that are tough enough to withstand spills and normal wear and tear, but also adds a bit of luxury and softness.
While the common areas of the condo are filled with art and vintage finds, the bedroom is more minimal, which makes sense because the bedroom should be a place for relaxation and restoration. The bed is a simple platform with white linens. Over the bed is a statement art piece by Alison Sar, and that’s pretty much it. And with just those pieces it feels complete. It feels fresh. It is fly. It feels like Solange.
Get the Look
My Solange inspired living room is not an exact duplicate of her space. It is more of my interpretation of the design elements that she has in her condo. First, the color palette that I decided to use for the space is full of rich, bold colors that make a more moodier dramatic vibe. The GORGEOUS sofa in her living room was custom designed and built by her, and is currently a one of a kind piece. To get the same vibe I sourced a curved sofa and accent chairs that have the same round shape. Both pieces are also covered in velvet material which is the same textile Solange used on her sofa. It is comfortable and durable so guests feel comfortable sitting talking for hours.
In the article, Solange talked about her love of geometrical shapes in her space, so the coffee table, side table, and floor lamp is a nod to that. The coffee table is an interesting shape that if full of different angles and spaces. The shade of the floor lamp is giving triangle/pyramid vibes which Solange stated in one of her favorite shapes. The accent table is more of an understated piece, but still has a strong element of geometry. Check it out below.
The art print is one of my ALL. TIME. FAVORITES. It is by the artist Gee Horton and his work is amazing. Check out his other prints here. Solange didn’t have any additional wall coverings other than paint in her living room space, but I knew this space needed some additional pattern and texture introduced. The Zaire wall paper is a collaboration between Mitchell Black and one of my favorite design firms Forbes+Masters. Forbes+Masters mixes prints and patterns like no other!
What do you think of our interpretation? I would love to know what you think.
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