THE BEDROOM
For a layer of privacy and to create the multi-color effect you see pictured, I applied a removable prism vinyl to every window in the house. These rainbow tones move across the room as the day progresses and it sets a magical tone that sparks serotonin in anyone with the eye to notice it. For the master bedroom with no built-in closet, I focused on maximizing the storage capacity of the room in a nifty way while prioritizing open and walkable space.
My favorite piece is the stunning inlay camel bone dresser from India, which not only adds storage but also serves as a beautiful new heirloom that we’ll treasure for generations to come. To add warmth and coziness to the room, I chose a gorgeous sapphire blue Persian rug design with rusty red accents to compliment the cherry wood floors. And to showcase our love of nature and art, I selected the Mathew Williamson jungle-themed bedding set, which has a modern take on pen and ink illustrations that adds personality to the space.
Something I missed that I do regret was not painting at least the main wall behind the bed a different, darker color. The monotone yellow that spread throughout the house and the lack of wall art or lamps left the room feeling a bit unfinished. If I was there now I’d paint it the two main walls the same rusty red the rug shows, would add small sconce lamps by the night stands, and maybe small triptych art with wide frames above the bed.
THE LIVING ROOM
By including natural elements like the varied plants, the live edge coffee table, and even our beta fish (named El Alfa) and his tank (and the soft waterfall sound of his filter), the design of this living room catered to relaxation and ease. The room offered various settings to sit on like velvet, leather, wood, or even plush meditation poufs if necessary. These were arranged to encourage comfortable face-to-face conversations between occupants, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere that was perfect for unwinding and socializing.
To further enhance the overall ambiance, I added Jonathan Adler’s striking yet balancing rug that features a geometric design that pulls the room to it’s center-point while adding a modern look and character. The built-in shelf unit carried various conversation pieces such as the framed Giant Blue Morpho butterfly, the Mexican winged-dog “alebríje”, the copper Lebanese traditional hat “tarboush”, and the functional microscope that was always fun to use. All of these items celebrate the multi-cultures of our home and our passion for exploring the world. What doesn’t work in my opinion? Don’t judge me but at the lack of finding the “perfect, large, and balancing” art piece or being able to make one that convinced me, I left the wall behind the sofa bare of a great statement piece, or any piece at all. In retrospect I’d add any large abstract piece with muted and cohesive colors.
THE GUEST ROOM / PAINT STUDIO
This room pictured my balancing act between the practical needs of accommodating guests and my creative pursuits. During visits from guests, the room was transformed into a comfortable and inviting space for them to rest and relax. Throughout the rest of the year, everything was meticulously covered in plastic sheets so that I could create art in peace.
THE KEITHTCHEN
When I first saw the listing for this apartment, I had one look at the kitchen and immediately thought “it’s a NO for me”. Boston has a funny quirk where they take a hundred year old house built for one large family and divide it into multiple units. Because of this, our apartment’s kitchen was probably built to be a living room and the appliances there were someone’s afterthought that had no structure. The listing showed the stove by itself in one corner, the fridge in the way with nothing around it, and the only countertop was next to the sink in a separate room. Zero functionality.
Through lots of browsing, I found second-hand furniture that fit where we needed it. I also built the shelves above the stove, staining pine planks to match the walnut wood of the dining table and the quartz island’s legs. One cohesive wood tone always ties a room together. The end product was beautifully adorned by a Keith Haring design rug that added a sense of playfulness and life to the kitchen. The fact that it was a washable rug made it all the more efficient when it came to cleaning. Against all odds, I made this kitchen work.
KEY TAKEAWAY
It was truly satisfying to experience Boston’s community come together through the trade of something as personal as home goods. Purchasing most items second hand off Facebook Marketplace and later selling most of them through the same platform proved to be a great example of what a circular economy can look like when we, as consumers, curate the items we purchase by the quality of materials and craft.
Although I’m well aware furnishing and decorating your home to your taste is a privilege not everyone has, I like promoting the idea that those who seek, find. There will always be TREASURES that people will give away for free or low prices. It’s a matter of keeping that tab open, hitting refresh, and knowing your vision for a space.
Big thanks to Sami for trusting my vision and not hesitating to let me paint the living room wall pink and the front door bright green. Thanks for being a great assistant and always an enabler of my art.
SABRINA SORONDO 