Design is Ready to Be Reimagined

From Corey Damen Jenkins' "Design Reimagined"

Design is having a moment. A reimagined one.

Why?

In our current world of natural disasters, political turmoil and daily high alert news, design is an inspirational reprieve that isn't based on race or necessarily socio-economic positioning. 

That's why Corey Damen Jenkins new book "Design Reimagined" so resonates with me.

Corey is a quintessential "joy" designer. Meaning, every since I met him two years ago for the Dallas KB Showhouse, I am perpetually amazed at how joy seems to be an ongoing theme no matter who the client or design project. 

I have watched his evolution into stardom in such diverse ways depending on the project and the theme always seems to have joy at it's core.

Quote from "Design Reimagined"

For his new coffee table book tomb "Design Reimagined" (Rizzoli), one of the most initial standouts was Corey's heartfelt quote in the book's dedication page (see right image).

"Design Reimagined" continues to a Foreword written by Amy Astley of Architectural Digest that perfectly captures one of the reasons Corey is so infectious within the interiors industry: "His broad, friendly smile, gracious manner, and direct eye contact". It is the same exact takeaway I had upon meeting Corey over two years ago. 

And it makes perfect sense considering my comment above about "joy" being the correlating thread in all of Corey's projects. 

What also permeates his evolution is the way Corey makes joy sophisticated and fun in all his projects. 

In a sea of same-ness or beige-ness, Corey's key characteristic of using color, pattern and mixing design elements to create a space that has a vibe is, well, inspiring. Corey's projects also seem to have intentional elements of tradition and heritage that some would not associate with vibrant color palettes. And yet, Corey does it in such a seamless way that it delights and expands what some design enthusiasts would expect.

From "Design Reimagined"

The fact that Corey doesn't shy away from the mixture of elements of modernity with tradition and vibrancy with classics almost seems like a protest to the idea of creativity as a practice of learned traditions with no room for delight. 

I think this can be especially inspiring to the growth of self home designers who swap out seasonal color tones or who do regular refresh home space updates. Corey's delightful pallettes from his projects has a way of inspiring ideas that can be incorporated even if you are not at the point to hire a professional design team (follow me on my socials @curvalish to see Lifestyle Mood Boards inspired by Corey's designs). His interior spaces are very relatable in that way and big budgets aren't required. Inspiration and imagination are the only hallmarks necessary to recreate for yourself some of his most dynamic projects noted in "Design Reimagined".

So what exactly is Design Reimagined?

It is the unapologetic embracing of classic architectural bones.

It is rich color combinations.

It is classic elements with a modern twist.

It is dynamic pattern play.

And "Design Reimagined" is filled with the luxurious inspiration of what's meant to be both inspirational and practical. Featuring ten of Corey's client projects, you will also get insightful doses of pro tips and tricks that anyone can use for their own projects. 

Of the ten projects, a couple of highlights included:

==> "A New Beginning": features a client's high-rise luxury apartment in a New York prewar building. I especially love it because the shades of pinks/mauves used throughout the apartment reminds me so much of my grandmother's church gossip-enducing pink living room she designed herself despite the criticism. Corey's injection of pink and mauve in the apartment's spaces is elegant and grounded. Even the pops of pink and purple wine glasses that sat agains the calcatta viola marble makes a perfectly muted statement of daring individual personality rooted in classic luxe. The pinks and mauves draws you in without being predictable as in a Barbie pink castle kind of way. It's feminine but not overtly girly to the point where visitors won't misunderstand that a grown women lives there.  

And the peacock prints and various shades and patterns of green throughout is chef's kiss.

==> "Lions and Tigers and Chairs": features a client's architectural wonder in Greenwich, Connecticut. The image at the beginning of this post with Jackie O hung in a seated cove is from this project. Corey's design was apart of a renovation of the home. With so many captivating architectural interests of this period home, what struck me is how Corey managed to design spaces so that the architecture and design were in a collaborative dance. 

From "Design Reimagined"

Even coating the woodwork in white lacquer seems to draw your attention MORE to the unique details. But those detailes aren't so promiment whereas you feel like you are in a traditionally stagnant home. With the pops of color from flowers to accessories to prints to abstract art showcases, the spaces feel like an evolution passed down through generations. And the current generation added touches of whimsy such as gold herons catching a ride atop curious turtles and a Tiffany Blue dining with complements of tangerine and butter yellow furnishings and add patent leather stools with gold piping.

I must also mention that Corey stated these clients were a result of being inspired by his 2019 Kips Bay Showhouse New York library themed "To the Lady of the House with Love". Corey also has a space he designed for 2025 Kips Bay Showhouse New York happening right now themed "The Looking Glass Dining Room".

If you want an inspired reprieve from the cares of our current world and get inspired for your next home design project, "Design Reimagined" is a journey that reminds me of the quote by Diana Vreeland: "the eye has to travel".

Thank you Corey. After reading and viewing the gorgeous images in "Design Reimagined", my eyes have traveled.