In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Corey Damen Jenkins stays busy. In mid-May, the New York–based principal and CEO of his eponymous firm premiered Design Reimagined, a seven-episode YouTube series that will culminate in September with the publication of his second coffee table book, a companion piece by the same title spotlighting 10 of his most recent trad-maximalist retreats. Then there are his shelter magazine stories, his popular MasterClass and his brand partnerships. But while Jenkins may be a mogul in the making, he remains a true creative at heart, able to distill lavish, layered interiors down to their essence in an evocative mood board—this one based on an Upper East Side apartment designed for a mother and her two young daughters.
“I was inspired by rich jewel tones featured by celebrated artists such as Valentino and Elie Saab on the Parisian fashion runways,” says Jenkins. The opulence of couture fabrics translates to the home sector as ornate upholstery textiles and wallcoverings like Japanese-influenced hand-painted panels of cherry blossoms and gilded clouds; reams of peacock plumes embroidered in a viscose-cotton blend; and swathes of sapphire blue velvet suzani motifs. Timeless accents—from a chunky, honey-hued jute rug to a bona fide marble bust—anchor the exoticism and energetic pattern play, achieving a vivid yet livable tableau. “The goal was to create a space that celebrates a diverse, continental mix of classicism and modernity,” he says. “These items would work well together in a myriad of schemes—from a detailed dining room to a sexy principal boudoir.”
With the arrival of summer, global destinations also figure into the mix. Paris reappears by way of a trio of turtles in polished bronze, poised to carry a perfumed candle. Hints of India can be found in a bone-inlay keepsake box and chenille tiger stripes. Brass bamboo cabinet handles and a vintage meditation bowl speak to places farther east. “The vibe is eclectically exuberant,” says Jenkins. “The combination of materials, finishes and textures contribute to a vision inspired by world travels.” Below, the designer describes each of his selections.
1. TOTAL ECLIPSE FAUX RANUNCULUS BOUQUET BY DIANE JAMES HOME
“A vibrant pop of red often makes for a welcome statement in many of my interiors, and this modern glass vase strikes the perfect note.”
2. VINTAGE SINGING BOWL
“I fell in love with this singing bowl while traveling abroad. When activated, it becomes such a great conversation piece for visiting guests.”
3. ULYSSES WOOD CHAIR BY COREY DAMEN JENKINS FOR HANCOCK & MOORE
“I’m so proud of this chair I designed for my Hancock & Moore collection. The combination of caning with clean lines makes for a beautiful silhouette.”
4. KANO GARDEN WALLPAPER BY GRACIE
“When I discovered this Gracie creation, it was truly love at first sight! It boasts such a joyful, worldly vibe.”
5. LIZZO PEACOCK EMBROIDERED FABRIC BY KRAVET COUTURE
“The peacock motif—with its glorious shades of emerald, sapphire and gold—brings such a wow factor to any room I design. This particular Kravet selection makes up wonderfully on upholstered pieces.”
6. TURTLE PEDESTAL BY SERDAR GÜLGÜN FOR TRUDON
“I adore this pedestal’s sculpted brass turtles. I first found it at a store in Paris, and have enjoyed seeing it displayed on the console in our atelier’s front hall.”
7. BUST ROMAN IMPERIAL BY THE MET X EICHHOLTZ
“I believe almost any living space can be elevated by the presence of a bust. This piece by Eichholtz is a stunning addition.”
8. RAMBLER FAUX LEATHER IN FIRESIDE BY KRAVET
“This vegan leather is a sexy choice for a pair of swivel chairs or ottomans in a living room. The shade of red is giving candied apple.”
9. PROVOCATIVE FABRIC IN GOLD BY COREY DAMEN JENKINS FOR KRAVET COUTURE
“My Provocative tiger stripe velvet is such a transitional pattern for interiors—whether they’re traditional, modern or somewhere in between.”
10. CHUNKY HAND-BRAIDED JUTE RUG IN HONEY BY BEN SOLEIMANI
“This jute rug may be understated, but it is not lacking in personality. It can make for a great supporting character in a maximalist space.”
11. MALAQUITA DESK BY MAITLAND-SMITH
“I have enjoyed a love affair with this desk from the first time I saw it at High Point Market years ago. It remains one of my all-time favorite designs.”
12. VINTAGE BONE INLAY BOX FROM CHAIRISH
“Boxes are perfect for adding decorative layers to a room. Not only are they attractive, they’re very functional as well.”
13. POIRES BY CITIZEN ARTIST FOR GLOBAL VIEWS
“These dip-dyed alabaster pears are such a statement maker. I love the organic touch they bring to an accessorized surface. And they are so heavy!”
14. BEES KNEES INDOOR/OUTDOOR TAPE IN GREEN BY MARY MCDONALD FOR SCHUMACHER
“Geometric patterns are great for adding a little zip and panache. This tape trim would contribute an impressive visual element to accent pillows, draperies, or even along the bottom of a sofa’s skirt or a bergère.”
15. TROON ROUND CHANDELIER BY ARTERIORS
“I love this chandelier’s deco-inspired silhouette and the contrast of glass and brass materialities. Its design is a subtle nod to molecular compositions.”
16. SUZANI STRIE VELVET IN SAPPHIRE BY SCHUMACHER
“Suzani patterns bring a continental flair to any space they’re featured in. Imagine gift-wrapping an entire sofa with this choice!”
17. GROVE BAMBOO CABINET HANDLE IN AGED BRASS BY ARMAC MARTIN
“Decorative hardware should never be underestimated in its ability to transform cabinetry. This bamboo design takes its cues from vintage chinoiserie influences.”
18. LILOU TABLE LAMP IN GREEN BY CURREY & COMPANY
“A fun take on a gourd shape, this lamp is very versatile. While it initially presents itself in the traditional vernacular, I can see it playing well in a modern interior too.”
