ODE TO FATHER
It all begins with an idea.
“I wanted to kind of create a space that I grew up in but also fuse it with modern times and what I think he would gravitate towards. ” - Jerel Lake
Designed by Lake Haus Designs
Meet JEREL LAKE
Jerel Lake, award winning acclaimed designer with a string of accolades including featured editorial in national and regional publications, is steadily emerging as a prominent leading luxury designer. He has distinguished himself as a favored designer, with a specialization in crafting exquisite kitchens, bathrooms, and luxury wardrobes that grace the homes of discerning clients throughout the United States.
“As A GIFT TO MY FATHER, I CREATED A SPACE THAT IS CENTERED AROUND THE BLACK LEATHER SOFA. THIS WAS A STAPLE IN OUR HOMES GROWING UP IN HAWAII. IT EMBODIES THE WARMTH OF A HAWAIIAN HOME, BLENDED WITH TOUCHES OF AFRICAN ELEMENTS, ASIAN AND TROPICAL INFLUENCED ELEMENTS”
On the plastic covered sofa: ‘Gradual’ in Black Leather
“I had to go back, look at old family photos, relive some experiences. This is how I landed on, you know, creating a space that because I lived in Hawaii with my father, that kind of celebrates him and his story since he passed away in 07. So it's got some elements of Hawaii, like the style of windows that I chose are Jalousie windows. My childhood home was very black and heavy on the overall color way. Which I think that was driven by my stepmother who was from Malawi. This space has a little bit of fusion of, African, but also this art deco, Asian influence with some of the patterns and that help in tying it all together with a Hawaiian flair.”
Core Memory Inspiration: My father always had a black leather sofa in the house. So I chose that as kind of the centerpiece and then built around it. You know, that couch went with me from age six all the way up to 18. So I've spent nights on the couch, I've slept there, I've sweated on it, and done other things I shouldn't have been doing. So that black leather sofa is a strong memory for me.
APPALACHIAN CHARM
It all begins with an idea.
“Our homes reflected the region’s charm and cultural heritage–one of natural materials,.” - Duval Reynolds
Designed by DuVal Design
Meet DUVAL REYNOLDS
DuVäl is the founder of DuVäl Design, a full-service interior design firm, based in Fairfax, VA. Honored by magazines as “The One to Watch'', “Hot Talent”, and House Beautiful’s Next Wave, he’s been seen in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Washington Post, and others. Mostly recently he was a participant in the Kips Bay Palm Beach Decorator’s Showhouse. He served on the Interior Architecture + Design Advisory Council for Marymount University and currently co-chairs HPMKT Diversity Advocacy Alliance, promoting diversity and representation. He leads “Business Strategies for Minorities”, a monthly call advocating for design+business equity and competency within the BIPOC community. DuVäl is a serial entrepreneur, recently opening Fairfax Kitchen Cabinets, a local wholesaler of cabinetry, and has launched his e-commerce furnishings site, House of DuVäl.
“My vision for the reimagined space involves keeping the existing furniture pieces while refreshing the textures and color palettes throughout. The objective remains to evoke a sense of harmony with nature in keeping with the warm, earthy tones. Because I am choosing to keep the furniture, preserving family memories, the goal was to soften the sitting areas with throws and pillows, and tables with decor and florals. ”
On the plastic covered sofa:
“Nestled at the foothill of the Appalachian mountains, our homes reflected the region’s charm and cultural heritage–one of natural materials, beadboard paneling, earthy tones, antiques and pieces passed down through generations. My goal was to capture this moment in time and envision taking ownership of this home as if it were now mine to possess. ”
Core Memory Inspiration: My goal was to select pieces that felt like near-replicas of what I saw in our own home and in the home of other family members, namely my grandfather.
THE HAUTE HAUS
It all begins with an idea.
“A space curated with thoughtfulness, class, a sense of pride,” - Kelly Collier Clark
Designed by Plot Twist Design
Meet KELLY COLLIER-CLARK
Kelly Collier-Clark is Owner & Principal Designer of Plot Twist Design firm located in Blue Bell, PA (Montgomery County just outside of Philadelphia), Founder of House of Clark brand, and Plot Decor Boutique; an online decor shop. She is also a licensed Realtor®. Kelly is a NE Philadelphia native and has enjoyed serving her community through philanthropic activities over the years and has recently been named the appointed designer for the African American Museum Philadelphia; her largest commercial client to date. She is a proud member of Black Interior Designers Inc, Interior Design Society, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
“ during my childhood, my mother worked two jobs. So our village was my grandparents'. in my grandmother's home was the marble top table with the wood base. There were hardwood floors, oriental rugs, custom upholstered furniture. ALOT was STILL IN PLACE from the 70s. over the years, THEY WOULD CHANGE THE colors on the walls from green and blue to later being neutral AND THAT IS WHAT I pulled from. my mother's home, was more leaning into the modern contemporary vibe because she had some chrome, leather, AND plants. I’M GRATEFUL, I got to experience both home styles. By middle school, we definitely had some plastic on the sofa in the 90s at my mother’s house. You could not eat in there. We couldn't eat in the living room the way people do these days.”
On the plastic covered sofa: VANNI SPA
“I aimed to keep it authentic with the furniture selections, but also bring it into 2024. With the idea, if I was given this house, what would I want to do to intertwine, what I saw and what I dreamed of as a child. Philadelphia traditionally has smaller homes. So that was a bit of a challenge. You wouldn’t see drapery, per se, but you will see shades, because that's what we had shades or blinds.”
Core Memory Inspiration: One was Spiral Steps, because I remember distinctly playing with friends. Mind you, I grew up in a white neighborhood. I was the only black kid in my Catholic school class. So, when I went to play with friends I got to see some things that I didn't necessarily see at home. Spiral steps is one thing that resonated with me because I just thought it was so cool. In my own home, There were glass tables that I was shining up every Saturday.
The Floral Sofa
It all begins with an idea.
“I vividly remember a floral couch, floral wallpaper, velvet chairs, China cabinet, and wood paneling throughout the house.” -Laquita Tate
Designed by Laquita Tate Interiors
Meet Laquita Tate
Hi, I’m Laquita (Quita for short)! Memphis, TN is my home where I work as an educator, interior designer, and content creator for my brand, Laquita Tate Interiors.
I’ve loved all things design since I was very young, but it wasn’t until my adult years that I began to consider turning my passion into entrepreneurship. My journey started to unfold after I redesigned my own home room by room. I took my social media followers on the journey with me and many were amazed at my work, that they began to hire me design spaces in their homes. This outpour of support inspired me to birth my company, Laquita Tate Interiors.
Whether residential or commercial, my approach to design is the same. I start with a comprehensive understanding of what my clients need and expect. I then build upon that. At the end of each project, I want my customers to love the space they’re in. My mission is to create spaces for my clients that immediately makes them happy upon entering.
I’m a Managing Director with KIPP Memphis by day, but after hours, I work on all things interior design. When I’m not pursuing my passions, I’m spending time with my husband of 26 years and our two grown sons.
“Thinking about the name, Plastic Covered Sofa Series, immediately made me think about my grandparent's house and my aunt's house. I wanted to make this space feel nostalgic of my grandparents and my auntie's spaces from that period of time.”
On the plastic covered sofa: Botanical Wildflowers Foliage Velvet
“One of my grandmothers is still living and she still has a floral couch. So I focused on thinking about the textures and patterns used during that time, it was a lot of texture, it was a lot of warmth. And so that's how I designed it, keeping it modern, but making it feel nostalgic. Starting with conversational pieces like the Mario Bellini sectional, I didn't want it to just be a solid color, so I decided to play up the floral.”
Core Memory Inspiration: My cousins coming over on Christmas Eve. Sometimes at my grandmother's house, but it has also been at my house before. When I was younger it started at my grandmother's house with where we bring each other gifts and then just enjoy each others company. My grandmother has this really tiny, “kinda” dining room with little table and it's chairs. Some people will try to sit in there and eat their food, but the table is always filled with greens and a dressing and the turkey and the ham. I remember my granddaddy, he'll sitting in his chair, which is still there. I think about him always fussing at the kids about running in and out the house.
Paris of the Midwest
It all begins with an idea.
“I aimed to incorporate luxurious fabrics and striking silhouettes into the interior.” - Mia Johnson
Designed by Mia Johnson Interior Design
Meet MIA JOHNSON
Mia Johnson, is a dedicated interior designer who passionately creates spaces that mirror her clients' individual personalities and lifestyles. With a sharp attention to detail and a focus on excellence, Mia effortlessly elevates spaces from ordinary to exceptional, imbuing them with style, comfort, and practicality. Drawing on years of experience and a talent for grasping her clients' requirements, Mia approaches each project with enthusiasm and innovation, ensuring that each design is not only visually captivating but also customized to enrich her clients' daily lives and interactions with their environments. From initial concept to final touches, Mia Johnson injects a unique perspective and a personalized approach into every project, establishing herself as a reliable ally in the quest for crafting beautiful, cohesive interiors.
“I wanted to capture the essence of Detroit's architecture in this space. My vision for the space was to have lots of arches and moldings that are prominent in old historic building in Detroit. I used lush fabrics for an old & luxurious feel but still wanted it to feel very comfortable and calm. I recall going to relatives' homes back in the day. Some of my dad's people, that still live in the city today. Their homes are heavy on the outside, full brick and stone homes. I remember big fireplaces and large stoves, so I incorporated a niche range hood which is not only on-trend but also a nod to traditional architectural elements. This to me is my love letter to Detroit.
On the plastic covered sofa: Lisboa Velvet
“My parents sent me a picture of me as a child on this plaid sofa with such a classic outfit on that I would probably even wear today. It was like a jumper with ruffled sleeves and high white socks and the black shoes and my legs are crossed and my hands are crossed over. So to enhance my story, I went with a patterned sofa.”
Core Memory Inspiration: Sitting on the floor as a little kid in my great aunts and grandparents. Homes with the dark wood cabinetry, well they were linoleum floors, that I reimagined in the checkered pattern floor.