This couple created a colorful, maximalist haven for their family in Harlem.
This couple created a colorful, maximalist haven for their family in Harlem.
When interior designer Yanise Monet shared that her Harlem home feels like “a big hug,” the description couldn’t be more fitting. The 3,300-square-foot space she shares with her wife, comedian Sam Jay, is a masterclass in mixing high and low, where thrifted treasures sit comfortably alongside carefully chosen investment pieces.
The home’s design philosophy is immediately apparent in the living room, where a dramatic black and white striped wallpaper serves as a backdrop for an artfully curated gallery wall. This maximalist approach continues throughout the space, with each room revealing new layers of texture and personality. A gleaming glass dining table (the same model owned by Kathy Hilton) anchors the dining room, while Art Deco-inspired wallpaper in rich copper tones adds sophisticated drama to the space.
Perhaps most impressive is Monet’s commitment to sustainability – 90% of the home’s furnishings are second-hand or thrifted, though you’d never guess it from the polished result. “I’m a Maximalist at heart, a Thrift Queen by nature,” she explains. This approach is evident in thoughtful touches throughout the home, from the expertly styled bookshelves to an impressive sneaker collection that rivals any boutique display.
The kitchen, with its sage green cabinetry and geometric backsplash, serves as both a practical workspace and a stylish entertaining hub. It’s here that Monet indulges her love of cooking and hosting, with the space designed to be both beautiful and functional. Custom details, like handcrafted wallpaper (soon to be available for retail) featuring individually placed stones, showcase Monet’s attention to detail and creative vision.
The couple’s personality shines through in every corner, from the curated art collection featuring bold Black portraiture to playful touches like a disco ball in the living room. It’s a space that proves luxury isn’t about the price tag – it’s about the vision and the execution. The result is exactly what Monet set out to create: a well-lived-in home that’s “designed but not stuffy.”
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by Camryn Dilger | March 26, 2024
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