If you don’t know about Kelley Carter, you need to know! The Jersey native has held positions at over 13 publications, including Real Simple, O the Oprah Magazine, and Refinery 29. The Bombshell was tapped by Lexus to create an exclusive lounge at Milk Studios, earmarked for celebrity guests like Rick Ross, Naomi Campbell, Anna Dello Russo, and Kanye West. Kelley sat down with us to chat about her inspiration:
She says, “The inspiration was the actual look of the stunning Lexus car, hashtag for this season, #HowFashionTravels. Since Lexus is a global brand that provides the world with luxe comfort, it was important that Lexus Lounge reflected that. I used designs from international designers like USM (Swiss), Ligne Roset (French), FLOS Lighting designed by Jasper Morrison (Italian by a Brit), Bend Designs(American), Valspar Paint (American), and Inigo Elizade Rugs (Filipino designer). I didn’t want it to feel like the backstage area of NYFW, I want guests to feel like they’ve been transported to their favorite sexy spot in their favorite city. “
Kelley was given a blank slate to construct the lounge, which proved to be a bit difficult. She says, “The biggest challenge is that main lounge is built-out from a raw studio space with no architectural details or natural light. It’s very blank and very cold. The bar area is transformed from a conference room and we all know conference rooms are never sexy. I took cues from my favorite lounges in Paris, Berlin, and London because they are all beautiful windowless spaces that feel good. In order to make the main area feel cozy, I painted the walls a dark emerald green , used globe sconces that give off a warm glow, and shiny metal furniture to reflect and bounce light. For the bar area, I used very graphic patterns on the windows and rug.”
She continues, “Since the space was very cold and I wanted it to feel warm and glamorous, I used shiny paint, gold metal, velvety upholstery, a fluffy wool rug, and filled it with plants. It definitely says “Come here and chill.” I used rich fabrics, black fringed leather, and all gold metal chairs and tables. It reminds me of a chic fall look with layered gold jewelry. “
If you want to recreate this room or spy anything you like, we got the keys!
Buy a few items below:
Get the chair here, tables here,rugs here, paint here.
What do you think of the Lexus Lounge?
*I kicked it at the Lexus Lounge last night with Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert, Karrueche Tran, Bryon Javar, and more.
Stay tuned for the recap on TheBombLife.com!