10 Instagrammable Homes Inspiring Our WFH Aesthetic
If there's one thing this pandemic has taught me, it's the importance of intentionally cultivating a space of my own. They say your home should be your sanctuary and while I ascribed to that notion in the idealistic sense--it took a forcible stay indoors for me to really lean into it. And when I say lean into it, I mean I REALLY leaned into it. From pillows to canvases to throw blankets and succulents, any and all things related to elevating and enhancing a space, I'm now totally here for.
And if you're anything like me, you realize that curating your space--during a time where we're not quite sure if we're still working from home or living at work--is a necessary key to maintaining a sense of peace in the midst of all this chaos. And that's exactly why we've rounded up a few of our fave WFH aesthetics to hopefully inspire you to add a bit more flavor to your futon or little color to your loveseat.
So if you're ready to spice up your space, read on to feel all the home decor feels and get to it!
Monroe Steele
It's the mostly neutral palette with the pops of color and plants for me. Monroe has always been beauty and style goals, but her Harlem home is giving major Work and Chill vibes. From the living room to her bedroom, I see why they say there's no place like New York.
Karen Blanchard
This space screams "vintage, but make it chic". And the muted colors in contrast with the gold accents instantly elevates this room from a boring home office to an ornate addition to your overall home decor. But with a mirror like that, it'll definitely be tempting to just stand there and take selfies all day. Just make sure to get that work done first, sis!
Jasmyn Lawson
There's a reason why Jasmyn's space was recently featured on Apartment Therapy. And that's because the wide-range of jewel tones and Black art fully encompasses modern millennial space that's conducive to working, writing, painting, and everything else in between. (Can we talk about that green sofa, we'll take two!)
Melissa's Wardrobe
I don't know about you, but every time we see a monochromatic look--whether it be in clothes or interior design, something inside us applauds. From the sofas to the rugs to the art on the wall, this space is sure to be the topic of conversation in all of your Zoom calls. And keeping the palette calm with black and white accents is never a bad idea either.
Apron Saint
I can't tell if it's the beehive-esque layout of the shelves or the sprawling plants that make us fall more and more in love with this space. It's cozy yet, spacious enough to promote creation of your best and brightest ideas. Coffee and a notebook not included though.
Dominique Gebru
While we may not have enough books to fill up these beautiful shelves like our good sis Dominique, we can still take cues from her decor. The marigold curtains. The hunter green pillows? We're ready to curl up for an after-work glass of wine, like yesterday.
Bethany
If this pandemic has turned your thumb green, then this space is right up your alley. Get one with nature and one with your coworkers (socially distanced, of course) with this calm, earthy aesthetic. Plants sold separately, so head to your nearest florist shop if you want to incorporate these lively additions.
McKenzie Renae
MJ may be the King of Pop, but we just might dub McKenzie Renae the queen of home decor. The exposed brick, velvet couch, the leopard pillows? Get into it! And the gold accents definitely pull the space together to give it a sleek, stylish vibe.
Cynthia Andrew
For all the girls who love color-blocking and pattern-mixing, this space is definitely for you! Whether you choose to go hard with the pillows or accent rugs, the key here is to let your true colors shine through. No pun intended. This space is sure to brighten up even the bleakest of virtual meetings.
Ezinma
We've got one word and one word only for you: WALLPAPER. This bold choice is guaranteed to be the showstopper and conversation-starter no matter what. And by keeping the rest of the decor muted and neutral, let's just say we'll be taking all our meetings in bed for the rest of the day.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl In Motion: Paige Shari Addison Shows Us Why She's The Hostess With The Mostess
Paige Shari Addison is the epitome of an ItGirl, which is why she is one of 100 ladies on xoNecole's inaugural ItGirl 100 list in partnership with Hyundai. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Paige started her journey as a host in high school by hosting parties. Since then, she has made a career in hosting, from parties to big-name events, and she launched Strictly RNB, a platform for new artists and R&B lovers. Paige reflects on her creative path in the limited video series "ItGirl in Motion."
“My first curated event at Criminal Records was incredible. It was all for up-and-coming artists,” she says. “I needed a platform for us as a collective to be able to give ourselves the platform instead of asking for it, instead of looking for it. I was like, I want to make sure I let people get this experience that I would give as a performer but enjoy the experience with them. It was a dream come true.”
The Atlanta native also has her own line of acai bowls called Soulfull Bowls. She started it during the pandemic after events and parties shut down. But it was her love for eating acai bowls and the reactions others had to them that made her want to make it her next business move. Being open to creating new ventures in the midst of uncertainty is a bold move and one of the reasons why Paige has the “it” factor.
“Being an ItGirl means you’re just authentic. There’s an air to us. We have confidence that exudes from the way we speak, the way we put our lip gloss on, the way we walk, the way we talk. I show up as myself everytime I walk into a room. I’m hospitable, I make sure everybody’s good,” she says.
Get to know more about the hostess with the mostess in the video above.
See our ItGirl 100 list in full here. Click through the gallery below for some BTS moments of Paige and our partnership with Hyundai.
Director: Mikkoh @mikkoh
Production company: @polly___studio
Producer/AD: Samuel Cho @choboi90
Producer/Tech: Paul Nguyen @paul__winn
DP: Cristian Bernal @cristianbernal
Editor: @30inthemorning
2nd Cam: Paul Nguyen
1st AC: AJ Paug @ajpaug Gaffer: Dennis Albert @dennisalbert_
Audio Mixer: Victor Chavez @vic_the__
PA: Rick Carreno @ispeakrick
PA: Tiffany Do @tivani.doee
BTS Photo: Prime @theartofprime
Car Detail: @sud_studs @slugglobal
Creative Director @hellobosco
Team Lead @kevgumbo3000
Project Manager @zakk_jullot
Creative Producer @iamkingsheyla
Designers @miacolemxn @noelspiva
@xoNecole
Director, Integrated Marketing @_vang
Campaign Manager @kingchachiii
Talent Lead @kaylawalker
Feature image by Prime/ @theartof prime