A Clean Palette and Modern Flourishes Define This Gorgeous Brooklyn Home

New York City is full of hidden gems, places that seem ordinary enough on the outside, but inside are marvels of design creativity. Interior designer Heavenly Gaines has created one such oasis. Her apartment in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn is a beautiful mix of colors, textures and eras.

Heavenly’s living room is a glimpse of a design style that she describes as, “daring, eclectic, striking and global.” The room is a gorgeous blend of influences, from her beloved juju hats transformed into wall art to eclectic furnishings collected over the years. The room has a perfect mix of vintage and modern furnishings and accessories, that when blended together, create a cohesive space.

Beyond the furniture, the star of this room is its use of color, beginning with the striking black walls. “Black makes a statement,” says Heavenly. “Any color set against it instantly pops.” For Heavenly, choosing the right shade took a bit of work. “My biggest challenge was selecting the shade of black that would work well in my living room. I get great natural light so I choose Benjamin Moore's Black Beauty which has a red hue that gives warmth.”

Heavenly’s playful mix of modern and vintage finds is on display throughout the home. An antique cabinet dripping with character flanks the sofa. Its stylish, engraved metallic fittings and hints of age and wear bring depth to the space. The piece is topped with a framed quote from one of Heavenly’s favorite musicians: Prince.