After watching Corey Damen Jenkins’ Interior Design class on MasterClass, I have to share my thoughts. First of all, Mr. Jenkins is a genius and one of a kind. I highly recommend watching his MasterClass, and adding him to your list of “must have” interior designers.

In the class he shares, “I decided that I would take the naysing and the doubt and the lack of confidence in my gifts and my creative powers and I would channel it in such a way not to prove other people wrong but to prove myself right.” This resonated with my deeply because the reason I chose to live a minimalist lifestyle was that I grew up in a society that consistently told me I needed more to be more, to be of value and to feel beautiful. Minimalism allowed me to strip everything away and focus on me and the natural talents and beauty that I already had. Mr. Jenkins used what he already had inside of him to fuel his career and his creative pursuits. 

During his MasterClass I took away three key points when it comes to creating your ideal space.

#1 Creating Stylish and Functional Spaces

When creating a space it’s important to approach each room individually. I think this is so vital when it comes to designing a space that is intentional and functional. He also states that taking the time to focus on each room creates an opportunity to make something amazing.  When designing a space focus on the following:

Create each space as a jewel box.

Functionality, functionality, functionality, a room should serve a purpose.

Living Room: space planning should be first. Ask yourself what are the main functions of the room for example, to watch tv, to entertain, to conversate, etc.

Office: your office should cater to your creativity, he says it should reflect your personal vision, “Make your office a laboratory for your own success.”

#2 Defining your style

“Drop it if it’s too hot” lol I couldn’t say it better. Basically if its too trendy, drop it, it’s not sustainable. You want to choose styles that are more classic and that will mature with time. Look to fashion for inspiration, celebrities and brands that you admire and use them as your foundation. Additionally, your closet is a great place to start when deciding your color schemes. Focus on the colors that you feel most comfortable in.

#3 Coordinating Color

Mr. Jenkins made me rethink how I choose paint, instead of buying paint first, grab a few paint swatches from your local hardware store and color coordinate them with your furniture, art work, and window treatments that already exist in your space. Super helpful, right! He also mentioned magazines usually list designers’ paint selections in case you’re flipping through and see a color you love.

Now, there’s a lot more that he talks about it in the MasterClass, but I wanted to provide the tips that stood out to me the most. Keep in mind all of these tips come down to being intentional and really honoring yourself.

All photos were sourced from Instagram @coreydamenjenkins