Rebecca Minkoff Wants You To Build a Satisfying Life

Seventeen years in, Rebecca Minkoff is still pushing herself and her work and striving to build a satisfying life. The founder of her eponymous brand, the iconic designer's career has been characterized by her relentless drive and willingness to explore new ventures. That includes becoming the co-founder of the Female Founder Collective back, hosting her Superwomen podcast, authoring a book, and most recently, starting a bedding line. The same holds true with the renovation project of the Dumbo, Brooklyn residence she shares with her husband and three little ones—as the pandemic forced Rebecca into reconsidering the purpose behind each room in her home. She was inspired to create, in her own words, a "9–9" space that let her and her family gather, work, play, and reflect. The intention was to foster a home that is warm, inviting, and a joy to be in for them and any guests. Rebecca still found ways to incorporate the modern, rebellious side her brand is known for, with bold contrasts of black finishes, marble countertops, and tons of sculptural accents throughout the living and dining spaces. We had the chance to visit with the designer for a home tour and have a brief chat. Check out our entire home tour with Rebecca and read more of our conversation on her at-home style, her vision for the recent renovation, and what continues to motivate her to push herself and her work.

Founder of your celebrated eponymous brand, award-winning designer, entrepreneur, author, podcast host—your career has always been marked by reinvention. Tell us a bit about how that's pushed you throughout your entire career.

I think the drive to succeed and become successful comes from having to work for everything I have wanted since I was a young girl. My mom took much effort to ensure that I had to figure it out for myself and earn it if I wanted anything. It has kept me pushing and always striving to truly not sit back and go after what I want.

Your design style is known for its signature blend of rebelliousness, sophistication, and effortlessness. Does that carry over into your home? How would you describe your at-home decor style?

I would say that my home has more of the bohemian side of me in a modern way. My brand's rock and roll side comes out in my best-selling accessories, but I wanted my home to reflect a softer, more cozy side. The touches of black throughout definitely show a hint of the rebellious nature of my brand.

What's the feeling you want to evoke in people when they walk into your home?

I hope they feel like they have entered a home versus an apartment, a place where one wants to relax and have the space enhance their mood.

We love how you've layered a few Lulu and Georgia pieces into your space—are there any ones you find yourself loving even more now? 

We LOVE our Lulu and Georgia pieces! The dining table is our family hub and place where we spend most of our time, aside from the incredibly cozy and spacious Decima Sectional Sofa. I think the bedroom rug is also a fam favorite and often the heart of family wrestle matches.

Your open, split-level living room is stunning. Was there a sense of creating different zones when you curated the space?

We decided early on, after giving two out of the three bedrooms to our kids, that the upstairs was the space for adults only. It allows for a more quiet space. I sit there often in the mornings to drink my coffee and enjoy the incredible view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.

I think the drive to succeed and become successful comes from having to work for everything I have wanted since I was a young girl. My mom took much effort to ensure that I had to figure it out for myself and earn it if I wanted anything. It has kept me pushing and always striving to truly not sit back and go after what I want.

You and your family recently moved into a new home in Dumbo. What was your design inspiration when styling it?

My inspiration was taking a space that pre-Covid was where I was 5–9 to now creating a space that I'm in from 9–9—how do I make it a space that is warm, inviting, enjoyable to be in, and reflects my style for a modern, bohemian feel with a touch of rock 'n roll.