Rebecca Minkoff Wants You To Build a Satisfying Life

Rebecca Minkoff Wants You To Build a Satisfying Life

3/5/2022

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.

Shop Rebecca's Home

 The low armless Decima sectional sofa sits in a sunken living room on the black and white Rabina Moroccan Style Rug. A low light wood round coffee table sits across from the sofa. Behind the sofa is a raised sitting area separated by glass with a cream tufted armless sectional.

 

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.

An oatmeal linen slipcovered headboard is a backdrop for peach and rusty red bedding. The offset striped Stripe Break Rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel grounds the space. n oatmeal linen slipcovered headboard is a backdrop for peach and rusty red bedding. Next to the bed is a curved light wood nightstand with a drawer. On the nightstand is a white ceramic lamp with a tan linen shade.

 

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.
A low oatmeal boucle tufted sectional sofa sits in the corner in front of windows. A square black wooden coffee table sits in front holding a stack of books. A light wood oval dining table is surrounded by black wooden dining chairs. There is a modern kitchen behind the table with black cabinets and a marble backsplash.

Designer Rebecca Minkoff sits on top of her marble kitchen island in her modern kitchen.

Similarly, for your kitchen and dining area, how did you go about creating a space that blends different styles and aesthetics while still feeling comfortable and inviting?

I think the key to this was the creation of the dining settee versus using the back of the island for barstools. By making it a settee that's comfortable and accentuating it with the long table and black chairs, it became a dining room, a cozy homework space as well as a place to work. So it's multi-functional and very helpful for our busy family.

Any advice for those looking to update their bedroom, including tips for people who want to recreate your look? 

A rug, a lamp, an accent table can always give a bedroom a fresh update. Also, check out my new bedding line! 

You've also established and grown The Female Founder Collective in the past few years. Why do you think supporting and investing in female-owned businesses is such an important initiative?

We are 51% of the population, yet we make less and receive only 2% of VC funds. A lot of work is needed to advance women and achieve full equality. The collective is there to foster community, education, and access to women who have built great brands and have each one to then turn around and support another.

For someone just starting their own business, what is one piece of advice you would share with them?

Adjust your time horizon—there is no such thing as overnight success! I have been at this for 17 years, and I still am always feeling the need to reach my goal. Work hard and build a satisfying life versus one that is successful. 

What is next for you, your brand, and all of your projects? 

We are launching our next NFT collection and can't wait for the customer to get her hands on it! Stay tuned for the next drop of our home goods too!

 

Photography by Claire Esparros for Rebecca Minkoff