The current issue of Interior Design—the bible for design-hungry professionals—offers an editorial and digital slideshow on the tasteful Los Angeles home of producer, rapper and songwriter Kanye West. Interior design aficionados will love this because Kanye's home is the definition of stylish, modern minimalism.
Here is something we didn't know: West studied fine art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago on scholarship. He collects pop art and absolutely adores design."It's been my dream to be in Interior Design," the Grammy Award-winning rapper and producer says.
There are several Warhol silk screens, including pieces from the famed Campbell Soup Can Series and an 1870s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. (There is also a framed Warhol signature.) In the foyer, more vintage Vuitton pieces on French walnut floors.
The dining room is quite exquisite. Vintage floor lamp by the well-known Mariano Fortuny. The ceiling work is entitled "A Life Restored" a 9-by-10-foot acrylic on canvas by Ernie Barnes, the black neo-impressionist whose art was memorialized in the television show Good Times.
A rare glimpse into Kanye's inner sanctum. The fashionista's, err, closet is the one concession to hip-hop style. Some 200 pairs of sneakers are stored on custom lacquered sliding racks in the master suite.
Unlike the homes of other rappers and ballers profiled on MTV's Cribs—even worse, in Ebony or Architectural Digest—there is not a leather sofa or plasma television in sight. The Kanye West bachelor pad is tasteful, chic, minimal and modern. As Kanye's BFF Pharrell Williams says, if you're going to do it, Warhol the situation.
Hip Hop and Pop [Interior Design]
Some Background ...
Has-Been Rapper Beanie Sigel Demands Kanye and Pharrell "Come Out of the Closet" [R20]
Kanye West Responds to Gay Rumors [R20]
Live Earth Concert [R20]
Pharrell Williams at Diana Concert [R20]
John Legend & Cornel West vs Homophobia [R20]
News: iPhone, Pharrell Wiliams [R20]
John Legend & Cornel West vs Homophobia [R20]
Kanye on Gay Bashing [R20]
Kanye: "My Own Homophobia" [R20]
Hip-Hop and Homophobia [R20]
Kanye Trifecta [R20]
Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton [R20]
Mr. West has considerably more money than I do.
Posted by: Jim | 08 September 2007 at 19:08
And I love the fact that he also collects Designer art toys or vinyl toys from stores like MunkyKing and Kidrobot. So cool! He and his fiance Alexis and their LA pad were recently featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine. U can check out more pics here:
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/fashionable-life-kanye-west-lookbook
Posted by: Serp | 08 September 2007 at 20:16
While I don't care for his music, he has great taste in house decorating,very stylish and modern, not over the top gawdy like most hip hoppers and that view, wow!!
Posted by: LaRufus | 08 September 2007 at 20:57
No leather sofa or plasma couch? Is he a martian?
Posted by: Robguy | 08 September 2007 at 23:18
I love what West did with his place. His dining room is by far my favorite, I love the ceiling art. The pop art is also very cool, I’ve always been a fan of Warhol! Interior decorating is so much fun! I enjoy looking through interior decorating magazines and my favorite design show is by far Design Star. Have you seen that show? If not, check out the season finale this Sunday Sept. 16 @ 9pm on HGTV. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite designer @ http://www.hgtv.com. I work w/them so just wanted to give u the inside scoop! I voted for Kim Myles! Who are you gonna vote for?
Posted by: Megan | 10 September 2007 at 21:05
Hey what's wrong with plasma televisions??
Posted by: Mad Professah | 11 September 2007 at 00:52
Great interior look. No big screen plasma TV? So he doesn't watch himself on TV at home? How refreshing!
Posted by: a_time_for_us | 11 September 2007 at 10:08
Life is always evolving and so is design.
Its interesting to find out what others think when they think interior design.
From your bloog it looks like you might be interested in the same things as me, And for all of us who love to relax by the fire place the Geniol Fireplace from PID.Se is the most lovely interior design item I can imagine.
I love the the interior design store www.pid.se who has the most lovely chair that i have seen.
The Placentero.
Posted by: Sandra Mills | 04 January 2008 at 19:11