Jasmyn Lawson’s Rental Apartment Features Black Art from Black Artists in Almost Every Room

It’s hard not to be envious of Jasmyn Lawson‘s career so far. Formerly Giphy’s Culture Editor, her current role is as Editorial Manager at Netflix overseeing their Strong Black Lead vertical. Jasmyn’s earned a reputation of knowing and promoting what’s important and cool. The West Hollywood apartment she shares with her dog, Slim Thug, is vibrant yet soothing, and she’s filled her rental’s rooms with Black art from Black artists, with an emphasis on work by Black women. 

“I’m still a fairly newish LA transplant coming from New York City, and I relocated from DTLA to West Hollywood late last year. My home is in a quiet area engulfed by some of the largest bird-of-paradise plants I’ve ever seen,” Jasmyn explains. “The ‘jungalow’ style of the outside of the home has definitely influenced the inside of it and it has brought me a lot of peace. I’m obsessed with jewel tones and pops of color. It’s been exciting trying to figure out ways to incorporate a vibrant look without overdoing it or making it seem too pop.”

“I also drew a lot of my inspiration from the homes of my grandmother and great-grandmother and the memories I have of those homes from an early age,” says Jasmyn. “For example, I spent two years searching for the perfect glass table, with gold trim, and cane back chairs to go with them. When I was younger a glass table symbolized a certain level of  sophistication and we were not permitted to sit or eat at such a table… just look, don’t touch. Well, I touch my glass table and eat at it but still.” 

My Style: Mid-century modern, ’70s inspired, jewel and earth tone colors, and jungalow.

Inspiration: My grandmothers’ homes from the ’70s-’90s, the glimpses of Tracee Ellis Ross’ home from her Vogue 73 questions interview, and the designer Dabito.

Favorite Element: The rooms flow nicely together. It almost feels like one large open space. I’ve also incorporated Black art from Black artists in almost every room, specifically Black women. 

Biggest Challenge: Finding out how to make space for my dog. I’m still trying to figure out how to incorporate his things into my home and make sure that it’s practical but also aesthetically pleasing. (I wish I could get rid of his crate.) 

Biggest Indulgence: My couches. Both  were custom made and took around three months to make, they cost around $1,200-$1,600. The mustard couch is a true mid-century modern tweed couch with an extended ottoman. The other is an emerald green daybed with a queen-size bed tucked inside to be used as a pullout for guests. 

Best Advice: Don’t settle. If your heart is set on a certain style or look, especially when it comes to large furniture pieces, wait until you can find it. I wanted a glass table with gold trim for a very long time. I searched everywhere for one and almost settled on buying one from CB2 for $400 but I knew in my heart I could find one from a vintage furniture shop for cheaper, so I waited. I finally found one that I loved for half the price (including delivery) and it was from a small shop owned by a woman. 

What’s your best home secret? In a pre-COVID world, my favorite place to find things was the flea market. Art, rugs, furniture, PLANTS (I bought six huge bird-of-paradise plants for less than $100) all from the flea market. If you live in L.A., the Melrose and Rose Bowl Flea should be your best friends. 

• Bathroom — “Sunset Pink” by Behr bought at Home Depot

• Sofa — Custom made From LA furniture shop Total Design Furniture 
• Coffee Table — Amazon 
• Woven Rug — Amazon 
• Large art piece — Unknown from Melrose Flea’s Vintage Furniture Designs
• Smaller Art Wall — Art by Rachel Stewart
• Mirror — LA Mirror Man
• Lamp — Amazon
• Plants — Flea market and The Sill
• Wicker Chair — Gifted
• Pink Chair — Small LA business vangsgarcia

• Emerald Green Daybed — Made From LA furniture shop, Total Design Furniture 
• Glass table — Vintage shop, Hutch Vintage
• Cane Back chairs — Sunbeam Vintage
• Gallery Wall install — BLK MKT Vintage
• Rug — Sun kissed landscape rug 6×9 from West Elm
• Art — Etsy; Etsy; Etsy; Intersectional Feminist Poster
• Wood table — Vintage Furniture Designs, Black-owned shop
• “Rise despite fear” pendant — rayo & honey

• Dining Table — West Elm 
• Blue chairs — West Elm 
• Tan chairs — Amazon 

• Bed — Urban Outfitters (Don’t think mine is still on the site but here are similar beds)  
• Dressers and nightstands — Vintage Concepts Designs
• Large Rug — LA flea market
• Small sheepskin rug — IKEA
• Art — Etsy, The Printable Concept
• Gold chair — Urban Outfitters
• Clothing rack — Gifted
• Bedding — Bed Threads
• Mustard Throw Blanket — Urban Outfitters
• Shelves — Home Depot

• Shelves — Home Depot
• Fake plants — Target
• Terracotta Waffle Towels — Hawkins New York
• Bath tray — Bed Bath and Beyond
• Soaps — Aesop
• Candles — Target
• Rugs — Urban Outfitters

Thanks Jasmyn!

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