Visual Arts

Lenny Kravitz’s new vision

 

The rocker turned designer brings ‘soulful elegance’ to South Florida hotel and condo spaces.

aburch@MiamiHerald.com

The two projects are not Kravitz’s first foray into Miami’s eclectic design world: He designed the two-story penthouse recording studio at the Setai and the Florida Room at the Delano Hotel.

The goal has always been the same: an inspired and welcoming environment.

“I like to think my style is soulful elegance. It’s one thing to be sophisticated, but another to be that and casual and comfortable,” he explains. “I lean towards organic finishes, stones, shags, glass, cork. I like high-low and slick clean lines next to organic.”

Kravitz was recently hired to re-imagine the private residence of a wealthy Parisian entrepreneur he describes as “somebody who works hard and wants a place he doesn’t have to leave; he wants the place to feel precious and opulent and young and fun and accessible.”

He launched his firm almost 10 years ago, but it was a lifetime in the making. The world was introduced to Kravitz — the son of actress Roxie Roker and producer Sy Kravitz — as an icon of music and style. But all the while, he was making himself into a designer.

“As a child, it was really important to me how my room looked. When I got my own record deal and I began to get my own spaces, I really got into design and making a place with a certain vibe. I found myself getting pieces made that I could not find or afford.”

Before long, he had designed his bachelor pads. In the portfolio: a 2-century-old Creole cottage in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a majestic townhouse in Paris filled with contemporary art and a 1,000-acre organic farm in Brazil.

“I was constantly making changes to my spaces based on my moods, like three times in five years, and I finally said to myself: This is ridiculous, I need to have an outlet where I can design,” he says.

The brand extends beyond designing spaces. Kravitz has contributed chandeliers to Swarovski’s Crystal Palace Collection, partnered with Flavor Paper for a collection of hand-screened wallpapers and joined Italian manufacturer LEA Ceramiche to produce Goccia, a collection of three-dimensional wall tiles inspired by water and waves.

“I wanted to create a design element that provides texture and movement to the living environment,” he says.

Kravitz also reinterpreted the Mademoiselle chair designed by Starck for Kartell, unveiling his six versions at the Milan Design Fair this spring.

Now — as he tours in support of his ninth studio album, Black and White America — Kravitz is in discussions to launch a lifestyle brand that would include furniture, décor, luggage, even some clothing, a la Ralph Lauren. He wants it to be a mix of luxury and affordable design.

“People understand the idea of living in a chateau in Paris or vacation on a yacht. They understand that as good living. But there is also beauty in the favelas of Brazil, and I want the brand to reflect that,” he says. “Everybody should have access to good design.”

Read more Visual Arts stories from the Miami Herald

Miami Herald

Join the
Discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

The Miami Herald uses Facebook's commenting system. You need to log in with a Facebook account in order to comment. If you have questions about commenting with your Facebook account, click here.

Have a news tip? You can send it anonymously. Click here to send us your tip - or - consider joining the Public Insight Network and become a source for The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald.

Hide Comments

This affects comments on all stories.

Cancel OK

  • Videos

  • Quick Job Search

Enter Keyword(s) Enter City Select a State Select a Category