Bobbi launched her iconic make-up brand 30 years ago, having made her name in New York as the go-to make-up artist for anyone seeking the natural look.
Starting out with just ten lipsticks, she has built the business into a global empire with her UK stand-alone stores (from Spitalfields to Edinburgh) reflecting her industrial-glam edge. Bobbi welcomed us into her office in New York’s bustling SoHo district. Here are the five things we love most about her office decor...
1. Pictures - Everywhere.
A floor-to-ceiling gallery wall adorns the space behind her desk.
The office walls are adorned with framed pictures ranging from signed photos of celebrity clients and prestigious accolades to brand imagery and photo shoots, as well as some personal photos.
The collection of images adds loads of personality to the space, and makes it feel personal and homely.
Bobbi tells us: "For more than 27 years, my office has become an archive of some of my most memorable moments – from trips to the White House to letters from the many women I’ve worked with. They’re a constant reminder of how far beauty and the brand have come."
Framed photographs spill over from the walls to cover other surfaces too, so there's inspiration and interesting momentos to be found all around.
Even the meeting room offers inspirational quotes and fun prints.
'It’s a place where I spend a lot of time meeting with my team, so it’s important for the space to be comfortable and inviting," says Bobbi Brown.
"The room is full of bright, natural light. It has windows that open easily and art and objects that inspire me, including prints by London-based artist Magda Archer."
2. Those New York views
And let's just take in those SoHo views, down over the sea of yellow taxis below, and surrounding brownstone townhouse buildings.
3. Industrial-inspired office furniture
We're big fans of the industrial-inspired furniture pieces too, including a metallic oversized angled desk lamp and that boxy French banker's desk – very Timothy Oulton in style.
"I like navies, greys and neutrals – classic colours I never tire of. When it comes to furniture, I love a mix of old and new – the desk is a 19th-century French banker’s desk. I love that it’s industrial and recycled and it fits in here perfectly," Bobbi tells us.
It's no surprise she's a fan of furniture pieces by Timothy Oulton, Restoration Hardware, Ralph Lauren and Room & Board.
"I enjoy reading design and architecture magazines as a source of inspiration and always find new and modern elements to incorporate in my design. When it comes to designers or design houses, I like Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Timothy Oulton and Room & Board," Bobbi confirms. A vase of bright pink peonies softens the industrial look.
"I also can’t resist a touch of neon – whether it’s just a set of pencils, some bright flowers, a make-up bag for next season, or a neon light that we had made with my brand crest."
4. Mood boards
As far as we're concerned, every creative should have a pinboard or in their office, to pin up the things that inspire them, some accomplishments, or even just to keep tabs on to-do lists.
When it comes to office design, "it should complement how you work, but speak to who you are," says Bobbi Brown. "As I’m a visual person, one of my walls serves as an inspiration board with rotating images, depending on which projects I’m working on."
"I’m all about organisation. Like most of us, I’m so busy, juggling a career, family and friends. Creatively, my mind is constantly going – so I have a need for simplicity. I’m always looking for new ideas in catalogues," she explains of the images pinned to her mood board.
5. Ode to The Queen
Last but not least, Bobbi Brown is a self-confessed Anglophile. We love how her office includes several nods to The Queen and The Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth memorabilia all around.
As a final thought, Bobbi Brown offers us her top tip for achieving a stunning work space: "Keep your desk neat and clean with minimal objects. I find it helps me think more clearly and be more creative."
Shop Bobbi Brown's collection at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
