We catch the make-up guru and entrepreneur in her stylish New York office
Bobbi launched her iconic make-up brand 27 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. Here, Bobbi explains the inspiration behind the look of her office in New York’s bustling SoHo.
‘I have very simple, classic tastes when it comes to decorating,’ says Bobbi
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR OFFICE DESIGN?
‘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. 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 and Queen Elizabeth memorabilia – I’m a complete Anglophile.’
Bobbi’s trademark glasses rest in pride of place in front of the Solar waving Queen, £16.50, at Maiden
Bobbi is a self-confessed Anglophile
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PICTURES HERE?
‘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.’
Bobbi’s mementos include a photo taken with Michelle Obama
‘They’re a constant reminder of how far beauty and the brand have come.’
There’s also a signed Bruce Springsteen eight-track cassette
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE REST OF THE SCHEME?
‘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.’
For an industrial- style desk, try The Old Cinema, £895
‘This room is full of bright, natural light – it has windows that open easily and art and objects that inspire me.’
The Keep Calm Wear Lipstick poster is a promo ad for Bobbi Brown. Prints of Magda Archer’s My Baby Don’t Look Like Me are available at Jealous, £350
‘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.’
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE ON LAYOUT?
‘It should complement how you work, but speak to who you are. 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.’
Bobbi’s moodboard
IT SEEMS VERY ORGANISED – WHAT’S YOUR SECRET?
‘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 from one of my favourite US storage stores, The Container Store.’
Even Bobbi Brown’s picture wall seems organised
WHICH OTHER OUTLETS OR DESIGNERS ARE YOUR GO-TOS?
‘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.’
The view from Bobbi Brown’s office
WHAT’S YOUR 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.’
Bobbi at her desk
AND THE ONE THING ON YOUR WISH LIST FOR YOUR OWN OFFICE?
‘At this point, a new carpet after my eldest son’s new puppy Summer came to visit and got a little too excited!’
Shop Bobbi Brown’s collection at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
