From creating lifestyle concept stores to neighborhood restaurants and community spaces, New Yorker Kai Avent-deLeon shares her minimalist muses and meditations with us - including her inspiring approach to weaving self-care practices and philosophies into her spaces with style.
We’ve loved watching your approach to interiors unfold across Che, Sincerely Tommy and your own homes over the years. Have interiors been a medium that have always come naturally to you? How has your style evolved over the years?
I love creating spaces, it's probably my most therapeutic creative practice. My taste has definitely evolved over time. I didn't realize I could become more minimalist than I already was, but I am now. I often refer to Dr. Wayne Dyer's approach to living and he follows a lot of practices from the Tao de Ching. He gave away all of his belongings and moved somewhere immersed in nature, only taking what he felt he needed. That is kind of my reference these days. I enjoy creating a space that has what I feel I cherish and might need in the moment. I love having the flexibility to get rid of items that I am not really using and also look around my space knowing each item I have kept has a story or was made by someone I admire/love. Aside from that, I am always looking to create spaces that remind me of and feel like nature, only using natural elements like wood, clay, and cement.
Our female artisans in rural India draw inspiration from nature when making Enkay’s handmade rugs. Where do you tend to draw your inspiration from? Does your boutique or restaurant ever influence your style at home, or vice versa?
Absolutely! I feel most at home and in my body when I am in nature so my spaces are a reflection of that.When designing or styling a room, what guardrails do you give yourself?
I never try to match, everything I keep in my space is something I love on its own. Seamlessly, it all comes together. I tend to gravitate to neutral colors, but after a trip to Sicily I went to this sweet little fabric store and found these bright pieces of fabric I wanted to turn into oversized bags. They fit into my space because of the look even though I had nothing else of that color.
What colors, textures, pieces or homewares are you most drawn to at the moment?
Mostly always ivory. It's like a fresh canvas and has the most flexibility to me. I will always love a good woven basket or wooden bowl.
What drew you to choosing the Leru rug for your living room?
It works so well in my home. It felt like it belonged already and made the area it is in so much cozier.
How has it been living with the Leru rug?
Really lovely as it's getting colder too. I love working on the floor with it. It feels like its own nook. I also love how thick it is so laying on it feels so comfortable.
Beyond interiors, what are some of your rituals when at home?
Meditating for at least 10 minutes a day, baths, reading or watching a good movie.
As we enter a new season, what moments are you most looking forward to?
I love the hibernation season because I feel like it's a time for deep rest and renewal. I have so many things I am excited to be working on and I feel that the Spring season will bring a lot of incredible experiences to my life.