Home x Girls: Ayo | Philadelphia
How a millennial color designer for Nike does the loft life.
Home x Girls is a home tour series of women in their homes. I want to build a community of people who see, learn and draw inspiration from real people who remind them of themselves within 47th x Ashley.
To kick it off, get to know Ayo. Ayo is a color designer for Nike, previously she was a Fashion Designer and Apparel Designer who is on a new path in a new city. Ayo and I met at The New School in New York City.
47th x Ashley: Describe your home and personal style.
Ayo: I think I go through phases. My home is definitely more on the modern bohemian side of things with the mix of bright blues and pinks matched with fun textures like my velvet sofa, natural terracotta pots, or my cowhide rug.
Ayoโs warm sun-filled living space is the perfect spot for her beloved plants and ideal sunbathing location for her dog Arlo.
47th x Ashley: What does home mean to you?
Ayo: Home for me is all about comfort. Spaces where you can relax and just be yourself.
47th x Ashley: Red, White or Pink wine?
Ayo: PINK
47th x Ashley: Which home item has the best story behind or or is most sentimental?
Ayo: My morrocan carpet covering the lofted wall of my bedroom is super sentimental to me. My trip to Marrakech in 2014 is still one of my favorite trips and I canโt wait to go back one day to visit other cities in Morocco.
47th x Ashley: Which celebrity would you do virtual champagne with?
Ayo: Rihanna! Every photo of her leaving a restaurant with a glass of wine is iconic.
47th x Ashley: What is your favorite meal to cook for guests?
Ayo: Hahaha take out, Iโm a takeout girl through and through.
47th x Ashley: Do you shop vintage stores for you home?
Ayo: Mostly window shopping. I love mid century modern furniture and am waiting to find the perfect set of mid century dining chairs.
47th x Ashley: What are some things you did to spruce up your home during quarantine?
Ayo: I moved during the pandemic and in order to brighten up my space I painted my Ikea bookshelf bright pink. I replaced my shower head with a rain shower head for a little luxury and also painted some bathroom organizers in pop colors. I love a quick fix so I turned my brown headboard rose gold with a little contact paper and used the leftover pieces to brighten up my stacked plastic drawers.
47th x Ashley: Real plants or fake plants?
Ayo: REAL! But I do love a good dried flower arrangement once and awhile
47th x Ashley: What colors and scents do you gravitate toward when making your home feel like you?
Ayo: I love lavender and lemon anywhere. Iโm currently trying to grow a lemon tree indoors and the scent from the flowers is amazing. I also love warm scents for my bedroom like cedar, fir or honey. My current bedroom candle is Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club.
47th x Ashley: What foods are you serving or how are you entertaining post-COVID?
Ayo: I have a little balcony so Iโm excited to decorate and have more friends over more often for sunset drinks as more people become vaccinated and the weather begins to get warmer.
