Our long-time friend Latonya Yvette has published a book of essays about home and housework called “Stand in My Window.” “We are always recreating home within ourselves in different seasons,” she said. “This is a practice of rebirth and an act of resistance that Black and brown women have perfected over the years.” Today, she offers a tour of her Brooklyn apartment, plus tips for hosting a big party, and more. Share surprising things about parenting teenagers. Now let’s take a look inside…
kitchen/living area
Wooden dining table: West Elm. Chair: West Elm. Rug: Vintage purchased at a flea market in Brooklyn.
About relocating my apartment: In 2021, during New York City’s eviction moratorium, I received a letter from my apartment landlord saying the building was for sale, and I found myself looking for a new home. It was a huge awakening moment and showed me how thin the line between residential and non-residential is. After applying for another apartment in the building, we finally got this one. We really appreciate it as it was everything we were looking for. Spaces that make you feel safe in your neighborhood, close to your child’s school, restaurants and parks. Please know and love. It’s a privilege and a blessing.
Kitchen island: A friend made this for me. Fruit Bowl: West Elm. Dutch Oven: Le Creuset. Kettle: A companion to the Stag ECG.
About storage solutions: We don’t have cabinets in our kitchen, so it was hard to find a place to put everything. But my friend Grace found this used island and her partner Jack built the concrete top. It was a quick way to create storage space and utilize space. I really liked it.
Paint: Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink. Sofa: Article. Pillow: West Elm. Coat rack: West Elm. Wooden side table: “From my grandmother”. Ceramic lamp: West Elm. Tapestry: Block Shop. Coffee table: West Elm. Pink vase: Recycled from Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op.
About hosting a small room: This apartment has a small living area, so it’s important to move furniture around to host a large party. I move everything to the back room before people arrive. My goal is to make the living/kitchen area feel like a giant dance floor.
Dining table: West Elm. Chair: West Elm. Pendant: Nogi.
Icebreaker: I hate passionate small talk. When you have a gathering, tell your friends in advance that you’re going to dance. If you didn’t come to dance, you have to go. ” The trick to creating an atmosphere is to play 90s music. Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Wu-Tang, Luther Vandross — anything from the ’90s would really get people excited.
children’s bedroom
Dresser: Vintage. Mirror: Target. Pennant: Rayo and Honey.
About what I found on my stoop: My grandmother knew how to make her life feel luxurious even when she was living below her means. She taught me how to see thrift stores as department stores and how to find beauty in other people’s old furniture. My former neighbor left this chest of drawers on the street. It reminded me of the dresser I had as a girl and the moment I saw it I knew it would add joy to our home.
Bed: West Elm. Blanket: Map tote.
On parenting teenagers: Now at ages 10 and 13, my kids see more humanity in me, and I see more humanity in them. They still think of me as a parent because I feed and guide them, but now I’m also “Latonya.” Latonya has her flaws, but she’s also a great person.
Coat rack: IKEA. Backpack: Fjällräven. Frame: frame bridge.
About the new chapter: My older children have new desires for me as well. River told me that she wanted me to remarry, but I think the small reason behind that wish was that she wanted to see me exist in another form. The situation our relationship is in right now is so beautiful and unexpected.
Lamp: West Elm.
On embracing the slower seasons: New York, and my industry, is constantly busy and hectic. Three years ago, I was working extremely hard. I bought a house, renovated the house, and worked within myself. However, I have recently reached a parenting stage and it is clear that my daughter will be leaving home soon. And before she leaves, I want to be with her and emotionally available 100%. So it’s okay to say no to big projects right now.
master bedroom
Bedding: I was stunned, but surprised. Pillow: West Elm.
About yellow: I have always been drawn to yellow and consider it a symbol of joy. I used to wear yellow clothes, but lately I’ve been interested in seeing how different shades of yellow are reflected in a room. It’s delicate, but also really strong.
Mirror: The discovery of the slouch. Nesting Table: Dobbin St. Vintage Co-Op, similar.
Morning routine: Wake up around 6am and drink hot water with lemon. Then I put on some music and encourage the kids to get out of bed. During the pandemic, we’ve been obsessed with Otis Redding, and lately we’ve been loving The Sounds of Blackness.
Lamp: Nosy.
About grounding rituals: Creating a home means more than just putting up furniture, it also means developing routines that make you feel grounded. For me, it’s like watching my girlfriend while folding laundry while drinking wine late at night. By adding a little effort, you can enjoy making your home every day.
Rug: Vintage. Leather chair: West Elm. Lamp: World Market.
On rewearing favorite items: I haven’t been wearing anything new lately. Instead, I’ve been restyling pieces I’ve had for years in a different way. With so many changes happening in my life, I’ve realized that when it comes to clothes, why fix what isn’t broken?
About Full Circle Gifts: I’m a huge fan of photographer Carrie Mae Weems. I consider her the godmother of art because so much of her work is home-based. When writing my book, I drew inspiration from her Kitchen Table series, which depicts how Black women come together at the table. A friend gave me this poster (above) for my birthday. Carrie signed it and wrote, “Happy Birthday, Latonya, and don’t forget to dream.”
Thank you so much, Latonya. we respect you Please check out her Big Salad issue if you like.
PS Tour other homes, including a Brooklyn apartment with the most beautiful paint colors and LaTonya’s upstate home that welcomes relatives, friends, and strangers.
(Photo courtesy of Julia Robs)
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