VALENTINE’S DAY HOME DECORATING IDEAS

Architect Samantha Josaphat is the founder of STUDIO 397, a New York City based design firm, specializing in Architecture and Interior Design. She is the 397th African American Female Architect to achieve licensure in the USA. With her partner, Luis Medina-Carreto, who brings over a decade of experience in finance and construction management, Josaphat offers a variety of services including interior design, zoning analysis, sustainability assessment, and corporate branding. Read our exclusive interview with Josaphat as she shares her Valentine’s Day home decorating ideas.

Credit: The Iconic Home presented by Architectural Digest and the Black Interior Designers Network. Image by The Boundary.

WHAT DREW YOU TO INTERIOR DESIGN?

Josaphat: I am a Licensed Architect trained in NYC where many of the projects I’ve worked on had a large interior scope, which is where my interest in interior design started. Everyone at STUDIO 397 shares this same diverse expertise giving us an edge to provide both architecture and interior design services to a majority of our clientele.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE VALENTINE’S DAY HOME DECORATING IDEAS?

Josaphat: STUDIO 397 always pushes for timeless design, so I’d suggest this to readers: if you are going for a refresh for a holiday or special occasion, be strategic about your design choices. Allow for key decor items that speak to an exact moment to be easily removed while keeping the base design elements more classic so that those fixtures and finishes can last the entire season or year.

WHAT ARE EXTREMELY EASY VALENTINE’S DAY HOME DECORATING IDEAS?

Josaphat: My fiancé Luis and I work as a team when it comes to dinner parties. He prepares the majority of the dishes because his passion for cooking is way stronger than mine, and I make sure the good taste is properly represented by thinking of how to present the dishes and drinks. Tableware, like 54kibo’s table linens, ceramics as well as serving spoons and bowls create a wow factor. Small saucers that showcase the different color palettes of the cuisine, instead of just pouring it right on top of the food. Also adding a light dash of garnish on the main plate. Allow your functional items to be a design element, too. Lighting, for example, can make a dramatic difference on how you experience a space, so adding a floor lamp or light fixtures that enhance a particular space you want to bring more attention to. Let everything have a purpose.

My number one design tip for the novice home entertainer would be to allow your decor and your fixtures to be conversation pieces. This will help your home tell a story. Everyone at STUDIO 397 likes to design their home with items we collect from various travels or local artists and designers.

Searching for a Valentine’s Day gift idea? Check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide and shop the collection today. Planning to entertain on Valentine’s Day? Here are a few more tips from Interior Designer Danielle Fennoy.