There's no way of knowing exactly how many people have cried while watching season four of Queer Eye since it premiered on Netflix on July 19, but it feels safe to assume the number is quite high. The stars of the heartwarming makeover show—fashion expert Tan France, food expert Antoni Porowski, grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness, and design expert Bobby Berk—all tug at fans' heartstrings in their own way, but culture expert Karamo Brown is perhaps best known for being the emotional core of the popular reboot.
A social worker with plenty of emotional intelligence and a knack for getting to the crux of the problem, the reality star unsurprisingly has a similar attitude toward curating personal spaces. Recently, the Florida A&M University alum partnered with HomeGoods to help reimagine a student lounge at his alma mater, and he tells Architectural Digest that his hope was to create a space where students can both feel welcomed and “comfortable being [their] whole self.” One particularly unique aspect of the revamp included the addition of an inspiration wall, which boasts images and phrases ranging from eye-catching artwork to motivational sayings and odes to Florida and FAMU. “Whether you’re in the space to cram for a final or just trying to unwind, my goal was to inspire every student to be their best self,” Brown tells AD. “Plus, it makes for a great Instagram backdrop!”
Here, hot on the heels of the show’s fourth season premiere, Brown tells us about the importance of authenticity when it comes to decorating any personal space, as well as how paramount it is for the Queer Eye team to really understand the “heroes” they work with before they can even begin to transform them from the inside out. Says Brown, “How you set up your space directly affects your mental health and well-being.”
Architectural Digest: What’s especially significant to you about college and that time of life in terms of students finding their aesthetic and taste?
Karamo Brown: College is such an important time to discover who you are as well as who you want to become. For me, it was where I found my passion to help others. That’s why I was so excited to be able to give back to my alma mater by partnering with HomeGoods to bring new life, inspiration, and creativity to a space that students can use and enjoy together. I was able to transform a student lounge within Gibbs Hall at Florida A&M University, which is a very popular communal space and the first stop for most first-year students before they check into their dorms. I enjoyed spending time there when I was in school, so I wanted to make sure it was reimagined into a place where students could comfortably gather and let their voices be heard.
AD: The idea of a “home away from home” feels so poignant here. Could you tell me a bit about the importance of having your own personal sanctuary space, and a few easy ways for folks to personalize their own spaces?
KB: Moving into a new environment on your own for the first time is exciting but can also be filled with of lot of emotions. It’s important to outfit your space with items that comfort and inspire you. For example, in my home, I have picture frames everywhere filled with photos of loved ones. They can be propped up on your desk, the bedside table, or hung on the wall to keep you motivated and remind you where you came from. I also recommend finding a communal place on campus—like a student lounge—where you feel comfortable being your whole self. I had a vision to create the relaxing “Zen” nook in the student lounge. It’s now the perfect sanctuary for students at FAMU to come together and let their minds recoup after a busy day.
AD: What are the items in your own home that make it personal? Any favorite bits of decor and/or furniture that really make you feel “at home”?
KB: My favorite piece in our home right now is the couch in our living room. We currently have an oversized sectional made of this buttery, soft tan leather—it’s very similar to the one I found at HomeGoods for the “Zen” nook for FAMU! I also love to have a ton of pillows and throw blankets on the couch.
AD: How would you describe your own personal aesthetic and taste? How has it evolved since, say, college?
KB: My style has definitely evolved since my college days. My dorm room was decorated very minimally, and looking back I wish I had spent time creating a space that felt more like me. Now, my personal design aesthetic is a mix of traditional and modern. We just moved into a new home in L.A. so we’re all about setting up each space to feel relaxed and at peace when we’re there. Something that’s important to me, and is important for college students too, is to keep everything organized. This can help minimize stress and anxiety.
AD: Where do you draw the most inspiration from in terms of makeovers for the people you work with on Queer Eye?
KB: On Queer Eye, my focus as the Culture Expert is to tap into the hearts and minds of the heroes we are helping. While my castmates help to make over the outside of the person, I work to heal them from the inside out. What people don’t see on the show is that [interior designer] Bobby Berk and I work together so closely! How you set up your space directly affects your mental health and well-being; Bobby and I are always bouncing off each other in that way.
AD: Do you have any design pet peeves or particular aesthetics that you are not a fan of?
KB: My biggest pet peeve is when you can tell someone is trying too hard and their home does not feel authentic to who they are—and doesn’t express their own unique style. Whereas I really push to be on-trend when it comes to fashion and design, some people like more traditional looks; and that’s okay! When reimagining your home, be sure you’re setting it up so that it’s reflects who you are so that you can’t wait to walk in the door every day and live in that reflection of you.
