“Exploring a Hidden Sanctuary in a Spectacular Home Tour”
Renowned photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis is known for her dedication to excellence, as evidenced by her Instagram handle, @sheekswinsalways. Whether she’s capturing the essence of celebrities like Quinta Brunson, Gabrielle Union, and Simone Biles, or settling into her new home in Los Angeles, she always aims to deliver her best work.
When Jarvis and her partner Raj Debah, an artist and filmmaker, were searching for a home in Los Angeles, they prioritized good vibes, believing that positive energy is key to success. The moment Jarvis stepped into their 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom Mount Washington home, she felt a profound connection. Despite the challenges Black homebuyers often face, Jarvis knew instantly that this house was meant for them.
After finalizing the purchase in early 2021, Jarvis and Debah enlisted the expertise of Jerome Byron and Lindsey Chan from Office of BC, a local design firm. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds in design and architecture, the team collaborated to transform the space into a vibrant and stylish sanctuary. With meticulous attention to detail and a bold use of color and form, the designers brought Jarvis and Debah’s vision to life.
The home features stunning elements, including custom Fireclay tiles, unique artworks, and carefully curated furnishings. From the welcoming breakfast nook to the serene primary bathroom with green zellige tiles, each room exudes a sense of harmony and sophistication. The kitchen, adorned with Farrow and Ball Schoolhouse White paint and American Universal Corp tiles, serves as a focal point for creativity and culinary delights.
Through a harmonious blend of personal style and professional expertise, Jarvis and Debah have created a true oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, showcasing their shared passion for art, design, and cultural expression.
Choose Benjamin Moore’s Buckland Blue paint for the cabinets in the kitchen, where the same custom Fireclay tiles that run throughout the house continue seamlessly. Glassware is elegantly displayed on the American Universal Corp white tiled countertop. In the living room, a custom sofa crafted from African mahogany and adorned with bright yellow Manuel Canovas Linen is complemented by portraits of the couple’s friends, including Eric Elms, Emma Kohlmann, and Dana Robinson. The coffee table, custom-made by Office of BC, features limestone and patinated steel legs.
Outside, blue Fireclay tiles grace the exterior floors of the house, alongside chairs from Hay and a table by BZIPPY. Inside the entrance, a Tom Sachs chair sits in front of closets inspired by Le Corbusier’s Unite d’Habitation Cabinet in Marseille, France, painted in Farrow and Ball Schoolhouse white. A skylight illuminates the entrance, welcoming guests into the home.
Artist and photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis shares her Los Angeles home with artist and filmmaker Raj Debah, designed by Office of BC. Custom Fireclay tiles line the floors, providing a cohesive and colorful theme throughout the home. Updates were made to the midcentury house to enhance livability while maintaining a sensitive material palette.
The open-plan living room features an updated fireplace made from warm African mahogany, contrasting with the custom sofa and vibrant linen cushions. Artwork by friends like Nina Chanel Abney and Martine Syms adorns the walls, showcasing support for the community. The primary bathroom boasts green zellige tiles from Clé, adding a touch of color and texture.
For their frequent game nights, Jarvis and Debah have two distinct dining areas: a formal space with a Rainer Daumiller table and Ulferts Möbler chairs, and a custom breakfast banquette in the kitchen. Storage solutions are cleverly integrated throughout the home, including discreet options in the hallway leading to the private quarters. The primary bedroom is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lead Gray for a restful ambiance.
In the bedroom, a portrait of Bahati Simoens hangs elegantly above matching nightstands sourced from Sugi House. The impeccable design is further highlighted by custom Fireclay tiles gracing the floor outside the entrance. The exterior walls boast a coat of Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Amy Chin’s touch is evident throughout, creating a space that exudes sophistication and style.
Moving to the primary bath, the minimalistic approach continues, with a lighter ambiance accentuated by canal-green Moroccan tiles from Clé that adorn every surface. A unique touch can be found in the glass blocks of the portrait window, offering a view of the couple’s kidney-shaped swimming pool just outside. “Living in this house has truly been a dream come true for me,” Debah expresses with delight.
In the dining area, a captivating painting by Maia Ruth Lee takes center stage, hanging proudly above a vintage pine Rainer Daumiller table surrounded by Swedish Ulferts Möbler chairs. The eclectic mix of pieces creates a harmonious blend of styles that reflect the owners’ personality. Amy Chin’s vision is once again evident, infusing the space with character and charm.
The couple’s friend Martine Rose, upon visiting, praised their taste and ability to infuse a sense of fun into the design. “You have good taste, but you also like to have fun,” remarked Martine, capturing the essence of the space perfectly. Jarvis reflects on the balance achieved in their home, stating, “She saw us in the space and felt it was the perfect balance.” It is clear that the home is a true reflection of the owners, exuding positive energy and a sense of joy in every corner.
In conclusion, the home stands as a testament to the importance of creating a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels inviting and full of positive energy. It is a successful blend of style, personality, and warmth that truly makes it a dream abode for its owners.
