Discover the Delightful Haven of Suleika Jaouad and Grammy-Winner Jon Batiste in Brooklyn

Steeped in memories and purpose, this home is adorned with Tunisian tiles on the kitchen backsplash and showcases antique jewel-toned stained glass panels in a dedicated prayer room.

Currently occupied by Suleika Jaouad, a best-selling author, activist, and motivational speaker, as well as Jon Batiste, a Grammy-winning musician, singer-songwriter, and TV personality, this Italianate townhouse from the 1890s in Brooklyn, New York serves as a powerful space for both of them to reside in and find inspiration. With its sturdy walls and atmospheric rooms, it provides the perfect setting for Batiste to collaborate with fellow musicians without inconveniencing their neighbors. Additionally, Jaouad, who values silence and solitude for her writing, can find the peace and quiet she requires within these walls.

In a feature for Architectural Digest accompanying a tour of their home in the upcoming November issue, Jaouad expresses their desire for a home that exudes soul, timelessness, and elegance, while also incorporating a playful touch. Upon first entering the townhouse, Jaouad immediately knew it was the perfect space for them, despite the need for extensive renovations before moving in. Additionally, Jaouad acknowledges the challenge of merging their individual tastes, lifestyles, and future visions in both symbolic and practical ways, highlighting the fact that pragmatism is not something they excel at.

Jon Batiste pictured in the studio lounge of the Brooklyn home he shares with author Suleika Jaouad.

With the assistance of their friend, writer, and designer Hallie Goodman, they successfully blended the colors and textures of Tunisia and New Orleans as a tribute to their shared Francophone and African background.

"The vision for our home was deeply intertwined with our identities as individuals - embracing our creativity and honoring our heritage," Jaouad expressed. She emphasized how their roots influenced the intricate architectural details found in the millwork, such as the elegant arches and curves. The vibrant contrast between the lime-washed white walls and the vividly colored ones also reflected their personal history. To pay homage to the vibrant hues of New Orleans, they opted for a pink kitchen, complemented by a beautiful blue tiled backsplash. The talented Mokhtar Lahmar, a close friend of Jaouad's, meticulously crafted and painted each individual tile in his Tunisian seaside studio located in Nabeul.

Embracing a philosophy of "more is more," maximalism has brought a sense of joy and excitement back into the world of interior design.

Content must be written in English:

Grounded in their families, the walls of this house boast paintings by Jaouad's mother and vintage posters collected by her grandfather. Additionally, the house is adorned with an eclectic mix of Parisian furnishings, North African pottery, textiles, and rugs, all collected throughout a lifetime of travels.

When it came to finding additional decor items, Jaouad described the process as a "possibly inefficient, but powerfully organic process" involving scouring Facebook Marketplace and flea markets. Their goal was to find one-of-a-kind salvaged objects, each with a whimsical backstory. A noteworthy example of this is a taxidermied peacock, which sparked intense debate between the couple.

The couple's studio lounge exudes elegance with the captivating charm of Gucci's "Lilies" wallpaper. Complementing the refined atmosphere are exquisite elements such as a 1940s French floor lamp, a Moroccan-inspired table from Quittner, a vintage leather chaise longue, and a custom velvet floor couch by Designway.

Frank Frances/Architectural Digest

While everything has now found its place, there were objects that didnt make the cut.

Jaoud remembered falling in love with a pair of vintage Poliedri sconces, finding them intriguing and beautiful, almost like alluring, mysterious jewelry from a bygone era. She shared a photo of them with Jon, expecting him to also appreciate their appeal. To her surprise, he compared them to an enemy starship descending upon the earth and later likened them to a fungal growth. He expressed feeling personally attacked by their design, but ultimately encouraged her to get them if she truly desired.

Although she decided not to pursue the sconces, the significance of light became an important aspect for the couple. Jaoud shared a memory of Batiste enthusiastically declaring that a particular lamp possessed healing qualities, exaggerating his enthusiasm for the illuminating source.

Angelina Jolie claims that establishing a new fashion studio has been a healing experience for her.

Working on the house proved to be a source of healing that surpassed the pair's expectations. Shortly after starting the renovations, Jaouad was diagnosed with cancer once again, this time in a late and rare relapse. Despite the slim chances of survival, they refused to put their project on hold - instead, they became even more determined. "We had a plan," Jaouad remembered, "and we weren't going to let cancer interfere with it,"

Just before Jaouad underwent her second bone marrow transplant, she and Batiste exchanged vows in the living room, surrounded by their loved ones. Their friend and designer, Goodman, helped clean up the first floor, removing all traces of construction debris and adorning it with flowers and candles. A small group of guests enjoyed fried chicken sandwiches and champagne, while Batiste serenaded Jaouad on a grand piano that he had rented for the occasion.

"It felt like an act of rebellion, making a vow to our forthcoming existence within that realm, a gamble that all the aspirations encapsulated there would materialize— to affirm, We will dwell here. We will abide here. It constituted yet another audacious step of belief," uttered Jaoud.

Suleika Jaouad's piece appears in the November 2023 issue of Architectural Digest.

Stephen Kent Johnson/Architectural Digest