Inside Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz’s Oceanside Mansion | Open Door | Architectural Digest

Summary

In this intimate tour of their home, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz invite viewers into a space that blends modern luxury with personal meaning. The couple shares their love for art, family, and music, showcasing their curated collection of global art, their love for hosting, and their unique approach to interior design. From relaxed family moments in the kitchen to reflections on their artistic influences and cultural connections, the home is a reflection of their life together—welcoming, vibrant, and rich with history. A perfect blend of comfort, creativity, and elegance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The home is designed to feel open, welcoming, and calming, with a beautiful view of the water.
• 😀 The couple values clean lines and a minimalist design that fosters creativity and comfort, with a special emphasis on dreaming and imagination.
• 😀 Their home is a blend of art, culture, and personal history, featuring dynamic art pieces from around the world.
• 😀 Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys love to entertain friends and family, often enjoying meals, games, and music in the kitchen and living areas.
• 😀 The house’s design is inspired by their travels, combining luxury with simplicity and drawing influences from places like Bali.
• 😀 The space has a modern, industrial feel but incorporates warm colors and textures to make it feel like a home rather than just a sculpture.
• 😀 The couple is passionate about integrating art into their home, showcasing works by notable artists like Derrick Adams, Gordon Parks, and Nick Cave.
• 😀 They emphasize the importance of art that reflects diverse cultures and experiences, with a focus on representation, such as in the swimming artwork.
• 😀 Technology is also important to them, with a state-of-the-art B&O sound system and high-tech features in the living room.
• 😀 Alicia’s first piano, now played by her son Egypt, holds great sentimental value, serving as a symbol of her early music career and family connection.

Q & A

How do Alicia and Swizz describe the design of their home?

Alicia and Swizz describe their home as a blend of minimalism with warmth, emphasizing clean lines and an open layout. They intentionally curated the space to be both luxurious and comfortable, drawing from their travels and cultural experiences around the world.

What role does art play in their home?

Art is central to Alicia and Swizz's home, serving as both a personal expression and a reflection of their cultural heritage. Their collection includes works by renowned artists like Derrick Adams, Gordon Parks, and Nick Cave, and features pieces that focus on Black identity and African heritage.

What is the significance of the piano in their home?

The piano holds sentimental value for Alicia, as it was her first piano, given to her when she signed with Columbia Records. Now, it’s a cherished family heirloom that her children play on, making it a special part of their home and musical journey.

How do Alicia and Swizz incorporate music into their daily lives?

Music is a constant presence in their home. It plays throughout the day, setting the tone for various activities. Swizz mentions that the music is a sign of him being awake, while Alicia highlights how they use it to enhance their family time, whether they are cooking, playing games, or relaxing.

How do Alicia and Swizz balance industrial and cozy elements in their home design?

Alicia and Swizz combine the industrial, 'Iron Man' aesthetic with warm colors and textures to create a balance. They selected rugs and tones purposefully to soften the space, ensuring the home feels both luxurious and inviting, while maintaining an artistic and sculptural feel.

What is the significance of their collection of African art?

Their collection of African art is a key aspect of the home’s design, reflecting their cultural pride and commitment to showcasing Black identity. It includes a mix of contemporary pieces and traditional works that celebrate African heritage and its importance in their lives.

How does the home support family life and activities?

The home is designed with family life in mind, featuring open spaces for casual gatherings, board games, and cooking together. Alicia and Swizz share that their kids often invite friends over, and the open layout allows for easy flow between different areas, enhancing their family-centered lifestyle.

What unique feature does the living room highlight?

The living room features a striking artwork by Derrick Adams that Alicia refers to as a 'family portrait.' This piece captures the essence of their family and their love for dynamic, fun art. It also includes pieces by Gordon Parks and Nick Cave, further enriching the space with cultural significance.

Why is the family room considered versatile?

The family room is described as versatile because it functions as both a formal dining area and a space for watching TV, playing games, or lounging. The open design allows for different activities to happen simultaneously, making it a flexible and welcoming environment for the family.

What do Alicia and Swizz enjoy most about their home?

Alicia and Swizz enjoy the open layout and the freedom it provides for creativity and relaxation. They love to cook, play games, and spend time together as a family. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the inspiring art and music, makes their home feel like both a sanctuary and a space for creative expression.