Bloomfield Hills native Benjamin Reynaert — an editor and interiors stylist based in New York and Delaware (@aspoonfulofbenjamin) — remembers his roots. “I spent all my formative years in metro Detroit. It’s such a beautiful area, and there’s so much art and culture,” he says. His debut title, “The Layered Home: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms” (Clarkson Potter; $38), reflects that and more. “When I was creating and editing the book, I discovered more about myself, and my taste and style. It brought up a lot of memories from my childhood. All of those things — your own history, personality, and design — make up a layered life.”
For the self-professed bibliophile, his tome was a natural progression. “I studied historical book-binding in Rome, and I had a book-binding business in New York City that led me to one of my first jobs in magazines at Martha Stewart Living,” Reynaert explains. “I always loved the tactility — smelling, touching, and reading. I love books as objects. I’ve always been drawn to them. That’s why I work in the industry.”
Still, there was a learning curve. “I’m used to working on magazines that have more of a monthly cadence,” he says. “I knew I wanted to highlight creatives and spaces I find really inspirational, with a style shift toward more layered spaces that are less perfect and have more soul.”
He worked with Christina Poletto to get the stories of 17 creatives, like designers and collectors, who appear on the book’s pages. “She’s a brilliant design writer who helped bring out the best in them,” Reynaert says. Photographer Manuel Rodriguez captured all the images. “The way that he sees spaces is an inspiration,” the author adds.
Reynaert compares his background at Martha Stewart Living to graduate school in magazine-making. “I worked in the crafts department, and we had to make everything from scratch,” he explains. “From felted stuffed animals for a kids’ story to custom-dyed napkins, every detail was considered. What makes a successful magazine story is those fine details. Those are the things that inspire me.”
His work has led him to many homes filled with collections ranging from refrigerator magnets to handmade wares. Although Reynaert considers his own Victorian abode a work in progress, some parts appear in his book. “I don’t shy away from pattern and color,” he says. “My home is like a laboratory.”
The featured photos evoke inspiration. “It’s about bringing unique personality to the forefront and finding confidence in your own style to execute in your home, whether you’re an A-list designer or a novice,” Reynaert says.
He hopes the visual resource will help readers find their own voice. “I really believe that your home should be less perfect,” Reynaert says. “I strived to create images of spaces that don’t feel like a showroom, that have a soul to them. When you come from working in the market as an editor, you discover things that rise above the fray.”
MORE INFORMATION: benjaminreynaertcreative.com
STYLE GUIDE
Tips for a soulful home from Benjamin Reynaret
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HUES
“Part of creating a personal atmosphere is to find colors that speak to you,” the author says. “Live in a space that evokes nostalgia, and create a cocoon color. Where (the) light comes from is really important, too.”
BEST-IN-SHOW BOOKSHELVES
“Whether it’s pottery, artwork, or Staffordshire dogs, you can highlight collections and pieces you love,” Reynaert says. “It’s like a theater, where you can change up your style.”
SHOP AROUND
Reynaert co-founded The Ticking Tent, an artisan and antiques market held twice a year in New York and Connecticut. “It’s become a pretty big design event with artisans, antiques dealers, and boutique brands in one destination,” he says. He also recommends exploring junk shops and considering roadside finds from your travels.
JUST DO IT
“With a blank space, some people fear decorating,” Reynaert shares. “Don’t get too mired in the particulars. Trust your gut and don’t overthink things. Create a space for yourself with the things that you love.”
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