Room for connection for award-winning artists Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad

Jon Batiste Suleika Jaouad's custom walk in closet with built in dresser drawers and wardrobe armoires by California Closets

What Jon and Suleika wanted

How California Closets did it

Final result

Finishes, materials, and accessories

For Grammy- and-Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste and his wife, Emmy-winning journalist and author Suleika Jaouad, their 19th-century Brooklyn brownstone renovation was a deeply personal labor of love.

The home’s natural arches reminded Suleika of her Tunisian roots while the high tin ceilings and moldings echoed homes in the Garden District of New Orleans where Jon grew up. And so “Tunisiana” – a mash-up of their two backgrounds – was born.

Collaborating with California Closets New York and interior designer Hallie Goodman, the couple dreamed of carrying this melded style into their shared dressing room one that not only outfitted for their wardrobes and Jon’s sequined stage suits, but also offered a place of reflection and connection. The room’s centerpiece John Derian “tête-à-tête” chair, an S-shaped couch consisting of two seats facing opposite directions, sets the tone beautifully.

Closet designed for couple, Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad with custom dressers, shelving and cabinets by California Closets

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How California Closets did it

The layout of the primary suite required a thoughtful design to ensure a seamless transition between rooms. Giant French doors open from the bedroom into the bathroom, with another set on the opposite wall that opens into the dressing area.

Since Jon wanted “a piano in every room,” the walk in closet’s dual wardrobes were designed around this important feature. Custom cabinets flank both sides of the room, with top molding that not only provides a finished esthetic but also cleverly hides the sloped ceiling.

Open shared hanging areas accommodate longer, more elegant clothing, while closed cabinets conceal double-hang sections for everyday wear. Floor-to-ceiling angled shoe shelves hold the couple’s elaborate collection – with Jon needing slightly more space than his wife!

To organize and protect jewelry, watches, and other accessories, Everstyle drawers were added and lend a luxurious boutique feel. A shared vanity space offers get-ready utility as well as whimsy: a vintage record player, Jon’s Grammy, and sentimental personal items for both of them are on display.

Luxury walk in closet with his and hers wardrobes and shoe shelving created for Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste

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“Every year we like to pick a theme and this year’s theme was family and freedom.”

Suleika Jaouad

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Final result

A plaque on the front of Jon’s Schiedmayer celesta piano in their dressing room reads “Family & Freedom.” Together, Jon and Suleika bring these values foward with lightness and love – a home they can truly call their own.

A California Closets wardrobe closet door opened to show Jon Batiste's custom gold blazer

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Finish

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Primary finish: Linen
Doors and drawers: Shaker Linen
Drawer box material: Linen
Counter: Linen

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Note: finishes vary by location, inquire with your local California Closets showroom for current finish availability.

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Metal

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Customer supplied hardware

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Additional accessories

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Poles and accessories: oil rubbed bronze round mast
Everstyle jewelry drawers in Matte Oyster Aluminum
Tilted shoe racks with matching toe caps
Clear glass shelves
Everstyle drawers with gold metal details
Mirror bottom on drawers
Moldings and details: custom base molding and Fascia trimmed to ceiling

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Note: product availability may vary by location

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Client

Jon Batiste & Suleika Jaouad

Location

Brooklyn, NY

Design consultant

Alexis Williams

Photo credits

Stefan Radtke

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Room for connection for award-winning artists Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad

How California Closets did it

“Every year we like to pick a theme and this year’s theme was family and freedom.”

Final result

A plaque on the front of Jon’s Schiedmayer celesta piano in their dressing room reads “Family & Freedom.” Together, Jon and Suleika bring these values foward with lightness and love – a home they can truly call their own.

Finish

Primary finish: Linen

Doors and drawers: Shaker Linen

Drawer box material: Linen

Counter: Linen

Metal

Customer supplied hardware

Additional accessories

Poles and accessories: oil rubbed bronze round mast

Everstyle jewelry drawers in Matte Oyster Aluminum

Tilted shoe racks with matching toe caps

Clear glass shelves

Everstyle drawers with gold metal details

Mirror bottom on drawers

Moldings and details: custom base molding and Fascia trimmed to ceiling

Bring your visionto life

How California Closets did it

Final result

A plaque on the front of Jon’s Schiedmayer celesta piano in their dressing room reads “Family & Freedom.” Together, Jon and Suleika bring these values foward with lightness and love – a home they can truly call their own.

“Every year we like to pick a theme and this year’s theme was family and freedom.”

Finish

Metal

Additional accessories

Primary finish: Linen

Doors and drawers: Shaker Linen

Drawer box material: Linen

Counter: Linen

Customer supplied hardware

Poles and accessories: oil rubbed bronze round mast

Everstyle jewelry drawers in Matte Oyster Aluminum

Tilted shoe racks with matching toe caps

Clear glass shelves

Everstyle drawers with gold metal details

Mirror bottom on drawers

Moldings and details: custom base molding and Fascia trimmed to ceiling

Bring your vision
to life