Architecture News

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks' dynamic point guard, is a formidable presence on the basketball court, routinely drawing "MVP" chants and fan adoration at Madison Square Garden. However, away from the demanding spotlight of professional sports, Brunson finds peace and rejuvenation in his secluded Westchester residence. This sanctuary offers a stark contrast to the arena's fervor, providing a personal retreat for the athlete and his family.

Brunson's connection to the tri-state area deepened in 2022 when he signed a substantial four-year contract with the Knicks, marking a return to his roots. Born in New Brunswick, he spent his formative years in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. His family's frequent moves, dictated by his father Rick Brunson's NBA career (who now serves as an assistant coach for the Knicks), eventually led them to Lincolnshire, Illinois. After a successful high school basketball career, Brunson transitioned to Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills and shared a living space with his close friend and current teammate, Josh Hart. This journey underscores his deep ties to the region and his athletic progression.

Despite his prominent public persona, Brunson meticulously maintains the privacy of his personal life. He, his wife, and their two-year-old daughter Jordyn reside in an upscale community within Westchester County, New York. This location is strategically chosen, being approximately 30 miles north of Madison Square Garden and just about 13 miles south of the Knicks' expansive training facility in Tarrytown. Occasional social media posts from his wife offer rare glimpses into their abode, revealing warmly decorated, neutrally toned spaces, a charming porch, a capacious walk-in closet with an ottoman, and impressive glass cabinets displaying a vast sneaker collection.

Whispers suggest that Brunson might also own a beachfront property in Ocean City, New Jersey, providing another potential escape for relaxation. However, concrete details regarding this alleged acquisition remain undisclosed, further emphasizing the guarded nature of his private affairs. This blend of public visibility and personal discretion allows Brunson to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst his high-profile career.

In essence, Jalen Brunson's home in Westchester serves as a crucial haven, offering a serene counterpoint to his high-octane professional life. It's a place where the MVP chants fade, replaced by the quiet comforts of family and personal space, allowing him to recharge and prepare for his next electrifying performance.

At this year's Milan Salone del Mobile, typically a showcase for avant-garde design, RH introduced a new venture, RH Estates. This division aims to celebrate the enduring brilliance of iconic designers, both contemporary and historical. The inaugural collection notably features the indelible works of Michael Taylor, the esteemed West Coast designer credited with pioneering the "California look."

RH Estates Launches Michael Taylor Collection in Milan

In April, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Milan's annual Salone del Mobile fair, RH unveiled its new Milanese flagship and introduced RH Estates. This significant launch marked a new chapter for the company, focusing on preserving and reintroducing classic design aesthetics to a global audience. The cornerstone of this new division is the re-release of designs by the late Michael Taylor, a titan of 20th-century interior design. Taylor, renowned for his discerning eye and the effortless elegance he infused into his projects, emphasized thoughtful restraint over excessive ornamentation. His approach, reminiscent of fellow Northern California design luminary Frances Elkins, demonstrated how confidence in design could manifest in understated luxury. The initial collection from RH Estates meticulously reproduces many of Taylor’s signature pieces, including the generously proportioned Jennifer seating, a variety of Klismos chairs crafted from diverse woods, the Ibero trestle table—a modern interpretation of a Spanish antique—and the Diamond pedestal table, featuring a wood top on a cast stone base. These pieces perfectly embody Taylor's philosophy of harmonizing traditional and modern styles, resulting in interiors that exude a serene, refined sophistication. Gary Friedman, Chairman and CEO of RH, expressed his long-standing admiration for Taylor's work, particularly its mastery of light, scale, and comfort, and its ability to blend natural materials with a balance of rustic and polished elements. Friedman highlighted the company's objective to make this exceptional design and quality accessible on a larger scale. Beyond the Michael Taylor collection, RH Estates is fostering collaborations with other prominent names in the industry, such as Joseph Jeup, Formations, and Dennis & Leen—all recently acquired by RH. The program also includes collections from London-based designer Anouska Hempel and the artisanal reproduction studio Van Thiel & Co. Further expanding its offerings, RH Estates is launching RH Bespoke Furniture, allowing interior designers and clients to commission custom-sized and finished pieces, and RH Couture Upholstery by Dmitriy & Co, which specializes in meticulously crafted, tailor-made seating. This summer, RH Estates is set to open its first dedicated gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, a testament to its expanding vision. Friedman articulated the core idea behind this venture: to establish a unique platform that unites the most influential voices and innovative concepts in design. He emphasized that all brands under the RH Estates umbrella share a commitment to unparalleled quality, manifested in highly detailed, historically informed pieces that demand a profound understanding to execute. This grand initiative signifies a bold step for RH, aiming to bridge the past and present of design by celebrating masters and offering bespoke solutions for discerning clients worldwide.

The establishment of RH Estates signifies a profound recognition of design heritage and its lasting impact on contemporary living. By resurrecting and recontextualizing the works of influential designers like Michael Taylor, RH is not merely selling furniture; it is curating a legacy. This approach encourages a deeper appreciation for the artistry and thought behind timeless design, offering consumers the opportunity to invest in pieces that transcend fleeting trends. It also underscores the idea that true luxury lies in thoughtful curation and impeccable craftsmanship, rather than mere novelty. For the design industry, RH Estates sets a precedent for how a major retailer can contribute to the preservation and evolution of design history, fostering a dialogue between past innovations and future possibilities.