Tour Emily Ratajkowski’s Lush NYC Backyard Retreat

Last year, model Emily Ratajkowski teamed up with CB2 to outfit the headquarters of Inamorata, the swimwear and clothing line she launched in 2017 with friend Kat Mendenhall. Inspired by the look and feel of an inviting domicile with a ’70s flair, the SoHo office’s vibe is closer to that of a comfy living room than a typical workspace, with bursts of color supplied by playful rugs throughout. Following up from that successful team effort, EmRata joined forces with CB2 again for a project even closer to home: her West Village backyard.

“I’m somebody who really knows what I like and don’t like, so it was easy,” Ratajkowski says of the design process with CB2.

The intimate backyard is hedged by lots of trees and greenery. Ratajkowski wanted the natural surroundings to take center stage, so the palette for the furniture is notably neutral; delicate moments of color provided by items like the uniquely toned Somerset Red Travertine Oil Lamp complement their leafy backdrop.

“Emily embodies the spirit of our brand, celebrating individuality and authenticity,” says CB2 President Ryan Turf. “She is a stylish tastemaker in her own right, [and] she selected products that fit her own personal style.”

AD caught up with Ratajkowski to discuss her vision for the city refuge and how the space will play into her summer routine.

Emily Ratajkowski: It was amazing. For the office, I was keeping in mind the brand and what we wanted to represent. Obviously, there was personal style involved, but we were thinking, Does this match the branding of Inamorata?

The backyard just felt a lot more personal. I have lived in this apartment since September, and my son absolutely loves the backyard. I really wanted to find a way to maximize the space, and they helped me do that. It feels cozier than the last [collaboration].

What was the inspiration behind the look?

It was a little bit more like an oasis this time. I wanted it to just feel really fresh. The back is surrounded by trees and a lot of plants, and I wanted it to feel comfortable but still chic and modern, without being too “try hard,” if that makes any sense. I think we found a really good combination of pieces because it still feels modern, but it doesn’t feel overly designed.

In what ways were you involved with designing? Did you pick the pieces?

I did. I really love design, it’s one of my “things.” My joke has always been that it’s a hidden talent and that one day maybe I’ll do interior design or architecture.

Maybe one day! You’re already designing clothing. So maybe the next step is interiors?

It’s more of a personal thing, I think. I help my friends a little bit, but it’s just for pleasure for now.

How does the backyard reflect your personal style? I know you’ve said in the past that you’re not afraid of color, but this palette is pretty neutral.

Yeah, I really wanted to highlight the backyard. There’s just so many gorgeous trees and plants, and I didn’t want it to feel too styled; I wanted it to be subtle and put together.

Did you have your son in mind when you were creating the look?

He has a little area that’s just his. We have a baby pool and a sensory table, but he was really cute when the couch got delivered. I was like, “Do you like it?” And he laid down and said, “I love it.”

Was there a particular piece that you had to have?

I really wanted a couch—that was something that was really important to me. I didn’t like the idea of matching chairs to it, so the wicker chairs that they had are just so comfortable, and I feel like they complement and contrast to the couch in a cool way.

Summer has just begun. How are you most looking forward to using the space?

We kicked it off with Memorial Day. I had a shrimp boil and barbecue. And then it was my birthday, and a bunch of friends came over for that. But honestly, just the daily use. I have a 90-pound dog and a two-year-old. Being in New York City, it’s just so nice to sit out there, having morning coffee and letting my son play. I’m very much enjoying that and looking forward to more of it.