employment Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw once quipped: “In New York, they say, you’re always looking for a job, or a friend, or an apartment.”
The quote seems apt for actress Nicole Ari Parker, who is one of the new cast members of satk Reboot And like that… on HBO Max. Parker, who is best known for his roles in Soul FoodAnd dance nights, And empire, portrays Lisa Todd Wexley (also known as LTW) documented, humanitarian, wife, and mother of three, featured in Vogue magazineList of the best international fashion.
In real life, she is happily married to actor, director and producer Boris Kodjo, and is the mother of two children. Parker spent half of 2021 filming AJLT … In New York City, staying in furnished apartments or hotels, flying to Los Angeles to see her family on her days off, reminiscing about the Big Apple she first experienced as a freshman at New York University, then as a thriving model and actress.
“Part of our plan was to go back to New York eventually, maybe when the kids go to college, but then I got this amazing job that took me back about half a year,” Parker said. ad. “I’ve been there so often that I and Boris, should we start looking for an apartment? And we found the coolest apartment in Central Park West.”
For Parker, being comfortable, calm, and loving is important, so she enlisted her best friend, celebrity interior designer, author, artist, and entrepreneur Nikki Choo, along with ZGallerie and One Kings Lane to decorate. “I gave up on it all in part because she was Nikki, and I love her style, she’s a true artist,” Parker says.
Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kudjo at the New York City premiere And like that….
Photo: Jimmy McCarthy/WireImageCho says Parker was the inspiration for the decor. Nicole is not afraid of color or pattern; In fact, there is more when it comes to its taste. But, with this home, we chose a more muted color palette, one that fits with the energy of New York City.” There are tribal patterns and geometric shapes built in, and the pops of color come from the art.
“We love African modern art as accessories for a European design sensibility mixed with American comfort,” Kodjoe chimes. “Big sofas and classic furniture, framed family photos, rugs, and large art pieces on the walls. Eclectic, but also timeless.”
Overall, the space is an eclectic assortment that Parker says reflects her “layered and very textured” personality. “At first glance, you don’t know how this goes together, but it goes together perfectly, and that’s kind of how I am and how my character is. And like that… is being.”
As you step into the apartment’s front door, you’re greeted by a violet console table from One King’s Lane, topped with a plaque representing an example of New York City to Parker. “I arrived in New York when I was 17, and have looked at this view for about 15 years,” she says.
Photo: Erin Konkel
Kodjoe in particular likes these photos by Drew Doggett. “It’s a reminder that we are globally connected and not in our little bubbles here in America. We have to have a global awareness of everything. Global citizenship is something I try to inspire my children,” Parker says.
Photo: Erin KonkelFans of the show will know that LTW has an impressive array of black art, and Parker loved displaying it so prominently on screen. “I was freaked out when I filmed this phone call scene in my office and they had a Carrie Mae Wims piece on the wall,” Parker ponders. “Often when white performances want to add some diversity or add black people to the cast, they miss a moment, opportunity, or nuance for that particular person. This woman really exists. I know a woman like this who brings this kind of art. I’ve been blown with [dinner party scene] In my apartment, and on the set there was Michaeline Thomas, Gordon Parks and Deborah Roberts. It was great!”
choo decor tips
Basic bedroom wallpaper from RoomMates’ Nikki Chu line. The Kelly Wingback bed from One King’s Lane is covered in Cora bedding from Z Galllerie.
Photo: Erin Konkel.