Bringing Home and Community Together
Kai Avent-deLeon is a business owner, restaurateur, activist, and parent. With such a full life, it is safe to say that Kai is busy. But this Brooklyn-based community leader always takes the time to slow down, her priority to make the people who frequent her businesses—and home—feel welcome above all. The key is creating an intrinsic sense of comfort and warmth, favoring a minimal, organic style throughout. Kai’s work is largely based in Brooklyn, NY where her lifestyle space Sincerely, Tommy and restaurant CHE are. She also leads Building Black Bed Stuy: an organization with a mission to protect, preserve, and liberate the Black community in Bed Stuy and beyond.
A Welcome Place to Unwind
In each of Kai’s spaces—whether that’s her Brooklyn apartment, businesses, or upstate house—her approach to creating home can be felt. Each space is minimal and airy, yet warm—complete with light woods, streamlined silhouettes, and natural materials.
enter the resting house
Kai’s home is inspired by the natural world around—picked up in the light-wood trim and accents—complemented by an organic color palette, picked up by the Alma Rug, Alva Vase, and Aman and Lizzy Pillows.
Kai’s minimal approach offers a canvas to build upon.
She frames the space with the necessities—creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel right at ease—earning the name “The Resting House”—then takes her time to fill it with collected pieces that carry personal meaning to her.
Organic materials create warmth in the living room, featuring the Aman, Barrie, Logan, and Lowell Pillows, Aparna Rug, Barley Coffee Table, Vogel Accent Table, Port Gamble Mill Stool, Dimitra Urn, Into The Forest Wall Art, Jeanette Table Lamp, and Rivera Chair.
I think because my work is so community focused, I'm always thinking of how I want someone to feel in my space—I want people to feel comfortable and relaxed. I want people to feel that they can rest and disconnect there.
A closeup of the Barley Coffee Table, natural-wood details, and complemented by the Aparna Rug.
The story of the space emerges through the objects she brings into it.
Whether that’s a quilt her friend gifted her, a handmade wooden bowl, or even a leather chair that ages with time, thereby carrying a story all its own.
The Aman and Lizzy Pillows add depth and color to the primary bedroom—Kai’s own haven for relaxing and recharging.
Kai’s home becomes a true reflection of her experiences and the people she shares her life with—a home built on intentionality above all else.
Following Kai’s Lead
When it comes to creating a warm and relaxed feeling, like Kai does, go for natural materials and an organic palette. Making it feel your own is a more personal process. Kai’s advice for achieving this: “Be patient and slowly build your space over time. Less is more and intention is key: Get the basics and then add to your space over time.”
To create a warm, collected look, Kai favors a mix of vintage and new pieces, especially when it comes to furniture. And, if you can, shop made-to-order pieces that you can customize: “It makes it more special and one-of-a-kind to your space.”
