Scarlett Johansson wanted her Scandi-style office to be an extension of her brand – her designer used this furniture technique to bring the vision alive
The Outset office feels warm and nurturing despite its clean, minimalist influences – Room & Board's Dianna Bauer discusses how she found the balance
Scandinavian design is synonymous with clean simplicity and minimalism – much like Scarlett Johansson's brand The Outset. Naturally, therefore, when it came to designing the beauty brand's office, this aesthetic was at the top of her agenda.
Alongside her co-founder Kate Foster, Johansson curated a space that feels both warm and nurturing yet uber-sleek, drawing from Nordic design influences that pay homage to the actress's Danish heritage. Striking this balance is no easy feat, but it's possible with perfectly balanced paint colors and furnishings, which is where Room & Board came into play.
The modern furniture retailer paired up with Johansson to create a space that enjoys the beauty of Scandinavian design while still encouraging productivity – and as minimalist lovers, it's hard to want more from our workspace. Dianna Bauer, the director of partnership marketing at Room & Board, sat down with H&G to explain how they found the balance.
'Scandinavian design is all about simplicity and minimalism and that aligns so perfectly with the ethos The Outset is known for – simple, clean skincare,' Bauer says.
'The use of white along with natural and soothing materials and ingredients in both The Outset’s branding and Scandinavian design evokes a clean feeling that echoes the brand’s approach to skincare. The Scandinavian influence also allowed Scarlett to give a design nod to her Danish heritage.'
As Bauer notes, there are two sides to Scandinavian design: one being this idea of clean shapes and minimalist hues, the other being the concept of comfort and coziness. Johansson used the latter to create an inviting, welcoming and nurturing space.
'This was accomplished through earthy tones and natural textures with Room & Board furnishings that fit in perfectly with the refined and relaxed New York office.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Kate and Scarlett had a clear design vision for the space, so we really followed their lead on product selections. They envisioned an office space that embodied the values of the female-founded company,' Bauer says.
'It was important that it had an inviting and collaborative atmosphere. Room & Board’s warm, modern furniture was a seamless match for their vision and integrated so wonderfully with the paint colors and wallpaper they selected to create a cohesive experience, striking the perfect balance of simplicity and warmth.'
The secret to this balance is found, as Bauer reminds us, in the furniture, so whether we're working with a home office or living room, it's vital to get right.
'At Room & Board we believe in furniture and accessories that are modern, artisan crafted and designed to last,' she explains.
'Our focus is on timeless design – incorporating modern lines with timeless details that avoid the pit-fall of “trendy”. This is one of the elements of design that is near and dear to our collective hearts: furniture that is built to last that is loved for years is naturally sustainable and keeps furniture out of landfills. These concepts marry perfectly with the history embedded in this gorgeous old building and the fact that it is still part of the vibrant fabric of NYC.'
Hydrating
This antioxidant-rich, fragrance-free gel cleanser gently lathers to lift away makeup, impurities and dirt, leaving skin cleansed and bouncy.
Ulta-Rich
This perfectly portable, solid dry oil rescues parched skin on lips, hands, or body on the go (we love its travel friendly size that's perfect for everyday use).
Award-winning
Award-winning for a reason, this serum firms, hydrates, plumps and brightens in one easy, non-irritating step, for lasting results overtime.
As mentioned, the office looks good, but it's just important that it promotes productivity. It is a work space, after all. Unsurprisingly, this is what Bauer hopes Johansson and Foster take from the project.
'Our hope is that they find comfort and inspiration and that it nurtures creativity and productiveness while providing the functionality they need on a day-to-day basis. Make it functional and beautiful! We also hope it feels warm and inviting for visitors to The Outset offices since that’s an extension of the brand,' Bauer says.
'Taking the time to make thoughtful design choices and incorporating elements that are uniquely meaningful opens the door to creating a personal and beautiful space.'
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
Here's all you need to know about Sherwin-Williams' December Color of the Month – a 'soothing warm beige' that adds 'understated elegance'
Return to the timeless appeal of neutrals with this calming shade
By Emily Moorman Published
-
7 things to clean before going on winter vacation for a fresh, sanitized and pest-free space when you return
Cleaning pros share the spots they never forget to clean before heading off
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection embraces flower power – this one item literally lights up a room
The latest decor drop includes a vintage-inspired flower lamp, which retails for under $48 – and it was the first thing in our carts
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Diane Keaton's new decor collection is a celebration of wit and playful irreverence – directly inspired by her quirky home
The collaboration offers a humorous twist to the most simple color palette of all – bringing Keaton's flare to our entertaining spaces
By Megan Slack Published
-
RuPaul's kitchen is sleek and sophisticated thanks to this unexpected cabinet color
RuPaul's black kitchen cabinets are undeniably bold, yet have a surprisingly soothing effect that get the expert stamp of approval
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Justin Baldoni's anti-trend kitchen cabinet color serves as the perfect 'blank canvas' – this style will never fade
The actor knows that this color transcends fads, so he used it for his kitchen cabinets - experts swear by the classic, calming shade
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Cynthia Nixon's sofa color is a 'cornerstone in modern interior design' – it's a classic for a reason
Cynthia Nixon's gray sofa proves that the neutral hue is anything but outdated, pairing the soft shade with some warm, natural materials for a trendy look
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Pastry chef Dominique Ansel shares the 3 most useful appliances every home baker needs in their kitchen
The celebrity pastry chef swears by these pieces of equipment to level up your home baking - and explains the one item he can't live without
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart's dining room taps into this timely trend – here's how to recreate the look
Martha Stewart's Skylands property in Maine has been decked out with a summer-ready tablescape, featuring collectible plates and coveted glassware
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jamie Lee Curtis's luxurious bedding is a favorite among sleep experts – and it's surprisingly low-maintenance
Jamie Lee Curtis's bedding has benefits for skin, hair, and sleeping temperature - experts say it is exceedingly simple to care for
By Sophie Edwards Published