Scarlett Johansson is taking her mission from the movie theater to the board room. But in typical movie star style, that board room is as chic as can be. The actress opened up the New York City office of her clean beauty brand The Outset to MyDomaine, and the fresh, welcoming style is one that closely mirrors the brand’s aesthetic.
“Simple doesn’t mean boring,” Johansson told MyDomaine. “You can go a long way with mixing textures while keeping a simple palette. We feel that how we decorated the office was just enough — all pieces are intentional and bring life into the office.”
First, they had to find the perfect space. A friend of Johansson’s in real estate helped to find the office, which already had some furniture and a vibe that she liked. “It felt less daunting to come into the space and give it a second life,” said Johnasson.
Next, Johansson and her company’s co-owner, Kate Foster, worked to cultivate a space that’s “calm while being very warm and inviting.”
“We’re a collaborative bunch so it was important for us to have a space that was open so ideas could percolate naturally,” said Foster.
The “living room” area is home to the bold blue wall in a rich navy tone. A flight of large windows stream in natural light from the New York sky, illuminating several independent work spaces and the larger gathering area.
“I would say this is where I can be found most days pondering life and beauty and creams,” Johansson joked, as she flopped onto the stylish leather couch, which sits on an ABC Carpet & Home rug that covers the hardwood floor. “I love this area because it’s cozy and warm and comfortable, like a hug.”
Of course, supply chain issues made things a bit difficult at times. To wait out the 6 to 12 month wait for custom furniture, Johansson thought of a dining room set she had in storage that would work in the stylish conference room space.
“The chairs were cobalt blue and worked so well with our brand colors, and then the glass top was kismet with the acrylic sign we had made for our temporary office space. As it came together, the conference room became this glam, chic spot in our otherwise homey space,” said Johansson. Oversized plants and a large window completed the collaborative space.
Johansson says the entire office mirrors the utilitarian approach to packaging and design the company uses with their products. It also has a Scandinavian vibe, which is a subtle nod to her heritage.
“Simple and minimalistic, yet warm and cozy,” she said.
There are also several nooks for independent work dotted throughout the space. The cozy corner with stylish geometric gray wallpaper is a popular pick.
Finally complete, the team feels like the space is a celebration of female collaboration.
“It felt like we were supported by friends every step of the way who believed in us and wanted us to succeed, which is so heartwarming,” Foster said.