Design Challenge: Aretha Franklin - Aretha Now (1968)
March is Women’s History Month and we’re celebrating with another installment in our design challenge. We’re creating a living room inspired by the Queen of Soul’s 1968 record: Aretha Now.
Atlantic
THE Aretha Franklin’s 1968 album, Aretha Now, is a treasure trove of musical brilliance. It includes her iconic rendition of “I Say A Little Prayer,” originally written for Dionne Warwick and We LOVE Ms. Warwick around these parts but Aretha’s version makes every other version including the original a “Beautiful Gowns” moment. There is no comparison. Franklin recorded the entire album in just one day at he New York-based Columbia Studios. It is a testament to her incredible talent and efficiency in the studio. “Think,” another standout track from the album, became an anthem for empowerment and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows since its release. Aretha Now showcases the artists’s versatility, blending soul, gospel, and R&B in a ay that captivated audiences then and continues to do so today.
When creating an interior decorating aesthetic we first try to find an introductory statement piece that we feel represents he totality of the artist. Going into this project, we knew we wanted a particular Gordon Parks art print to be the focal point of the room.
Image: Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) in partnership with The Gordon Parks Foundation
The above image, of a husband and wife on Sunday morning, is a hat-tip to Franklin’s gospel roots as the daughter of a pastor who got her start in the church. Renowned photographer Gordon Parks’ depictions of Black life during the era of segregation brought to mind Franklin’s own work during the civil rights movement and how her influence both in and out of the studio helped move the needle forward towards change. A vocal participant in the civil rights movement, Franklin was even tracked by the FBI.
So with our work cut out for us to honor the legend and this legendary album we sought pieces that carried the came color story as the iconic green checkered coat Franklin wears that would fit the perfect Mid-century modern aesthetics.
This Mid-Century lounge chair in olive green was the perfect starting point with its walnut arms and vintage vibe.
An antique Slag Glass lamp has that perfect 1960s charm just like Our Lady of Perpetual Soul!
For a more modern spin on the traditional we went with this Tanner Open End sofa by Rove concepts in microfiber leather.
The finished project can be found below.
Let us know what you think about our selections and if you have a suggestion for a new DESIGN CHALLENGE send us a note at sacredandlit@gmail.com!
