Fab 5: Corey Damen Jenkins
Portrait by Andrew Frasz Photography
Would you knock on 779 doors in the dead of winter to land your first big break? That kind of chutzpah is rare—and exactly how multihyphenate interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins got his start. Door number. 779 belonged to a couple in a gated Detroit community who hired him; a producer from HGTV later spotted photos of that very project on his website, invited him onto a design competition show, and Corey won. The rest, as they say, is history.
But he’s never been one to coast. In the early days, the AD100 designer did everything: marketing, contractor management, invoicing, ordering, moving furniture, hanging art—on top of business development and actual design work. Eventually, he adopted five guiding words for his studio: “Let Go, and Let Others,” giving his team room to share the load.
Known for his “new maximalism” approach—bold colors, lively patterns, and what he calls “a continental mix of elegance and modernity”—the principal and CEO of New York–based Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates wears plenty of hats. He’s a writer, illustrator, mentor, philanthropist, YouTuber, brand ambassador, and best-selling author. His second coffee table book, Design Reimagined: A Fresh & Colorful Take on Timeless Rooms, debuted in September 2025.
Here’s a little more about this accomplished tastemaker, who’s carved out his place in a white-dominated industry with his signature style, steadfast work ethic, and client-centric approach—and, on a personal level, Corey is simply a delight!
What’s one lesson design has taught you about life?
Patience is a virtue: Delays do not mean denial of the blessings that are meant for you.
What’s an interior space you didn’t design but wish you could claim as your own?
The formal music room in Birr Castle, which is located in Ireland, The space has a complex groin vaulted ceiling that is absolutely spectacular.
What’s one design “rule” you love to break?
Mix your metals. All of them!
What everyday object do you think is beautifully designed?
I love the silhouette and sleek presentation of a classic fountain pen.
What’s on your nightstand right now?