Producer Swizz Beatz, whose credits include the "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "Check On It," has launched a home-furnishings collection with the retailer CB2. The Casa Dean line mixes leather seating, vinyl consoles and bold color, and it draws on memories of his grandmother's home. Here is what the collaboration shows about designing furniture for everyday households.
From a White Leather Couch to a Design Philosophy
Swizz Beatz has said that his early ideas about interiors were narrow. As a young man in the Nineties, he admired the homes of rappers and athletes and wanted a white leather couch, and little else. His taste has since widened considerably, and the Casa Dean collection reflects that shift, with white sofas sitting alongside deep greens, reds and plums.
He has also described a steep learning curve. Early in the project he wanted an all-denim collection, but working with designers, including Studio Anansi founder Evan Jerry, pushed him toward a more practical and varied result. He says he came to see himself as a student of furniture rather than a celebrity guest in the industry.
What the Collection Includes
- Sunken-in leather chairs and couches inspired by 1970s conversation pits
- Vinyl consoles designed for record collections and audio equipment
- Sculptural coupe glasses and Mable lamps, sconces and fixtures named for his grandmother
- New Zealand wool rugs named for the St. Mary housing projects where he grew up
Art also plays a role. The collection displays large prints and canvases by the visual artist Megan Gabrielle, which Swizz Beatz presents as part of his longstanding effort to bring Black artists to wider audiences.
Practical Takeaways for Home Buyers
The collaboration offers a useful reminder for shoppers: furniture works best when it reflects how a household actually lives. Swizz Beatz says he chose pieces he would be comfortable having in his own home, including a space where family and friends gather. Structure, ergonomics and the feel of materials, which he says he learned to appreciate during the process, are worth weighing alongside color and style when choosing seating and storage.