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Name: Damon Dominique
Location: Paris, France
Size: 420 square feet
Type of home: Studio/loft
Years lived in: 1 year, renting
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Fluent in over five languages, travel YouTuber and author Damon Dominique has traveled to over 50 countries, produced over 500 travel videos, filmed a TV pilot (called “Around The World in 80 Dates”), and teaches language with his course, “The French I Wish I Had Learned in French Class.” His debut book, “You Are a Global Citizen: A Guided Journal For The Culturally Curious,” was published in Jan. 2023. Busy, bold, and always on the move, Damon doesn’t spend a ton of time in his 420-square-foot Parisian studio apartment he’s been renting for a year, but he maximizes the time he does spend in there by creating a cozy, comfortable, worldly home.
My style: Old meets new (in the sense of experimental, abstract art next to a lamp from 60 years ago). I like contrasts, actually. Like, wearing camo pants… in a museum. Most people would think it doesn’t go together, and that’s why I think I like it. It’s bringing a fresh look to something that has always been regarded as beautiful. So anyway, yeah, I like this museum look (statues, gold/silver details, large mirrors, PARIS) mixed with more fun touches (graphic design magazines, language learning books, etc.).
Inspiration: “Sex and the City” cocktail hour meets Parisian museum.
Favorite element: The feeling when it’s 7:30 p.m., the sun is setting in Paris, I have my sexy lounge playlist on, and a friend and I are cackling over some red wine. The statues were a risk, in that they are expensive (to my standards), and can easily fall over and break, but I think they’re what make my place feel like a place to be.
Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I store clothes that are out-of-season in a suitcase to save space. Is that even unique?
Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Go shopping alone. You gotta watch out for all those well-intentioned voices (friends, family) who insert their opinions and stifle your inner designer/creative, but they don’t live there. You pay your rent, so you get to choose what your place looks like. No one in my close circle would have told me to buy that green baby statue (lmao), but I love it.
That’s my only child right there.
