Flaneur Moms: Sitting Down with Nicole Cohen

One week away from the Mother's Day. The word "motherhood" would remind many people of the selfless love and dedication. That's absolutely right but "motherhood" today means much more than that. As Nicole Cohen said below, "the expectations were much different (in my Mom's times) - being a working mom doesn't mean any expectations of me have been lifted, on the contrary!" 

 

One of our major consumer groups is professional women, a lot of whom are young moms hardworking in the big city. They inherited the dedication to the family from their mothers, while at the same time tirelessly pursued their own career and personality with even more power. We call them "Flaneur Moms", because this is the best word we can think of whenever we think about them - their power of love, pride of creativity, richness of life and pursuit of freedom. 

 

 

Nicole Cohen, the woman behind Sketch 42, is an artist, design enthusisast, photographer and writer. As a lifetime Flaneur and a tastemaker, she sat down with us talking about colors and bedroom decor. We also invited her to share with us her thoughts about motherhood, both being a mother and a daughter.

  

 

 

1. What inspired your bed/bedroom décor? What’s your favorite color combination(s) to use in a bedroom?

 

It was a while ago, I designed this room in 2008 - I think I was going for a classic Hollywood Regency Glamour. 

 

I love neutrals and/or deep color in a bedroom - my bedroom is black! Its a room we are mostly in at night, I like it to be cozy and envelope you!

 

 

2. What are four things essential for a restful and gorgeous bedroom?

 

Great bedding, the right pillow inserts, lack of clutter and a variety of lighting options! At our country house we have no TV or computer in the bedroom and I must say I sleep 10000x better there! 

 

 

 Nicole's Bedroom. photo via Rue Magazine.

 

 

3. What’s on your bedside table? 

 

Water carafe, iPhone charger, a bowl with my watch and rings, and all the books I try to read but inevitably fall asleep 5 pages in! 

 

 

4. What are your sleep rituals?

 

I like to do something mindless before bed, so - and this is shameful - I read recaps about reality tv shows on my phone. Once I get into the comment section, I'm no longer thinking about work stuff, and then a few minutes later, snoozy snooze. 

 

 

Nicole's bedroom styled with Flaneur bedding, Supima® cotton white. 

 

 

 

 

5. What color you picked for your Flaneur bedding and why? How did you like Flaneur sheets?

 

I believe I chose the natural Supima white color! I always prefer simple bedding and there is nothing quite as refreshing as a fresh set of white sheets. The Supima Golden unbleached color is exactly what white sheets should be, like the white cotton of yesteryear. 

 

 

photo via The Window Magazine.

6. Do you consider yourself a Flaneur? Can you recount a Flaneur-like experience you’ve had?

 

Of course! As a photographer, I am constantly strolling, dreaming, noticing little details that other people pass up. All of my favorite moments of my life have been when I've been alone, roaming random streets in foreign places. I started bringing film along on my trips and always taking the long route because I get the most flawed but beautiful photos that way. 

  

 

7. What are your favorite colors? And what's your mom's and your kids’?

 

I’ve been having a caramel cream kahki moment. I love all colors, but Im way into the subtle “ugly” colors these days! My mom’s favorite color is turquoise, she loves it so much that none of my siblings or I can wear it because it feels like were dressed up as her! My daughter goes through phases, shes super into “boy” colors these days. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All above are Nicole's paintings. 

 

 

Nicole's collaboration with CB2 and Framebridge recently. 

 

 

Nicole's design work in process for One Room Challenge.

 

 

8. What characters can you see that are being passed from your mom to you and your kids?

 

Strength and creativity, I come from a long line of strong women, and Im proud to be raising one. My sons are learning to be thoughtful strong men as well! 

 

 

9. Compared with your Mom in her days, what do you think is the biggest difference to be a Mom nowadays?

 

Ah, its totally different. My mom was not a working mom then, though she is now. She was completely dedicated to raising us. All I can say, is the expectations were much different - being a working mom doesnt mean any expectations of me have been lifted, on the contrary! And the children are expected to excel at everything all at once as well. 

 

 

 

 

Nicole designed the gorgeous bedrooms for her two kids.

 

 

 

10. As a professional woman and a Flaneur Mom, what's the biggest advantage and challenge to have kids?

 

There arent enough hours in the day! Its 11:10 pm as Im writing this, and my baby is still awake! The advantage is the stability of having a family and the joy that brings a true inner happiness that is transcendent! 

 

 

11. What would be the gift you'd expect the most from your kids?

 

They always make beautiful cards for me, and buy me flowers and breakfast in bed! All of that is good enough for me! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The biggest gifts of Mother's Day for Nicole: Cookie and JoJo.

 

 

Happy Mother's Day to Nicole, to all the Flaneur Moms, and their Moms! 

 

 

All photos courtesy of Nicole Cohen.

 

 

Meet another Flaneur Mom.