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(CNN) — J Balvin, a Latin music superstar, is known for his daring style, including his mix of casual and haute couture clothing, and his constantly changing hair color. But, when it comes to interior design, the artist likes to keep things more sober.
“When it comes to where I live, I definitely take a ‘less is more’ approach,” said the Grammy-winning artist in the latest edition of Architectural Digest. “A house should be a place where you can rest your spirit. I have tried to create places that feed my soul, not my ego, “he added.
J Balvin at his home in Medellín (Credit: courtesy of Architectural Digest).
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On this month’s cover, Balvin (whose full name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvin) highlighted the talents of design firm 5 Sólidos to create two living spaces in his native Colombia: an apartment in bustling Medellín and a rural retreat. in Llanogrande, 30 minutes outside the city.
His choice to endorse local talent is in line with his broader support for Colombian and Latino creativity, which he often voices to his followers on social media.
J Balvin has an impressive collection of sneakers, some of them stored in this closet in his house in Llanogrande, Colombia (Credit: courtesy of Architectural Digest).
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“Honestly, I could have called anyone in the world. But I chose 5 Solids because they are located here in Medellín, ”Balvin told the magazine. “I love his young spirit and his passion. Latinos have a beautiful taste and we understand the meaning of lifestyle, “he added.
A private pool that opens to the outside and a KAWS sculpture in J Balvin’s apartment in Medellín (Credit: Courtesy of Architectural Digest).
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Balvin’s tranquil country retreat is nestled in a jungle landscape and stands out for its French oak floor plans, streamlined Scandinavian-style furnishings, and flourishing Japanese designs, including framed linen doors and bonsai plants.
With a contemporary twist, the properties feature artwork by Josh Sperling, Takashi Murakami, and street artists KAWS and WhIsBe. A look inside one of Llanogrande’s wardrobes reveals more than a touch of color in the form of approximately 850 pairs from the Balvin sneaker collection.
J Balvin on the cover of Architectural Digest magazine (courtesy: Architectural Digest)
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The city apartment has a private pool that can be opened to the outside, while the exposed interior ceiling and concrete floors echo a quintessential loft aesthetic. “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a New York loft, the original loft,” said Balvin. “This is my man cave, a place where I can vibrate with art and architecture, the things I love,” he said.
Balvin’s videos, one of reggaeton’s biggest names – a hybrid dancehall-influenced style that includes elements of hip hop and Latin American music – have millions of views on YouTube. But after launching into design, he now dreams of projects that allow him to print his aesthetic more. “It would be amazing to create special art and style hotels,” he said. And, perhaps, ample space for those with equally impressive shoe collections.
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