Amber Cabral is an inclusion consultant, DEI strategist, speaker, a published author (her second book coming out later this year is available for pre-order), and she’s the founder of Cabral Co., “a diversity, equity and inclusive leadership focused consulting firm, to help organizations ignite behavior shifts to create inclusive cultures.” With such a busy professional career, she says she needs her apartment — this rental in Midtown Atlanta — to be a place for her to recharge.

“My apartment is my favorite place to fine respite and inspiration. So, I worked towards it being aesthetically beautiful, comfortable, and also smelling nice,” writes Amber. “The common area really is my favorite part to relax in. Sometimes, I love to curl up on my couch and watch TV or read a good book. Other times I am playing my records while enjoying a glass of champagne and watching the sun set. I can work out, dance, or even take a couch nap, and I love that so much. My place always helps me find a sense of calm after a long workday or after lots of travel.”

My Style: Refined Glam

Inspiration: I love a luxury hotel! Before the pandemic, I travelled a lot for work and I would discover little things in the nice hotels I stayed in and I’d snap photos of the ideas. Over time I have found ways for my home to feel as luxurious and glam as some of my most favorite hotels.

Favorite Element: I love the sunset views the most. Second to that, probably the greenery corner.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge is the outdoor space. It is windy! So keeping things in place has been an interesting thing to navigate. I had to get creative about how to keep things in place. I use hook and loop tape (like Velcro), zip ties, and even carpet tape. Sometimes during a storm, the chairs will blow around, but I never have to worry about losing a cushion anymore.

Proudest DIY: The greenery wall where my records and shelves is my favorite DIY. I definitely had help getting it done, but in a room full of windows, I really wanted greenery and a fun spot for my record collection. People think that corner is a feature of the apartment instead of something that was added. 404/ATL Handyman definitely helped pull this wall off.

Biggest Indulgence: My couch was the most expensive, and because it was custom and ordered during Covid, it took forever, but it was totally worth it. I like furniture that takes up space and feels oversized when I sit on it. I can stretch out and someone can still join me on this couch. I can cross my legs and fit my whole body in a corner. It is so cozy and was worth every penny.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I do not have a dining room table. My dining area is for my Peloton and for dance breaks when friends come over. No kidding, I have literally had a friend teach me and a girlfriend to salsa on that piece of floor and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your favorite products you have bought for your home and why? Candles and room sprays are my absolute favorite! I love a good-smelling home and a quality candle just adds to the vibes. I also love that I get to support some Black-owned brands with my candle and room spray preferences. For candles I love Fervent Love from Grid + Aura, Kemet Silk from Olphactory Candles, and Savoir Faire’s Scentual Healing Mood Mist is so good.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: When thinking about how to store things, don’t be afraid to use wall space and go up if you have tall ceilings. You can always tuck a step ladder into a closet for when you need to pull something down.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Always keep in mind what you like and make room for it in your decor. Sometimes we will see things and we want exactly what we see, but what makes a home a home is putting ourselves in it. I love elephants and skulls and have a small collection of both. There are elephants and skulls tucked all over my home and most folks don’t associate those elements (especially skulls) with my design aesthetic, but they are a part of me and what I like.

• Living Room Accent Wall — Valspar “Cinnamon Roll”

• Honey Comb Shelves — Etsy: 303Woods
• Black Obsidian Skull — Jack of the Dust

• Chair  — Z Gallerie
• Chair lumbar pillow  — Rh.com
• Cowhide Rug  —RH.com
• Couch  — Rh.com
• Throw Pillows  — Z Gallerie, Wayfair, and West Elm
• Floating shelf  — Wayfair
• Bar Cart  — Wayfair
• Wine Racks  — Amazon.com

• Island Chairs  — West Elm
• Kettle  — Fellow
• Rug — Ruggable

• Table — Pier One
• Chairs — CB2
• Tall Drawers and Shelves — Ikea Drawers and Shelves

• Chairs and Cushions — Pottery Barn
• Rug —Rugs.com
• Lanterns — West Elm
• Candles — Amazon.com
• Hook and Loop Tape – Amazon.com
• Table — Wayfair
• Lumbar pillows — Amazon.com and Wayfair.com

Thanks Amber!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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