Our very first cover girl, interior designer Dani Arps

It was our honor to have New York-based interior designer, Dani Arps grace our very first issue of MOYI Magazine. Arps, a creative who has carved a special niche for herself, designing startups, has a beautiful home and exuberant style that we were excited to introduce to our readers. Our tour of her Harlem apartment gave a glimpse of this designer’s signature style, but there is always more to the people featured in an article than meets the eye.

We sat down with the Arps to get to know her better and learn about what makes our covergirl tick. From what inspires her as a designer, to how she felt about being on the cover, and what she feels is the significance of MOYI Magazine, we go behind the cover with interior designer Dani Arps.

MOYI: How did you first get into design and what about it keeps you inspired?

DA: After getting a Bachelors in Fine Art and minoring in music, I knew I wanted to go into a career that had some stability but also allowed for creativity.  Interior design was a natural progression for me, so I decided to get a Masters from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.  Since becoming a designer however, I find that I mostly stay inspired by just living in New York City. There’s so much energy here and the people are so diverse and intelligent, it’s impossible not to find new ideas or be encouraged to think creatively.

MOYI: How does it feel being on the first cover for MOYI Magazine?

DA: Being on MOYI Magazine’s first cover is truly incredible. I was shocked and honored that they chose me!  When I first found out, I immediately called my family and then my close friends. We had an ‘Uptown Friday’ celebration in Harlem!

Eligible Api, designed by Dani Arps (image: Dani Arps)

MOYI: With everything that’s going on in the world today, why is it important to have a magazine that looks at life all over the African Diaspora from a home and design perspective?

DA: Knowing that design and architecture are part of the global African culture is so important.  When design is looked at from an intellectual standpoint, it’s an intrinsic part of who we are and effects how well we live.  It’s powerful and necessary to see designers from the Diaspora represented in this space.

Eligible Api, designed by Dani Arps (image: Dani Arps)

MOYI: What is the importance of design?

DA: Design has so many important aspects but the essentials are what make good design – basically form and function.  Good design improves the functionality of a space as well as the overall feeling and aesthetic.

MOYI: What would be your dream design project?

DA: My dream design project is kind of in the works (more to come!) but designing a co-working space of sorts.  It would be a space that’s completely of my own vision and voice – industrial, eclectic with a touch of Harlem Renaissance.

DANI ARPS

http://www.daniarps.com