See Model Ashley Graham’s Tranquil New Jersey Backyard

Below Graham shares more about the process of bringing her vision to life.

Architectural Digest: What was it like working with Mikel Welch to create this space?

Ashley Graham: It was really great. He and I have the same eye—thank goodness. We kept talking about how we’re so monochromatic and like lots of beiges and grays, but we like textures and warmth and a little hint of a farm-to-table [vibe]. But what Mikel also thought of was how this is mine and Justin’s first actual house together, and also a house where we have three little boys with two and a half acres of land.

That’s a big jump from a three bedroom apartment.

It’s a lot of responsibility! Mikel was really great in thinking about how we were going to interact with the family in the yard. So he got these cute little chairs for the boys and fun games. But then, of course, the lounge chairs by the pool to me are just so chic and so fun. I can’t wait to get in the pool—it’s heated and saltwater, which I was very excited about when we looked at the house to purchase it.

It’s going to be perfect for the summer. How did you make the space kid-friendly?

Everything had to be durable, washable, and kid-proof!

What was the design process like?

Mikel and I actually got to go into Pottery Barn together and handpick stuff. In a situation like this, a lot of it could have been over email or phone. But we actually got together, and we could touch things and walk around Pottery Barn together. I think he got even more inspired by what I was immediately drawn to.

Shopping in person makes a big difference.

Yeah, there really is something about going in the store and looking for yourself instead of just doing it online. The majority of this was purchased online using Affirm. But when we were shopping in person together, we had this great idea that we would go up to a few random customers and purchase whatever their big purchase item was for the day using Affirm. And that was so much fun.