The 779th Door

Project Details

Location — Detroit, Michigan

Press — Design Remix, HGTV, and The Detroit News

This particular portfolio tells the story of far more than timeless interior design: it represents the genesis of Corey Damen Jenkins’ remarkable career. These rooms are located behind the 779th door Jenkins knocked on during his determined campaign to launch his fledgling interior design firm during the Great Recession. 

After hundreds of rejections, unanswered knocks, and disappointing setbacks, a single “yes” became the opportunity that helped transform Jenkins’ fearless ambition into a nationally celebrated design practice. Today, the interiors reflect the enduring friendship and partnership between Jenkins and his first clients, Ann and Dr. Bill (anecdotally, he dedicated his second Rizzoli coffee table book, Design Reimagined, to the couple’s honor).

Located in southeastern rural Michigan, the home’s interiors celebrate a continental mix of tradition and modernity. The formal study is rich with warmth and character, where tailored plaid upholstery, walnut finishes, leather wing chairs, and collected objects evoke the quiet elegance of an English country estate. Nearby, the light-filled family room offers a graceful counterpoint, layering soft neutrals, classic millwork, airy textiles, and refined antiques into a composition that feels both sophisticated and casually livable. The serene primary bedroom embraces a palette of airy blues, warm ivory, and creamy taupes. They pair seamlessly with the tailored architectural wall panels that Jenkins designed, producing the perfect backdrop for sumptuous textiles and layered pattern play.  Collectively, these elements create a tranquil retreat defined by understated luxury.

The interiors of this suburban home embody Jenkins’ belief that beautiful rooms should tell the stories of the people who live there. They stand as a lasting reminder that perseverance, faith, and one open door can change the course of a life, a career—and ultimately inspire thousands more.

Living room with beige walls, multiple windows with curtains, a white fireplace with artwork above, and various chairs, sofas, and tables decorated with books, vases, and decorative objects.
An interior scene with a brown leather armchair with a decorative white throw and a brown pillow, next to a small side table with a glass of water, a large green leafy plant with white berries on a wooden table, and a wall with a sky painting, black
Living room corner with white upholstered armchair with wooden frame and a matching ottoman, a side table with a table lamp, books, and a decorative object, and a beige sofa with striped pillows, large window with curtains, and a view of green trees
A living room coffee table with decorative objects including a large glass vase with greenery, a geometric tabletop sculpture, a gold spiked decorative object, and a couple of books. Surrounding the table are cream-colored sofas and chairs with strip
Cozy living room with armchairs, a wooden desk with a large open book, a glass vase with flowers, a bookcase filled with books, and a chandelier hanging from a textured ceiling.
Open ledger book on a wooden table with a magnifying glass resting on it. There is a vase with green holly leaves and white berries on the table, along with a small white vase. A plaid armchair and a patterned rug are visible nearby.
A cozy bedroom with a beige upholstered bed, multiple blue and patterned pillows, a abstract seagull painting above, white nightstands with vases and flowers, and a cream tufted bench at the foot of the bed. Light pastel blue walls and a decorative r
Multiple decorative pillows with various patterns and colors arranged on a bed with a light-colored headboard.
A cozy bedroom with a light blue wall, a large green plant, a nightstand with white vases and a jar, a bed with beige and patterned pillows, an armchair with a pillow and a blanket, and a window with cream curtains.

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