The standout feature in the newly redesigned office of Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty is undoubtedly the multicolored staircase tucked away in one corner of the lobby. Despite its lack of functional necessity—the office currently occupies only one floor—it commands attention as one of the most striking elements in the space. Each step of the staircase is painted in a hue reminiscent of Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes, embodying the brand’s ethos of embracing imperfection and finding joy in the present moment.
The concept for the painted staircase originated from Kelsey Fischer, the lead designer at Havenly, who collaborated with the Rare Beauty team on revamping the office. Initially, the space exuded a cold and sterile atmosphere, remnants of its previous tenants in game development, with bold greens and blues that didn’t align with the Rare aesthetic. However, after the intervention by Havenly, the office transformed into a comfortable and inspiring workspace.
Fischer delved into the Rare Beauty brand archives at the project’s outset, studying not only the products themselves but also the advertising campaigns, packaging, and social media presence. Given that Rare Beauty launched during the pandemic when remote work was prevalent, this redesign marked the first opportunity for the team to have a physical gathering space. Fischer aimed to incorporate elements that reflected the team’s hard work and surrounded them with the beauty of their creations.
Throughout the office, imagery of Rare Beauty products and campaigns adorn the walls, designed to be easily interchangeable to accommodate seasonal and product changes. While considering utilizing TVs for this purpose, they ultimately opted for prints for a more personal touch.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to being “warm and welcoming,” the office prioritizes comfort alongside inspiration. Soft textures like throw blankets and pillows, reminiscent of home, are scattered throughout, while a variety of light sources create a cozy ambiance, diverging from the typical fluorescent lighting found in many offices. Gomez’s executive office, in particular, exudes warmth with mauve curtains that add a sense of intimacy without compromising professionalism.
For Rare Beauty, creating an inviting environment extends beyond the physical space to include mental health initiatives. Conference rooms and lounge areas are designed to facilitate group activities aimed at promoting well-being, ranging from breathwork and meditation sessions to succulent planting classes. Gomez emphasizes the importance of these community events in fostering a supportive workplace culture and looks forward to welcoming more visitors into their office in the future.