Talk Shop: Jessica Alex // Jessica Alex Interiors
ABOUT JESSICA
Jessica grew up in Washington Depot, a small town within Litchfield County, Connecticut. It was the idyllic Litchfield County that sparked her love and appreciation for the well-appointed and beautifully designed home. Jessica has spent more than a decade as a designer, having worked at some of New York’s premier design firms – most notably the renowned Bunny Williams Inc., an AD100 firm, where she spent years designing residences across the country and internationally. It led her to open her own firm, Jessica Alex Interiors. Her experience has taught her that close attention to detail and proportions, a meticulous floor plan, and a thoughtful budget are the keys to delivering a purposefully designed and executed home for even the most discerning clients.
Whether designing a traditional or modern space, the approach remains the same: to fully understand the client’s needs, lifestyle, and vision so as to create a beautifully curated and layered space that is both aspirational and practical. She believes that furnishings and architecture should speak to one another – whether complimentary or in direct opposition, but always intentionally. She likes to mix styles and periods to create a dynamic yet timeless space. Enjoy our Talk Shop with Jessica!
Photo by Kris Tamburello
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless interiors with bold, modern moments. (I couldn’t do it in 3 words, oops!)
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My time working at Bunny Williams Inc. (now William Lawrence). I saw and learned SO much. I was surrounded by the most talented and knowledgeable people in the industry. They hold themselves to the highest standards which taught me to do the same.
Growing up in Washington, Connecticut. It is overflowing with beautiful homes, amazing antique shops, and impressive gardens. I grew up going to estate sales with my mom and sitting with my grandmother as she gardened. Constant exposure to such things gives you an appreciation for good design.
My friends. I have some incredibly stylish and ingenious friends. Some are in the industry and some that could be. We trade tips and tricks. They inspire me daily.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I never thought I'd have my own design firm but it began when an unexpected opportunity came my way in a new city. I said yes and have not looked back.
My favorite aspect of interior design is scheming fabric and materials. I could do it for hours, getting lost in the various combinations of pretty fabrics.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I am lucky to have several female mentors. They’re all incredibly funny, strong women who have owned companies and raised families. They showed me that it’s possible to do it all. So here I am trying.
Photo by John Gruen
What does your home say about you:
That I love classic interiors with bold, modern moments. I love mixing the two styles together as I feel this creates the most interesting of spaces. My husband is a mid-century minimalist and I love patterns, textiles, and collecting antiques. It’s a constant push-pull that I’ve learned to appreciate and even welcome. Over the years he’s learned a great deal about design and his fresh take on a scheme or design is often the thing I've been missing/needing.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, design books, and of course - Instagram.
Who are your style icons:
Aerin Lauder & Amal Clooney
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A great tablescape, playlist, and delicious cocktails. And of course, the company.
Do you collect anything:
I collect table linens and glassware. I hope to someday have enough storage space to collect more china.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@aerin, @Nan.Philip, @Francesfinds, @fredericmagazine, @Bethennyfrankel (for hilarious reviews of drugstore cosmetics), and @bravoandy (for his hilarious and real representation of parenthood).
Photo by John Gruen
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always measure, measure, and re-measure! It’s so important to measure correctly and get the scale right. Not doing so can result in costly mistakes. I follow design rules whenever I can but it's also important to recognize when they should be abandoned. When designing or renovating existing spaces with weird architectural elements you often have to abandon the rules in order to disguise or embrace the less-than-ideal element. You might also need to abandon the rule for design purposes to create a surprising moment.
What are you working on right now:
A Tudor home in Greenwich, CT for a young family, several projects on the Upper East Side, and several homes in Litchfield County, CT.
Wardrobe staples:
You’ll almost always find me in a dress or skirt. I find them to be most comfortable and flattering. I also never worry about being underdressed.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Pierre Frey
Best interior advice you ever received:
“Did you touch it? Did you sit in it?”-Bunny Williams.
It’s easy to make mistakes when shopping online because it's hard to understand scale, comfort, and quality from listing photos with no context. I was trained to seek out the items whenever possible and if unable, to request photos of the piece next to other furniture or people for context. For example, if you cannot sit in the chair because it's across the country, ask if they could send you a photo of someone (preferably a man) sitting in the chair so you can see things like pitch, scale, and even comfort.
Photo by John Gruen
Best career advice you ever received:
“Don’t come to me with the problem, come to me with a solution.” - Bunny Williams
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in: things that have longevity and are timeless, or that you really just love and will forever think about.
Save on: I find that this varies depending on the client and what matters to them so I offer ways for them to pull back and save money in the areas that they care less about.
Your greatest extravagance:
I have the gift of walking into any store and picking out the most expensive thing. Luckily for my clients and husband, there are detailed budgets created and I always stick to the budget.
Favorite places to shop for home:
BK Antiques, R.T. Facts, 100 Main, KRB, John Rosseli, & Gerald Bland
Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn
Most prized possession and why:
For my wedding, my mother gave me a cutting board with her famous carrot cake recipe etched into it in her handwriting. I get to look at her handwriting in my kitchen every day, it's so special to me.
Your interiors motto:
You’re the one that has to live here so it's not enough to just like something, you have to LOVE it.
Do the homework, trust the process, and it will all come together.
Your life motto:
Don’t borrow trouble.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Collect inspirational images and try to verbalize what it is about each image that you like. This will help you better communicate your style, especially to a designer.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Mexican
Drink: Elderflower Margarita
Film: The Sound of Music or Pretty Woman
Hotel: The Carlyle Hotel
City: New York
Bedding: Matouk
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Matcha Latte with Almond Milk
Playlist: Gary Clark Jr., Chopan, Parcels & 90’s Hip Hop
Weekend Activity: Taking family strolls through the West Village or along the Hudson River.
Design Book: Any books by the following: Stephen Sills, Bunny Williams, and Suzanne Rheinstein.