Talk Shop: Jessica McCarthy // JAM Creative Studio
ABOUT JESSICA
Approachable glitz, glam, vintage—these are only a few words that describe Jessica McCarthy’s style as Creative Director, Principal Interior Designer, Editorial Stylist and founder of JAM Creative Studio. Known for her glamorous approach to design with touches of vintage, scrolling through her Instagram engulfs you into a fun and flirty world of interiors. Her main clientele includes high profile social media influencers, celebrities and tastemakers (like Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe and ManRepeller founder Leandra Medine). She’s been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, People, MyDomaine, Vogue Living & more.
Jessica’s goal is to make good design accessible to everyone – her current venture is reshaping design direction for the global tech hospitality startup Blueground Homes, designing custom furniture collections, and scaling design across global markets. We sat down with the multi-hyphenate to chat all things design – check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Maximalist, Glamorous & Soulful.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
High Fashion, Music, Art History
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I have always had a “corporate job” still in the design industry but through those different companies I had made a lot of connections with influencers and celebrities. I would help those clients and after their projects ended, they would reach out to me independently to work with them on different spaces in their homes! My Design Studio really happened organically over time as more and more clients wanted to work with me and referred me. I then started to gain a bit of a social following where I continued to connect with clients all over the world!
My favorite thing about what I do which I think is the best part of being an interior designer in general is having a vision in your mind and literally seeing it come to life. It is so incredibly rewarding to see an idea become a tangible thing that has the ability to change peoples lives.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Interior Design comes very naturally to me, but the business side of the design industry is a little bit more challenging to navigate especially as someone so left-brained! I have luckily had some great mentors who have gone to Ivy League business schools really teach me the importance of being business minded and what it takes to succeed in any industry.
What does your home say about you:
My home really is a true representation of my personal design aesthetic. I have an abundance of color, collections of decorative items from my travels, and my favorite designer shoes and handbags displayed as art. I tend to move a lot because I love infusing the bones of the home into my design aesthetic. The homes in San Francisco have so much incredible ornate architecture, it definitely takes my style in a more traditional direction and I love the juxtaposition it naturally creates.
Where do you find inspiration:
I used to have this series on my social media that connected runway fashion to interior design trends. I am always inspired by fashion, fashion icons, music and history. Most of my interiors have a vintage 1970’s approach because I am so inspired by that particular decade. Everything from the fashion, to the color palette to the history of rock and roll I think this is really reflected in most of my designs.
Who are your style icons:
Dolly Parton is my number one style icon followed by Barbara Streisand in the 70’s, Cher, 80’s Kate Moss & Michelle Pfieffer
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
For the longest time I thought I wanted to be an event planner because I'm so obsessed with throwing the perfect party. I am a strong believer that every party needs a theme. Once you have your theme, you really can run wild with decor, food and cocktails. It’s all in the details from the invitations to the napkins to the glasses to the type of ice cubes you use. Don’t forget a playlist that sets the mood, its the most important detail!
Do you collect anything:
Vintage jewelry and designer handbags
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
Photo via Architectural Digest Gieves Anderson
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
There are design rules that apply to pattern mixing, which is important when you use as many colors and patterns as I use, but I think really every other design rule can be broken. Many designers will follow rules when it comes to scale, I agree for the most part scale is important but even the rules of scale are fun to break when creating a really interesting design. We will never see new trends unless we take the risk of breaking the rules we know.
Wardrobe staples:
A structured blazer, a real leather jacket, high-end tshirts that will withstand many washes, a pair of designer sneakers as they have a way of elevating even the most casual outfits, a sexy pair of high waisted jeans in a medium wash that you can dress up or down, a classic pair of stilettos in patent leather or suede. A cowgirl hat ;)
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
I’m really into Gucci’s wallpaper and fabric collection, but also have been loving House of Hackney's maximalist approach to patterns. You also can never go wrong with a classic hand painted wallpaper like De Gournay.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Sometimes your biggest design mistakes end up being your biggest design wins.
Best career advice you ever received:
NEVER take no for an answer.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Always splurge on your larger classic upholstery pieces that you will spend your most time on. Save on trendy items that may lose their cool in a few years.
Photo by Amada Ane
Your greatest extravagance:
Fancy perfume. I’m a huge believer in having a signature scent that is representative of your personal taste. I fly my signature smokey gourmand scent in from Paris as you can only buy it there. When I walk into a room everyone knows it, and that is important.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Vintage stores ALWAYS. I love 1stdibs and chairish for online vintage shopping.
Most prized possession and why:
One of my clients who is a Fashion Blogger gifted me an oversized Chanel compact case. It is literally the size of a coffee table. It’s special because it’s from my client and someone I would have never been able to get myself.
Your interiors motto:
Design has no limits.
Your life motto:
No one is you, and that is your power.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don't follow trends, figure out what makes you happy and sparks your soul. Then source items based on that feeling.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Mexican
Drink: Spicy Mezcal Margarita
Film: First Wives Club
Hotel: So far during my travels, Soho House Istanbul but I have many more on my list!
City: No place in the world compares to the magic of New York City
Bedding: Luxe Satin or Linen. I’m very pro top-sheet.
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced sparkling americano with a splash of oat milk, and iced black tea unsweetened
Playlist: Nothing beats country music for me
Weekend Activity: Pilates followed by brunch, then a day of shopping. Happy hour with delicious cocktails and exploring a new restaurant for dinner followed by a night of dancing!
Design Book: The House of Glam - Lush interiors & Design Extravaganza