Talk Shop: Jessica Reilly // Domicile 37
ABOUT JESS
Jess Reilly has always had a creative calling. Even as a child, she felt compelled to make things – and it was this passion that eventually led her to study industrial and interior design during college. Reilly decided to take her affection for design to the next level when she founded Domicile 37, her editorial site, where she shares gorgeously over-the-top yet simple-to-make crafts, a house full of treasured secondhand finds, and lots (and lots!) of pattern. We sat down with the designer, writer and mom of three to chat about her sense of style and how she got her start — enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Vintage, Eclectic, and Maximalism.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Hmmmm… My grandmother and her love of stuff, my mother...her independence and ability to DIY, and my family for always encouraging me.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Domicile 37 started out as a blog where I shared my latest thrift score and design ideas that I was crushing on with myself. I say this because when I first started out, I didn’t share it with anyone. My favorite thing about what I do is that i'm not on anyone else's time but my own.
I find inspiration everywhere. I like almost everything.
Who are your style icons:
Design icons?...Right now, I’m crushing on Pierce and Ward, Dorothy Draper, Anna Spiro, and Beata Heuman.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Always have food! If I am entertaining even for the smallest of crowds, I feed them.
What does your home say about you:
I would hope that my home says collected, creative, and fun.
Do you collect anything:
Yes, I collect everything, LOL, just ask my husband. I have a collection of chairs in my garage, bust on top of bust scattered around my house, sofas in almost every room of my house, and too much art and not enough walls.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I love @troispetitesfilles, @fleamarketfab, @thesavoyflea, @heidicaillierdesign, @mossonyi, @vintagesplendor and so much more!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Ummm, I don't think I really follow any when it comes to decorating. When it comes to design and function, I follow proper passage space dimensions. When it comes to decorating, all the rules are meant to be broken.
What are you working on right now:
My sanity...LOL, I’m trying to survive the rest of virtual learning. No big projects til summer. I'm not even taking E-design clients at that moment. I have been doing some insta flash sales to make room for a future project. ;)
Wardrobe staples:
Currently, I have been bumming around in sweats. My normal wardrobe staples are vintage blouses with jeans or a vintage skirt paired with a cool top.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Always, House of Hackney.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Good design takes time.
Best career advice you ever received:
Don’t worry about where other people are on their journey, focus on you.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Definitely save for renovations. I discovered that although I am capable of DIYing, I don’t enjoy it enough to want to take on a big project.
Your greatest extravagance:
My cabinet in my bathroom.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Estate Sales
Most prized possession and why:
Hmmmm, I would say my salmon colored loveseat, but I think maybe my shoe hutch. It is massive and such a beautiful piece….it has that European elegance that I love.
Your interiors motto:
Buy what you like and design your space for YOU.
Your life motto:
One day at a time
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don’t let the world tell you what to like, YOU tell the world what you like.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Ethnic food
Drink: Water
Film: Anything that makes me laugh!
Hotel: Maison de la Luz (Never been but I’m obsessed with!)
City: Durham/Raleigh
Bedding: Vintage Ralph Lauren and Laura Ashley
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea...I like it hot and cold. My favorite is Raspberry tea and Ginger Lemon tea.
Playlist: Paloma Faith and Jessie Ware top my list.
Weekend Activity: Spending quality time with my family
Design Book: My favorite book ever is Anna Spiro’s Absolutely Beautiful Things