Talk Shop: Joanna Buchanan
ABOUT JOANNA
Accessory designer Joanna Buchanan developed her unmistakable knack for color, texture and pattern during the 20 years she spent in the fashion retail business, working at Saks Fifth Avenue and Banana Republic. Her luxury experience, combined with a childhood spent in Hong Kong and adult years extensively traveling both Europe and India, has honed her eye over time.
Joanna’s line of luxe, seasonal accessories was born out of her mother’s love for the tradition of holiday decorating, and a scavenger hunt through her great-grandmother’s collection of ornaments (gathered throughout her travels in Europe, Joanna found them stashed in her parent’s home in the English countryside.) Inspired by her memories and these precious, sentimental finds, Joanna envisions a new take on classic holiday décor – rooted in tradition but decidedly modern and totally fabulous.
Joanna’s lines have expanded beyond holiday with seasonal offerings in gifting, tabletop, barware and décor that epitomize her ability to curate modern colors, chic graphic patterns and eclectic home furnishings. Her garden is a huge inspiration for the natural elements in her work (and is worth checking out on IG!) We sat down with the décor expert – check out her story below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Layered, colourful, eclectic.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel- growing up in Hong Kong, working in India and living in the UK.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I lost my job and was asked to help out with something. Having worked under someone else’s name for so many years, I decided that this time it had to be all me! There is not one day where I don't wake up wondering what new challenge will present itself!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
There have been many women I have looked up to and I have fabulous friends in the industry who always lend a helping hand when asked.
What does your home say about you:
It's a feeling, I wanted to create a feeling of optimism and comfort.
Where do you find inspiration:
So much of my design work is done in my head… and putting pen to paper is the very final step. So I work a lot from moods and past visual experiences. I am also very inspired by the medium or substrate itself… what can it do, how can I make it different to what others have done?
Who are your style icons:
I love Mary MacDonald.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
For the hosts to have a good time, and have done the prep work so that they can!
Do you collect anything:
I love round objects….glass balls, stone ones….I love having my crystal ball to see the future!!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I love the restraint of @petercopping, the exuberance of @francespalmer pottery, the pattern of @mariedaagefr, the sparkles of @willsnotebook!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I follow the rules of proportion and scale but break every single one about neutrals!
What are you working on right now:
I am working on the Holiday 2021 tabletop collection… the Christmas decoration collection is done!
Wardrobe staples:
I love great statement tops and casual pants.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Designers Guild and Cole and Son.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Lighting is critical… but I love natural light so we don't have any curtains in the house and I try not to turn on lights… I don't think that is what that advice means!!
Best career advice you ever received:
It’s the general advice of “Do what you love and happiness will follow”
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Everyone thinks I am crazy because I spend a lot on pillows, and despite years of pillow fights, they are holding up pretty well! I am a big believer in consignment stores. You can definitely get some wonderful things so you aren't really compromising on quality.
Your greatest extravagance:
Lovely perfume.
Favorite places to shop for home:
I love the new (ish) Lars Bolander shop in Westport. I also still love ABC carpet, it takes me back to when I first moved to New York. My head exploded with the beauty and inspiration right in front of me!
Most prized possession and why:
I love the jewelry my husband has bought me or that I have bought myself over the years, some really special pieces that all have such specific memories.
Your interiors motto:
YOU LIVE THERE
Your life motto:
Some pursue happiness, you create it
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Identify the ‘feel’ you want for your home and that will guide all your decisions. It's very easy to get sidetracked with a lot of ideas...but the edit is critical.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Lobster
Drink: Champagne
Film: Chariots of Fire
Hotel: Round Hill, Jamaica
City: Hong Kong
Bedding: Serena and Lilly
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Three different types of tea for morning (English Breakfast), tea time ( Earl Grey) and bedtime (Lapsang souchong) It’s an elaborate routine. All taken with milk!
Playlist: The new Greenday album
Weekend Activity: Gardening
Design Book: De Vera Jewelry