Talk Shop: Nicola Bathie McLaughlin // Nicola Bathie Jewelry
ABOUT NICOLA
We love Nicola Bathie McLaughlin for her style – her gorgeous jewelry line, Nicola Bathie, is one of our absolute favorites, and she has flawless taste when it comes to all things home. A trained interior designer herself, Nicola helmed McLaughlin Interiors for a number of years until she took a pause to focus on her two adorable daughters and her expanding jewelry line.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the ever-stylish McLaughlin has lived in England, Michigan, and grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where she resides today. Nicola’s pieces are ever evolving with the seasons and yet still timeless, allowing every woman to feel as if her jewelry piece is a statement curated specifically for her. We sat down with the tastemaker to chat all things home, entertaining and more. Read more below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Ethereal, classic, quirky.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Experience, colors, florals.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My jewelry company really started itself, it took off while I was in college majoring in Interior Design. I opened an Interior Design firm a few years after I graduated and since babies it has been on pause. But what I love about both jobs is every single day is different, and that is such a good thing for a mind that is in design.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I do! Leslie Jenkins from Jenkins Interiors taught me so much. I worked for her in Dallas after I graduated and that experience was so valuable far beyond interior design. In addition to the design guidance I learned when I was there, Leslie taught me confidence and she taught me grace and eloquence in the work place.
What does your home say about you:
Everything!!!
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere. I study every room or photo of room I see. There is always something to learn and to learn about your personal style.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Fresh flowers, soft music, and good lighting.
Do you collect anything:
I do, I collect antique mother of pearl boxes and antique famille rose pieces.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@sarahbartholomewdesign, @amylberry, @thefashionbugblog, @jamiebeck.co, @lucycuneo, @clarybosbyshell, @markdsikes, @juliaberolzheimer.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
My rule is to never have patterns that have a competing scale. A rule I like to break is keeping formal pieces together. I love to mix some of my nicest things with some of my least formal pieces.
What are you working on right now:
My Master bedroom which seems like I have been working on for 300 years. But it is is going to be done August and I am so excited!
Wardrobe staples:
A great pair of earrings, of course!
Best interior advice you ever received:
To always make sure your design is actually practical and livable, not just atheistically pleasing.
Best career advice you ever received:
Let any of the roadblocks and negatives you might encounter, make you stronger and educate you.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in the big items that you will keep, save on things that will come and go.
Your greatest extravagance:
I have pretty high standards.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Amy Berry Home, Paloma and Co, Blue Print Store, Sarah Bartholomew.
Most prized possession and why:
My children.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Find what makes you happy and comfortable. What is currently in style might not be your style at all. Your home encompasses and houses you and your family and your life. You look at it everyday, you live it everyday. It has to be beautiful to you.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pizza
Drink: A Vespa.. Fresh ginger, lime, gin and st. germaine.
Film: of the moment… Father of the Bride I and II
Hotel: The Goring
City: London
Bedding: Schweitzer Linens
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Oat milk latte in the morning, English Breakfast tea in afternoon with milk AND sugar.
Playlist: Father of The Bride on Pandora
Weekend Activity: Saturday mornings we take the girls on a long run and then have coffee and lattes after. We spend a lot of time outside on the weekends and it really slows things down.
Design Book: I love Victoria Hagan and Suzanne Kaslers interior books.
