Talk Shop: Shelley Johnstone // Shelley Johnstone Design
ABOUT SHELLEY
Trained at London’s Inchbald School of Design, Shelley Johnstone has been nationally recognized for her signature aesthetic – elegant European influenced interiors, with a fresh modern twist. Shelley has been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Chicago Magazine, Luxe, The New York Times, ArchDigest.com, Veranda.com, and Tory Daily, and has been named to the Luxe “Gold” List multiple times and recognized as a “Next Wave” interior designer by House Beautiful.
After 20 years of designing, Shelley decided to open her design studio and retail showroom in her hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois in November of 2017. Shelley and her team have worked on projects from Newport, Rhode Island, Naples, Florida, London, England, Dallas, Texas, as well as Chicago and its North Shore. Shelley strives to create a lifestyle for her clients, as well as beautiful timeless homes to be lived in and enjoyed. We love Shelley’s aesthetic as well as her ethos and approach to design as a whole, and we particularly fell in love with her room at this year’s Lake Forest Infant Welfare Showhouse – what a dream! We sat down with the talented designer to hear her take on the best interiors advice she’s ever received, when not to take a client, her favorite entertaining tricks, and more.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Curated, elegant, inviting.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Two very creative parents, moving to London where I attended the Inchbald School of Design then worked for a designer and at Pierre Frey in their sample room, and travel.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
After moving back from London I started Shelley Johnstone Design and was fortunate through word of mouth to gain clients. I love what I do because I am fortunate to work with lovely people on beautiful spaces that brings everyone so much joy!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My parents and my husband have been a great source of knowledge. They have encouraged me to keep the business at a scale where it feels comfortable and allows me to be selective on the projects I take on.
What does your home say about you:
It says that it is a true family home that is lived in and enjoyed but also beautiful.
Where do you find inspiration:
I am a very visual person that finds inspiration from everything I see....a simple walk around my yard and garden, travel, museums, books, movies and IG....inspiration everywhere!
Who are your style icons:
Valentino, Oscar de La Renta, Aerin Lauder...people who have created beautiful homes and lifestyles.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
An interesting, layered table, yummy food, fun guests, great music and creating a beautiful and inviting venue that your guests leave feeling liked you cared to make the effort for them.
Do you collect anything:
Tableware – dishes, crystal, linens and anything interesting for setting a beautiful table.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@stephensillsassociates, @lafontelinacapri, @bruce__budd, @latuilealoup, @arielokin :)
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Having good balance and scale...there are so many I break, like using jute or sisal in a dining room. I heard that once and never followed!!!
What are you working on right now:
We are so fortunate to be working on amazing residential projects here in the Chicago area and recently expanded into the FL area where we are currently working on a private club in Naples and a home in Palm Beach. I also am working on a book, A Loving Table with Kimberly Whitman that profiles 20+ stylish women and their traditions for creating A Loving Table.
Wardrobe staples:
Beautiful simple wardrobe with classic Hermes Birkin or Kelly handbag and classic, interesting jewelry. Keep it simple!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Have a well planned furniture layout.
Best career advice you ever received:
Trust your instincts on when to say no to a project.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in beautiful antiques, art and certain upholstery pieces. Save on some fun layered accents items that can be interesting and not break the bank.
Your greatest extravagance:
Art, hand painted wallpaper, lacquered ceilings and upholstered rooms……All worth it and timeless :)
Favorite places to shop for home:
John Rosselli, KRB, 1st Dibs and any local design or antique shops when traveling.
Most prized possession and why:
My home that I have created for my family. It has truly been a source of comfort and joy especially appreciated during these uncertain times.
Your interiors motto:
A home is to be lived in and enjoyed.
Your life motto:
Positivity, kindness and gratitude are infectious :)
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Be and embrace your authentic self.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pizza
Drink: Sweet tea
Film: To Catch A Thief
Hotel: Hotel La Scalinatella in Capri Italy
City: London
Bedding: D. Porthault
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Funny fact, never had a cup of coffee. My drink is an almond milk hot chocolate!
Playlist: Country in the car and Hans Zimmer scores from Nancy Meyers movies in the office
Weekend Activity: spending time with family and friends at home, time in my garden
Design Book: Jean- Michel Frank and any David Adler/ Frances Elkins book!!
