Interior designer Jessica Lynn Williams describes her aesthetic as “country meets city; chippy meets charming; raw meets chic, and all with a thread of unexpected color combinations.” This Brooklyn designer continues to push the boundaries with her unique, rustic-chic style and flair for the colorful. We asked Jessica about her design inspiration, how she uses vintage and what makes for a truly standout room. Read on below, and shop her Chairish favorites here.
What Chairish item are you lusting after?
I’m mad for this Crystal Firework Chandelier!
Why do you like shopping Chairish?
Shopping on Chairish is similar to looking through a box full of family photos. Largely the collection feels familiar and nostalgic, but there are plenty of pieces you’ll discover with unique qualities.
What do you love about designing with vintage decor?
I love building spaces with a touch of history. I choose pieces based on how they will contribute to the narrative of a space, which is why I encourage my clients to dust off their family heirlooms and pair them with the new pieces we find together.
What was your best vintage score?
My best vintage “score” was a tin sewing box given to me by my Grandma, Shirley Lou. I collected thread and buttons in it as a little girl, and she later gifted it to me with all of my tiny creations from over the years.
What are you most inspired by right now?
I’m constantly on the hunt for natural elements like seashells and coral pieces. They often inspire new color combinations. My current color palette includes: cobalt blue, blue lavender, emerald green, soft white and plum.
What is your golden design rule?
A successful design formula that I’ve established with my clients is to create a neutral foundation that allows for a flexible layering of color and pattern.
What’s a design rule you love to break?
A rule that I consistently break in my own home is mixing up the function and use of rooms. I’ve always been curious about our intuitive and programmed nature to look at an empty room without considering all possibilities. I’m generally not a fan of labels, so why not create a workspace where most would place a formal dining room.
Best way to add drama to a room?
Look for opportunities to add contrast in a space. For an example, if your room is filled with shorter pieces, bring in something tall like a hutch or bookshelf. Opposites used in a controlled way tend to complement each other.
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What’s your design signature?
I have an affinity for collections made up of repeating common objects. Collections demonstrate dedication and strict curation, while highlighting the subtle characteristics of each piece. This could be seen as a cluster of twenty candlestick holders on a window sill or framed art that stretches from floor to ceiling.
Trend you hope never makes a comeback?
I won’t miss one of the trends that we’re currently living in, which is avoiding color to attempt a raw and pure quality. I’m constantly inspired by the Shaker style, but it feels a bit forced in some contexts.
Designer you most admire?
Barbara Barry and Frances Elkins.
Space you can’t get out of your mind?
In recent months, I can’t get the images of Naomi Watts’ living room and entryway (Ashe + Leandro) out of my mind. It’s perfectly collected and simply elevated.
No room is complete without…?
A space is not complete without fresh flowers or any natural elements.
Most important room in the house?
It’s no surprise, but the kitchen is the most important place in a home. From a designer’s perspective, it’s an area where the possibilities are limitless and you can push the most timid clients into making bold statements.
Thank you Jessica for giving us your design insider insight! Shop Jessica’s gorgeous Chairish favorites here!
All Images Courtesy of Jessica Lynn Williams