Based on Chicago’s North Shore but working in homes across the country, Meghan Jay attracts clients in search of color and character. With a background in fashion, she’s skilled at combining colors and patterns in unexpected ways. Ginghams, florals, and layered textures come together in rooms that freely mix modern and vintage—every space feels inviting. Here, Meghan shares her approach to design along with a few Chairish favorites.
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What made you passionate about interior design?
I’ve always been passionate about interior design, since I was a little girl, but it took me a while to realize I should—and could—make it my career. My university and post-grad studies led me to pursue other career opportunities. But during the pandemic, I launched my business. There’s no going back! It’s liberating to finally find my passion at the age of 40.
In retrospect, I grew up in a house filled with amazing design inspiration, as my mom is also passionate about interior design. I inherited my skills from her! As I grew up close to Connecticut, we would often take the train into New York and walk through showrooms—Pierre Deux, etc. She always encouraged me to express myself through design!
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
I have a real weakness for sentimental objects and quirky curiosities. Basically, anything that’s lived a long, story-filled life. I love scrolling through Charish’s listings—and honestly spend hours doing so. For me, it feels like a treasure hunt. I never know what cool piece I’ll find! And I also find it to be so educational—I’m constantly learning about vintage furniture and lighting designers.
Logistically, I love that Chairish items can be shipped straight to me or my clients. And I love that I can search through pieces that are located near my zip code.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
If an object is still around decades later, chances are it was crafted with longevity in mind (as is often the case with preowned furniture made of solid wood versus today’s fiberboard). I love breathing new life into a unique, quality piece versus purchasing something new that likely won’t stand the test of time.
Do you have any go to color palettes and color combos?
I always gravitate towards yellow. It can be a bit of a polarizing color with clients, but for me it evokes joy. And I think there’s a stigma around yellow; that it can only be used in a nursery and can’t be done in a sophisticated way. I love combining yellow with aqua or a light blue—and I think always adding a hint of darkness, like black or navy, brings a bit of edge and grounds a bright, playful scheme.
What advice do you have for first-time clients to make their space truly personal?
Keep a narrow focus. Don’t overwhelm yourself and try to design a whole room right out the gate. Work towards creating a vignette by pulling together a small, collected arrangement or display of objects, furniture, and décor items. For instance, start with sourcing pieces for a gallery wall, or put together a few items to create a cozy reading nook in your home.
I also tell my clients—if you love it, go for it. You’ll figure out the rest later! You should make moves on pieces that really speak to you. Having them in your home will make it feel more curated and personal.
Lead Image: Interior by Meghan Jay Design, Styling by Centered by Design, Photography by Heather Talbert.
