Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Fashion meets Interiors: featuring Style Blogger Morgan Lillian


It's time for my favorite series, Fashion meets Interiors, and today I'm featuring style blogger Morgan Gaston of blog Morgan Lillian. If you recognize Morgan, it may be because this is Morgan's second feature on Interiors by Jacquin. You can check out her previous guest post where Morgan explores Spain here. (She was a brunette back then!) It's great inspiration for your next European vacation itinerary. Now let's get back to Morgan's summer-fresh outfit inspired by this earthy & bold interior design. I must say that I love the mustard yellow shade of Morgan's dress! Great color for our current transition from Summer to Fall.  

Hi  loves! My name is Morgan Lillian and I do that whole blogging thing over at MorganLillian.com where my niche includes fashion trends, lifestyle, and travel. I'm based here in Seattle, Washington, a notoriously cloudy and misty place except during the summer, when it's the most beautiful place in the country. Summers here truly make the rest of the year worth it. Less clothes, happy vibes, and being able to go downtown and sit on a patio somewhere sipping on a colorful drink are the reasons I live for summer (and live in Seattle!). When it comes to fashion, summer dressing brings the fun, color and creativity back into your wardrobe, as go-to winter shades like blacks and greys get pushed to the back of the closet. Bold shades like yellows, pinks, and oranges emerge, making summer the perfect time for style creativity.

47 Park Avenue (UK) via Tobu Designer


Looking at this interior, I was drawn in by the cool tones mixed with the leather couch. While the couch is mostly a distressed brown, there are some yellow undertones that I love which is where this yellow mustard dress was inspired. In further inspiration of this great room, I added a statement necktie with the colors white, blue, and mustard to pull everything together. Not to mention that a necktie is a chic way to bring your silk scarves into your summer wardrobe. My necktie today is prominent but allows the dress to stand alone, just as the leather couch stands alone, but not in solidarity.

SHOP THE LOOK!


Learn more about Morgan over at her blog MorganLillian.com or visit her Instagram page. Until next time... Ciao!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Decorating wtih Ornamental Ceiling Medallions


For a high impact, yet cost effective update to a special area in your home, try installing an ornamental ceiling medallion. A ceiling medallion can be the perfect accent for a unique chandelier and will work well with most light fixtures. I really love the romance and architectural element that ornate medallions add to a room, so I've rounded up my favorite interiors showcasing this gorgeous ceiling feature.

The Heathered Nest


London residence designed by Cochrane Designs.

After a day of research and viewing tons of stunning ceilings, it seems that it's hard to go wrong when decorating with a ceiling medallion. All of the rooms I've come across with this architectural feature have been spot on! For example, I love how regal this master bathroom looks with its intricate ceiling medallion and oversized tufted pouf. These are just the kind of details that begin to make your home feel a little more like a vacation destination.

And if you're new to this architectural feature you'll be glad to know that installing a ceiling medallion is rather simple. The most detail oriented part is cutting a proper sized hole in the center of the medallion to install you light fixture through (although some will already have a cut-out for your light fixture when you purchase it). Here is a great tutorial on how to install a ceiling medallion in detail.

Ceiling fan + medallion combination by Kristin Jackson

On another note, I've never seen a ceiling medallion paired well with a ceiling fan, so the bedroom design above from designer Kristin Jackson was pretty exciting. This interior design serves as proof that a ceiling medallion is still completely possible even if your room has a ceiling fan. Just make sure that the style of your ceiling fan and medallion do not clash aesthetically.

Closet door DIY tutorial from One Kings Lane. 

Lastly, don't forget that you can even beautify smaller spaces like bathrooms, hallways, and office spaces with ornamental medallions. For a twist on the traditional ceiling medallion, take a look at One Kings Lane's recent DIY where they upgrade closet doors using circular medallions. I am loving the feminine, European touch that these luxe doors give the room!

All of these rooms showcasing stunning medallions peaked my interest so I went on the hunt to source the perfect ceiling medallions online. Here are a few majorly chic medallions to consider for your home.

This architectural feature is perfect for introducing instant luxury to your space!


1. Ekena Millwork Benson Classic Ceiling Medallion - $59.95 
2. Ekena Millwork Eryn Ceiling Medallion - $66.95 
3. Elk Lighting English Study Ceiling Medallion - $180.00 
4. Hickory Manor House Crown Molding Ceiling Medallion - $329.95 
5. Elegant Lighting Mirrored Medallion - $200.00 
6. Elk Lighting Laureldale White Ceiling Medallion - $84.00

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Designer Spotlight: Fashion and Interiors on the Mexico Border


Megan Feuille is a fashion and interior designer living in El Paso, Texas and the founder of Paloma El Paso. Fueled by the cultural influences of living in a border town where the sister city is Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, Megan's designs have a distinctly light and airy Mexican essence. Rebecca Quinones, one of the fantastic interns for Interiors by Jacquin, recently connected with designer Megan Feuille and had the opportunity to learn more about Megan's passion for design and her creative connection to Mexico. Check out this culturally inspired interor design and fashion brand - Paloma El Paso.

PHILOSOPHY:

Megan's philosophy on design (for interiors as well as fashion) is the importance of keeping the design fun and accessible. She also tries to remember that nothing is ever THAT big of a deal, and that there is always room for improvement.


ENTREPRENEURSHIP:

As I asked Megan how she built her business from the ground as an entrepreneur, she said that before Paloma El Paso, she had never even thought of owning her own business.

Megan graduated with degrees in Religious Studies and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, but was always interested in design. After graduating from college, she taught preschool in Austin for 5 years, then started a design blog for her own enjoyment.

One day, Megan received an email from a friend asking if she owned her own design business, asking for her help. Instead of answering immediately, Megan sent in her paperwork to the state comptroller, claimed herself a business owner the very next day, and got to work. Megan and her husband then made their move to El Paso, desiring a change of pace. She ran her blog for a year, took a break, did fashion styling and worked for a nonprofit organization called Ciudad Nueva. During this break, she asked herself… "What if I worked with women in Mexico to make traditional Mexican clothes for the American marketplace?

She envisioned something easy, feminine, and of course, accessible. Megan sent her lacey, airy, and casual designs to Southern Mexico to her old roommate and friend from college, Candice Leigh, the founder of Oh Fox Creative. Megan loved the results, but put everything on hold when her and her husband got the call for their adoption and started their beautiful family. Once she got back on track, she designed her own website, new ideas, and is even her own model.



MANUFACTURING PROCESS:

One of my biggest questions for Megan was "How does it all work?" Once Paloma El Paso started back up again, Megan sent more designs in, and what she received next were samples of her own designs. If something isn't quite right, she makes the edits for the item to be re-woven and the process begins again.

Megan expressed just how grateful she is for the women in Mexico and the collaboration they've forged in addition to being appreciative of everyone who visits her site. Everything Megan designs for Paloma El Paso is hand woven with love and care on a traditional loom. Megan describes her designs as "handmade works of art", which is completely accurate. She wants people to appreciate and enjoy how beautiful these hand creations are, all while protecting the makers' integrity. 



CREATIVE INSPIRATION:

"I like to follow designers I admire, like Kelly Wearstler."

Megan uses photos from other great artists to inspire her designs. She also loves to travel and to see pictures of where other people go. This is represented in the cultural influences of her designs as she admires Latin American textiles from Mexico, Peru and Guatemala. Megan also takes influences from Morocco, where she's also had the opportunity to visit. 



INTERTWINING PASSIONS:

Working in two different industries, fashion and interior design simultaneously, has both varying and intersecting elements, but the foundation of both are style. Megan balances working in these industries by keeping a relaxed approach and remembering that it's really all connected. Besides making her job fun, Megan's number one piece of advice for young designers is having "good basics and crazy accessories". She loves to mix high and low. The same applies to interiors. It makes sense to spend more money on items that last forever (like a sofa), and selecting these more expensive items in neutral tends to make sense. However, you can go crazy with a bold rug or throw that can easily be switched out and still create a colorful interior. It's all about balance. 

Megan also loves to mix silhouettes in fashion and interiors and believes that confidence is key when pulling off any look. Megan's take home point... "As far as fashion:anything goes. There aren't as many rules as people think there are." So have fun with it!


Visit Paloma El Paso to catch Megan Feuille's latest designs!

Sister Golden Boutique: Flower Prints & Boho-Chic Decor


Online boutique Sister Golden is one of my exciting recent finds. Their flower prints are cheerful and inspirational and their global home decor has a great, boho-chic vibe. I've interviewed the mother-daughter duo operating Sister Golden for today's feature, Vicki and Brooke Rawlins. Vicki Rawlins is the creative artist behind these fun floral prints! Learn more about this duo below.

Jacquin: How did Sister Golden come about? What inspired your brand's name?

Brooke: My goal has always been to own a small boutique of my own where I could decorate the bare walls with my mom’s (Vicki's) art and represent other up and coming artists and makers. About 2 years ago we came to the conclusion that there’s really no time like the present, but because we lived in different states, whatever we did needed to start in cyberspace. So, I took the domain name from my old blog, “Sister Golden”, and we started working out the details. Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment we said “let’s do it”. The inspiration was really just the urge that we needed to make it happen in whatever way we could. What SG has naturally evolved into is a great representation of what we both bring to the table in terms of interests and abilities.

The name Sister Golden was inspired by America's Song "Sister Golden Hair". My dad has called both myself and my mom that for years, so we just kind of naturally gravitated to it. 

(Left) Palm Boob Pot (Right) Cool Dots Senegal Basket

(Left) Azila Boucherouite Pillow (Right) Cusco Manta Pillow

Jacquin: You sell such beautiful artwork and home accessories! I love your vintage kilim throw pillows. Has sourcing these vintage items led to any exciting excursions or flea market visits?

Brooke: It's crazy how much business can be handled online - from sourcing items to running an entire shop. We have relationships with families across the world who help us source things like our vintage pillows. Most of that is done by looking through hundreds of images and carefully choosing the pieces we'd like. We also try to get to as many handmade fairs, trade shows, and antique shops as we can. We would love to eventually take a trip to Turkey or Morocco ourselves to source in person. That would be incredible and is definitely a goal of ours.

Jacquin: One of my favorite items you sell are your Flower Prints! I actually just decorated a space in a client's home using your "Pink Frida" print. The client loved it! How did you begin creating your flower prints? What inspired you? What do you enjoy most about creating with flowers?

Vicki: I've been a professional artist for over 35 years, but just started working with foliage a year and a half ago! I had seen some foliage art floating around Instagram and told Brooke, I had to try it. I'm a "master gardener wanna be" as a hobby, so it wasn't a real stretch to start working flowers into my art as a medium! We put my first piece up on our Instagram feed and it got a wonderful response! But truly it didn't matter, I was addicted from my first piece!

I fell in love with foliage art for its sustainable and therapeutic qualities. Every piece is foraged from Mother Nature. No glue, tape or anything else is ever used to adhere the foliage to a surface, so the pieces of foliage and flowers are just delicately balancing on one another until I get the look I want. Once photographed it all goes back into Mother Nature or sometimes I'll keep little bits for future pieces!

"Pineapple" Flower Print by Vicki Rawlins

Jacquin: What would you like to learn to create next, Vicki?

Vicki: Painting and drawing have always been my first love. But I would love to learn more about ceramics and metal work! I love working with textiles and have always wanted to design my own tiles and make my own metal garden sculptures. Someday, there's just not enough hours in a day!!

"She Wore White" Flower Print by Vicki Rawlins

Jacquin: What's in store for Sister Golden as your business grows? What are you most looking forward to as a creative company? 

Brooke: A brick and mortar has always been a goal, with a gallery-type space to feature Vicki's flower art prints in person. Each day, we can see that dream a little bit clearer. I know Vicki is constantly pushing herself with flowers and when I think her creations just can't get any better, I'm always reminded to think again. All in all, we're excited to keep challenging each other to see how our unique strengths ultimately manifest!

Owners of Sister Golden: Vicki Rawlins (left) and daughter Brooke Rawlins.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Contemporary Gold Brass Furniture from Jenifer Janniere


When Jenifer Janniere contacted me regarding her new furniture brand, I knew I had to feature her amazing designs. Jenifer's background is interior design but she has found a new passion in furniture design. Jenifer's bold, geometric designs blend the line between art deco and contemporary, adding a bit of edge and interest to any space. My favorite piece from her inaugural collection is the stunning geometric bookcase shown below.

Jenifer Janniere Etagere

Jenifer's design process is quite impressive and intricate, and fully directed by Jenifer herself. In terms of production, each piece is crafted in powder-coated 16 gauge steel that is treated with a hand-applied gold finish for a luxury feel. Jenifer also offers black and antique brass finishes for those wanting a slightly different look. 

Jenifer Janniere C2 Console Table.

Want a peek at what Jenifer Janniere's designs look like in a residential space? Take a look at this lovely staging from store As Of Now, which currently carries Jenifer Janniere's line of contemporary furniture. 

Jenifer Janniere Arrow Side Table.

There are just so many great pieces to choose from. I really love her bed frame design and arrow side table as well. You can shop Jenifer Janniere's new collection through her website or the As Of Now store. 

Jenifer Janniere No.2 Bed frame

Which Jenifer Janniere design is your favorite?

***Vote for Interiors by Jacquin for the Amara Blog Awards here!***


Friday, August 12, 2016

Vote for me in the Amara Blog Awards!


Hi  everyone! Thank you for your continued support of the blog. You all are amazing!! I have a tiny favor to ask you that will make a huge difference for me. I'm nominated for an Amara Blog Award and I would be very grateful for your vote. It's so easy too. Pop over and vote now! Just click here. I truly appreciate it. Thank you!

***Vote for Interiors by Jacquin for the Amara Blog Award here!

***

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Artist Spotlight: NYC Photographer Wesley Stringer

"Cloth" Series. -  Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

You may remember that I was looking for two great interns not too long ago and I am so glad that I've found not only two, but three fantastic interns for Interiors by Jacquin. These interns are quite talented so I've invited them to guest post here on the blog. Today's guest post comes from my intern Sunny Tsao, a New York based journalism student with a great eye for style and photography. Sunny recently interviewed photographer Wesley Stringer for this Artist Spotlight feature. 

After finishing my sophomore year of college and returning back home for summer vacation, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with New York City based photographer, Wesley StringerOriginally from Oklahoma, Wesley moved to New York City in order to satisfy his aspirations in photography. Wesley’s photographs range from rusty and abandoned outdoor areas, to aquatic floral gardens, to subdued portraits of high-fashion models.

"Cloth" Series. - Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

"Cloth" Series. - Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

Wesley Stringer’s inspiration...

I've had a pretty wide range of influences. I was initially most interested in figurative work and was most drawn to images like those of Paolo Roversi and Sarah Moon. In recent years however I've become more focused on environment and have been influenced by people like Nadav Kander, Rinko Kawauchi, Alec Soth, and Michael Kenna.

How does your personal style reflect itself in your photographs?

I don't think an artist can have a clear voice unless the work their making is a clear reflection of themselves. In that sense, I do hope that my work is a reflection of my values and tastes. I think much of my work exhibits an optimism and idealism that I value. I have little interest in shock or any kind of abruptness or grotesquerie. I want my work to be quiet, understated, and contemplative.

Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

What is your ideal setting to shoot?

Cloudy rainy days.

If you were to travel to some place, what gear do you take with you? What's your favorite lens?

Hassleblad 500c/m (2) w/ A12 back (2), 150mm f/4, 80mm f/2.8, a whole bunch of Portra 400 120mm. Usually some Ilford Delta as well. Also a Canon EOS 650 and a few rolls of Portra 400 35mm.

Where do you see your passion taking you five years from now?

Exhibitions and gallery work is the eventual goal. I'd like to begin publishing books by then as well.

Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

Practice is the only real way to take better pictures. I think spending a lot of time searching for inspiration is a bit of a waste. The best new avenues come to you in the moment, and can't really be manufactured otherwise.

That being said I do think there is great value in spending time meeting with other artists and learning their processes and perspectives. Becoming too insular is a trap I find myself sometimes falling into.

I also think physicality is important. For me, a photograph is never finished until it's printed. Multiple prints can give you a better idea of sequence and narrative, and show you what you may be lacking or might have otherwise missed.

Copyright © 2016 Wesley Stringer. All rights reserved.

What's your ideal shoot like? Setting? Subjects? Gear? Describe how you picture it to look like.

I don't really think this exists for me. Most of my favorite work has been discovered. I'm not much of a planner, and when I've tried to build out a narrative beforehand it has often been to my detriment.