Jennifer S.
Jennifer is the head of her own interior design & consulting practice. She holds a Master of Arts degree in East Asian Studies and specialize in Visual Arts. Her studies and experiences living abroad have greatly informed her work, as she draws inspiration from trends in contemporary Japanese and Korean design and theories of Zen aesthetics. In her free time, she is grateful to have been able to assist in reconstruction and revitalization efforts in areas such as the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina and Tohoku following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. She always looks forward to encountering new spaces where she can bring her clients’ visions to life.
Tell us your biggest design secret:
Bob Ross famously said "There are no mistakes, just happy accidents," and that is really my design secret. This might be the western equivalent of the Zen aesthetic philosophy of "wabi sabi," which in English design theory is often translated as "wisdom in natural simplicity" or "flawed beauty." I focus on nature in my designs, so I try to stick with the concept of "leaving things where they lie" when arranging elements in order to maintain a natural, livable environment that is not overly-manufactured.
What drives you to design?
I believe it's so important for people to be able to visualize and then realize their ideal living space. Having a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing home is the most important aspect in fostering well-being. Therefore, helping people better their lives through their environment is what drives me to design.
From where do you draw most of your inspiration?
I hold a Master of Arts degree in East Asian Studies, and during my studies I specialized in visual arts, so I draw most of my inspiration from trends in Japanese and Korean contemporary interior design, as well as the philosophies of Zen aesthetics.