Designer of the Week: Jessica Neeren

Why do you love interior design?

I love interior design because it has the power to bring joy and enhance people’s well-being in their homes. It genuinely improves their quality of life by creating spaces that make them feel happier and more comfortable. 

My love of interior design stems from my passion for creating spaces that reflect personal identity, evoke emotion, and boost daily life. I enjoy the artistry involved in harmonizing colors, textures, and shapes, as well as the challenge of transforming a blank canvas into something that radiates warmth and style.

Describe your style in three words

Inviting, refined, harmonious

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m constantly inspired by the world around me. Travel, nature, fashion, and architecture all influence me deeply, but art remains my greatest source of inspiration.

Name a current trend that you love.

I am so in love with biophilic design. Biophilic design is an approach that integrates natural elements into indoor spaces to create a connection with nature. This often involves using natural materials, plants, natural light, and organic shapes to promote well-being and create a calming, harmonious atmosphere.

What's a trick of the trade that you live by?

• Introduce pops of color to infuse personality into the space.

• Incorporate natural elements to create a connection with the outdoors.

• Layers of texture enhance warmth and add depth.

• Using art as a focal point is an excellent foundation for your design.

• Ensure your pet's coloring complements your interior (just kidding).

• Accessories serve as the icing on the cake.

Share the story of your project with Ernesta. How did the custom-sized rug make an impact? Any memorable reactions from your client? We'd love to hear the details.

When I embarked on the search for the perfect rug, I reviewed countless samples. During the meeting with my clients, Ernesta's Sinclair in Pepper emerged as the clear standout. Given the room’s unique dimensions, it was essential to find a rug that fit perfectly. The rug’s custom size and exquisite pattern created a harmonious flow in the space, beautifully balancing the furniture and defining the overall layout.

When my clients saw the finished rug for the first time, it was love at first sight. They are excited about hosting family gatherings and holiday dinners in this room for many years to come. This is why I love what I do.

Share your approach to custom-sizing rugs for a space. What factors do you consider to ensure a tailored fit and aesthetic harmony?

The size of an area rug largely depends on the furniture arrangement and the specific needs of the space. Every situation is unique and requires careful consideration to determine the right size.

In many cases, I believe that an area rug needs to be custom-sized for optimal effect.  A well-sized rug is essential for successful design. When selecting a rug for under a dining room table, for example, the general guideline is to leave 24 inches between the table edge and the rug edge. However, I prefer a bit more space—30 inches—to allow for easy chair movement. That extra 6 inches truly makes a difference.

What is your idea of great design?

Great design reflects the client’s unique style and personality, resulting in a space they are delighted to come home to and proud to share with others.

With holiday hosting in mind, what design elements do you focus on to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests?  

To create a welcoming atmosphere, I rely on effective lighting. Dimmable overhead lights and flickering candles are my go-to choices. For fragrance, I've cherished Capri Blue Volcano for the past 25 years. Its fresh scent enhances the space without overpowering the aroma of home-cooked meals.

I’ve also curated a collection of plates and placemats for each holiday we celebrate, which I bring out annually. I love incorporating new decor each year and blending it with the old, adding depth and meaning to our celebrations.

Music is another essential element for me. I keep it softly playing in the background at just the right volume, ensuring it elevates the ambiance without overwhelming anyone.

How do rugs contribute to the overall feel of a space during the holiday season, especially when entertaining family and friends?   
Rugs are essential for defining different areas within a home, serving as both functional and decorative elements. They help delineate spaces, making an open floor plan feel more intimate and inviting. Additionally, rugs provide a polished finish to a room, grounding the decor and adding texture. Their warmth and softness underfoot contribute to a cozy atmosphere, inviting people to gather and relax. Whether it's a plush area rug in the living room or a vibrant runner in the hallway, the right rug can transform a space, enhancing its overall aesthetic and comfort.

What’s a common design mistake you see homeowners make when prepping their homes for holiday entertaining, and how can they avoid it?

When it comes to holiday decor, it’s easy to go overboard, but I firmly believe that less is often more. Striking a balance between your everyday decor and subtle, classic holiday touches is essential. A few well-placed decorations can elevate the space without overwhelming it. Keeping the look classy and cohesive truly makes a lasting impression and creates a warm, inviting environment that feels both festive and sophisticated.

If you could design a home for one famous person / couple, who would it be?

Designing a home for Christian Lacroix would be a dream come true. Lacroix is a fashion icon recognized for his vibrant and extravagant designs that exude a sense of drama and luxury on the runway. He also has an incredible collection of fabrics and pillows for the home that I adore. His creations are characterized by striking colors and intricate embellishments that showcase a mix of past influences and contemporary flair. Creating a living space tailored to Lacroix’s style would likely involve capturing his fusion of avant-garde fashion with nods to history and cultural inspirations.

I would choose Ernestsa's Amelia rug for Lacroix because it is such a statement piece, especially in the Onyx colorway. The deep, rich tones and geometric pattern make it bold. It would definitely bring a lot of character to a space, adding both warmth and depth without overwhelming the room. It would make the space feel cozy, yet sophisticated.