Hello friends! I’m gearing up for the big store opening and I want to let you know that YOU are invited. Please join me on this exciting journey by stopping by the grand openig event on November 11th and 12th from 1pm to 5pm, or by visiting the new online shop. At the new storefront you will find luxury home decor, vibrant artwork, and custom rugs. Please reach out with any product questions, or even to commission a custom painting. Thank you for your support!  

Store address: 112 N. Center Street, Grand Prairie, TX

Shou Sugi Ban is the Japanese technique of burning or charring wood. It’s a stunning wood treatment to consider for the modern and contemporary home, especially for those wanting to make an eye-catching statement. This charring technique creates a richly hued, dark color in wood that actually highlights the unique texture and grain of each piece of wood. It also happens to dramatically increase the wood’s durability and strength, which is another noteworthy bonus to Shou Sugi Ban, and happens to be the main reason this technique was initiated in Japan centuries ago.

There are some cutting edge, contemporary designs being produced using Shou Sugi Ban techniques. The coffee tables shown and the furniture below are beautiful examples of contemporary Shou Sugi Ban furniture.

The steps necessary to accomplish a Shou Sugi Ban wood technique are actually relatively simple, but it still needs to be done with great care and safety. Of course learning how to build your own furniture with Shou Sugi Ban wood would be a feat, but simpler applications like a paneled accent wall could be more easily achieved by the average person.

Step-by-Step Shou Sugi Ban Process:

1) Burn the wood – Use a propane torch to char the wood. Add scorch marks to areas of the wood, without completely blackening the entire piece of wood. Make sure to be safe by wearing protective glasses and keeping water and a fire extinguisher near by.

2) Brush the wood – After you have finished burning the wood to your liking, then wet the wood and scrub it with a wire brush. The more you brush the wood with the wire brush, the lighter the finish will become. Stop at your desired wood tone.

3) Wash the wood – Thereafter you need to wash the wood to remove the dust and loose charred pieces. Then allow to completely dry.

4) Finish the wood – Seal and finish the wood once dried with Tung or Penefin Oil to preserve your Shou Sugi Ban’d wood long term.

When charring wood you’ll find that there are range of shades you can accomplish depending on how extensively you burn the wood. With a lighter hand, you will create variations of wood tones with some darker areas like in the wood above, but with a heavier hand you can create a completely ebony shade of wood.

I personally love the idea of using Shou Sugi Ban wood for an exterior door or coffee table. While you can stain wood black, there is something special about the effect that charring wood creates. It’s the kind of wood treatment you should select if you really want to make a bold statement. There are several companies providing Shou Sugi Ban wood planks for flooring and other uses ready to go! Check out Reclaimed DesignWorks, CharredWood.com, and Montana Timber Products to see their Shou Sugi Ban wood collections.

Below you’ll see the design work of Stefan Bishop. After this designer’s expert Shou Sugi Ban application, each ring within the interior of the wood pops out with dramatic flair. Truly a work of art!

How would you use Shou Sugi Ban within your home? Would you give it a try for your home’s exterior paneling, or perhaps your cabinets or a coffee table? Share you Shou Sugi Ban preferences in the comments below!

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on Twitter and Instagram

If you have ever had a destination vacation, you have probably done your fair share of hotel research. Normally, people look at hotel reviews on its cleanliness, service, and location. However, these days travelers want more than just an average lodging option, they want an experience, and art hotels are the perfect answer to this.

Art hotels are an up and coming phenomena around the world. For those who are not aware of what an “art hotel” is exactly, to put it simply, they can be described as luxury hotels that have chosen extravagant artwork to decorate the interiors or exteriors of their rooms. However, the term “art hotel” could mean several different things. For some hotel businesses, it means that they invest in a collection of original artwork to showcase in their lobbies, bedrooms, and bathrooms. For other hotel businesses, it means that they showcase installations of different up and coming artists in their spaces. Both of these takes on art hotels allow travelers to have a unique experience while traveling. They are not just staying at another ordinary hotel with ordinary artwork that you could find at Ikea or Target; they are visiting a one-of-a-kind uniquely decorated hotel, and that is something to write home about.

One of the most luxurious art hotels in the world is called The Ellerman House. This art hotel is a five-star, internationally acclaimed hotel located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the home to a collection of original art pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also tell the rich historical story of South Africa. Personally, I think it is important to know about the culture and history of the place you are visiting. With this in mind, I found it extremely commendable that this hotel offers patrons a personal tour guide for the collection of artwork displayed. This allows their travelers to have a full understanding of the extensive history from the mid-nineteenth to twentieth century of Cape Town. The Ellerman House is definitely a luxurious art hotel that you should check out if you’re in the area!

Now, South Africa might be far away for most of you, and you should know that you don’t have to go far and wide to find a fun and exciting art hotel. The Hotel Des Arts is art hotel in California with a different take on the meaning of an “art hotel”. It is located in the heart of San Francisco. As many of you know, San Francisco has a copious amount of street artwork that is pertinent to the city, and this hotel reflects the culture of street artists inside each room. There are thirteen tourist rooms and 38 residential rooms, each decorated with a different permanent mural or installation created by rising artists from around the world. When it comes to the design of each room, the artists had full artistic freedom for the murals and installations that covered the walls of the bedrooms. The floor-to-ceiling paintings create a unique interactive experience for each patron, bringing the culture right into the room with them. The hallways contain temporary artwork that can be purchased, and this artwork is switched out every few months. This is one out of many art hotels located inside of the United States that offers a unique lodging experience for each guest.

All in all, art hotels provide an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience for patrons, whether that may be from the unique room designs or from the original collection of artwork hanging on the walls. Art hotels can make a vacation so much more interesting, enriching, and memorable. So, for your next destination vacation, I suggest researching an art hotel to stay at!

Article by Julianna Carl – Interiors by Jacquin intern

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on Twitter and Instagram

Today’s post is all about luxury hardware for cabinets and furniture! Ranging from knobs to pulls, unique and artisanal luxury hardware selections can transform a piece of furniture or even an entire room. I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to change-up the look of my furniture at times, and even easier than a coat of paint (or new furniture purchase) is choosing new hardware! European brand PullCast has devoted its brand to bringing customers across the globe fine-art quality luxury hardware in a range of fascinating designs. 

PullCast was born digging deep into the wonders of nature by a jewelry designer whose hobbies included collecting objects from outdoor experiences. Crossing the worlds of jewelry and design led to the exploration of new design approaches that combined architectural, artistic, and nature-based influences. With PullCast you can expect to find a diverse range of design styles on heirloom-quality sculptural hardware, created with traditional artisanal practices in Portugal. PullCast’s luxury hardware creations create a sense of rarity and legacy, grounded by ancient forms of craft.

To help you choose what hardware piece you will need for your cabinets & furniture, we’ve put together some of the most wanted products that will become a great addition to every cabinet and furniture design.

(1) “Codium” knob –  Codium is delicate, yet impactful design that will add visual interest to any drawer, cupboard or wardrobe.

(2) “Tiffany Quarts” knob – With a handful of elegance and refinement, adorn your designs with PullCast’s polished brass handle complete with a quartz centerpiece.

(3) “Atlas” pull – Atlas is a piece that reminisces on the diversity and complexity of a metropolis. Embark on a journey with the “Atlas” pull to transform you home & furniture. 

(4) “Kesyia” pull – PullCast’s “Kesyia” inspiration was drawn from the uniquely uneven texture of pine tree bark. A distinguished furniture handle, made to enrich your modern designs.

(5)  “Karat” knob – The “Karat” design is extravagant in its modern form, yet draws from the same purity and uniqueness of a cut diamond.

(6). “Comb” knob – PullCast’s inspiration with this product was one of the most aesthetically pleasing sights in nature, the honeycomb phenomenon. PullCast’s “Comb” design showcases the angular perfection that bees form in nature with their honeycombs.

(7)  “Nouveau” pull – Immersed in modernity and fluidity, the “Nouveau” pull is inspired by the Art Nouveau époque.

(8) “Limb” pull – Driven by the nature cycles, PullCast shaped their “Limb” range to showcase the beauty of nature’s trees and branches. Designed to impress!

(9) “Natica” pull – “Natica” is a jewelry-inspired piece based on the unbelievable variation of sea life, one of nature’s gems.

Which PullCast luxury hardware design for cabinets & furniture is your favorite? Leave your top choice in the comments!

Brighten up your space with a warm, vibrant hue.

If you perceive to decorate with orange as difficult, then this blog post is a great opportunity to change your mind. The color orange is very versatile and always adds the perfect pop of color. The key is pairing orange with the right colors and in the right proportions. See for yourself how to decorate with orange to transform a room design.

7 Ways to Decorate with Orange.

1. Mix orange with purple

Orange actually works well with several colors. One of the more unusual color palettes worth trying are orange and pink. This atypical color combination is sure to turn heads, especially for those wanting to make a bold statement with their decor!

2. A pop of orange with white

Pairing orange with white simplifies the process of finding the perfect color palette to pair with orange… and this color combination always looks fresh and contemporary!

3. Decorate with an orange rug!

Choosing a rug with a pop of orange is a low-maintenance way of giving orange a try at home. If you aren’t ready to commit to an entirely orange accent wall, or if you’re feeling nervous about an orange upholstered piece of furniture, you’ll find that a rug with orange tones will be a welcome addition to add warmth to your space.

4. Be bold with an orange sofa!

If you want to go full bold, then having a piece of furniture upholstered in a luxe orange fabric will meet your design needs. I suggest a rich fabric choice like velvet or linen for your orange sofa. Your sofa will definitely become a conversation starter!

5. Pink and orange are fab!

Orange and pink together is another fun color combination that adds a youthful touch to a space. This House Beautiful bedroom shows how this color palette can add a fresh perspective to your home.

6. Paint an orange accent wall

Choosing a specific space in your home to paint an orange accent wall can be very gratifying. I actually had a deep orange accent wall in my previous living room for years and received so many compliments. It was an unexpected yet sophisticated addition alongside my decor and furniture.

7. Decorate with an orange arm chair!

Lastly, an orange arm chair is a high-impact purchase for your home or office’s decor. This addition will add a bold punch to your space, without the commitment of an entirely orange sofa or accent wall. An orange arm chair is almost always a stylish addition!

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on social media: Twitter and Instagram

I am excited to present a new blog series with the custom home building company Jaava Homes in Southlake, TX, a suburb of Dallas. The company has truly impressed me with its professionalism, attention to detail, and high-end finishes. Curious about what is involved when you decide to build a custom home? Throughout this series, I will be sharing their insider information and expertise on what to expect and look out for during the home building and home renovation process, in addition to featuring Jaava Homes projects from beginning to end. I will be showcasing their luxury home designs and getting you excited about updates you can make to your own home and future custom build.

Today I’m interviewing Jaava Homes owner and partner Arianne Chaisson and learning more about their company’s custom home and renovation clients. Additionally, we’re delving into one of their current renovation projects that are on its way to the finish line.

What is Jaava Homes’ mission when it comes to working with clients?

We want to build the best quality home or remodel that meets our clients’ vision, timeline, and budget. For most of our clients, we recognize that this is the single largest purchase they will make in their lives, and we want them to feel secure in trusting us with their investment. We want our clients to wake up in the morning and find their serenity, peace, and joy in their homes.

Inevitably, we will encounter issues on the project; however, we do our best to communicate regularly with our clients, make sure they understand the construction process and provide input into solving issues. We have been so fortunate to have built our client’s dream homes!

Owner Arianne Chaisson with partner & co-owner Jeremey Chaisson and home building expert Jeremy Craft.

Behind the scenes at Jaava Home’s recent renovation project.

How did you decide on the name Jaava Homes?

The name Jaava is the combination of one of our partner’s two kids – Ava and Jacob. The idea behind the name is to build something meaningful for the future of our families and our client’s families.

What is your process when remodeling a family’s home?

We like to go slow to go fast – what that means is that we take the time upfront to understand the scope of work, the client’s budget, and timeline. Each of our clients has a unique project – whether it be budget, schedule, or style. We need to listen, then provide feedback to exceed expectations.

^{Jaava Homes is also creating a dream outdoor living & kitchen area for this client.}

What’s next for Jaava Homes this year?

We are fortunate to have several projects in flight! We have several build jobs and remodel/additions in flight. The project we’re all the most excited over is our new project in Bella Crossing. Gorgeous ~1acre lots, all custom-built homes starting at $600,000. The area is absolutely gorgeous! It’s 15 minutes outside of downtown Fort Worth and major shopping with rolling hills, gorgeous natural stone, and wildflowers! To boot, in the Aledo, Texas school division!

How do you manage quality assurance?

We manage quality leveraging multiple mechanisms. Quality to us encompasses a variety of factors – materials and laborers inclusive. On the material side, there are so many options in the marketplace today. We lean heavily on our suppliers, including our plumbing, HVAC, window/door manufacturers, etc. to understand the advantages of one material over another – not just paying attention to cost, but rather the full 360-degree view of cost, quality, how to install, laborers certified, timeline, etc. Further, we tour as many manufacturing plants as possible to understand how each material itself is manufactured.

Our primary method is leveraging trades that we have worked with that we know address quality issues quickly on the labor side. Further, we have trade meetings upfront to ensure that when multiple trades are needed (like installing a steam shower where we need a plumber, electrician, and tiler), we have a group meeting upfront to ensure that we don’t miss any manufacturer specifications. We have honed down our trade base for this very reason.

Further, if we are using a new trade or a new material, we will have an independent trade or inspector verify the work performed has been to specification.

What is your favorite stage of the home building or remodeling process?

That’s so hard! Each member of our team may have a different answer! I absolutely love the entire process – but I would say the beginning and the end! From discussing the plan to selecting materials and then seeing that vision/dream realized!

^{Jaava Homes looks forward to building your dream home! P.S. I’ve joined Jaava Homes as part of their decorating team.}

Stay tuned! You’ll see how this specific home renovation progresses from its halfway point to the last, finishing touch during this series. You also won’t want to miss the unveiling of some of Jaava Homes other custom-built homes designed by her team from the ground up, which have stunning, luxury finishes! This will be an educational series full of great information for those of you interested in pursuing a custom home, not to mention filled with unique and impressive finishes that may be new to you.

If you’d like to move forward with your own custom-built home or renovation project, contact Jaava Homes to get started. They also have newly built homes available for sale throughout North Texas with the same luxury finishes and innovative building techniques their company is known for.

^{Photo credit: Yaaboaa Hollingsworth}

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram

Artist Susie Kwiatkowski‘s home tour captures her curated aesthetic perfectly. The home tour is a blend of antiques with a touch of Palm Beach Chic, all tied together with Susie’s colorful, floral oil paintings. It’s no surprise that Susie has an eye for interiors with her resume, including work at an interior design firm and Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International. After an afternoon chatting with Susie and touring her home, I gained a new design & art enthusiast friend and fresh addition to the Interiors by Jacquin Home Tour Series!

Jacquin: How would you describe your painting style? Who would love your artwork?

Susie: My style depends on the medium and whether it is bespoke for a client or my own musings. A common thread in my work is a bright and cheerful point of view. My goal is to capture beautiful moments, enhance what draws me to them, and hang on for dear life!

People who like my art are confident and know what they love.  Big thank you to my clients for keeping me busy with their fabulous requests and encouragement!

_{Hydrangea Light IX – by Susie Kwiatkowski}

Jacquin: How did your passion develop for painting flowers?

Susie: Like many creatives before me, there is something so special and unattainable, and I MUST RECREATE THEM.  They are a fleeting occurrence depending on the season (and the gardener).  They improve any surroundings.  Let’s bottle that!

Jacquin: You mentioned that you decided to change majors in college to focus on art. What made you decide to change your career focus to becoming an artist?

Susie: I was bouncing between majors/minors.  I loved history but had no direction.  I was doing well in psych and other behavioral studies… it takes one to know one!  But did not feel passionate or challenged.  I did not consider art school until my parents made the suggestion.  They have always said, “Do what you love and make money doing it!”

Jacquin: What is your favorite painting you’ve created so far?

Susie: To date, it has to be Hydrangea Light VII (shown below). However, there is a persistent feeling that my favorite piece has yet to be created.  There are so many ideas and visions dancing in my head that I have yet to express… “Artists…”

^{Hydrangea Light VII – Available for purchase at Mecox}

Jacquin: How has your experience been working as a professional artist? What advice would you give to others pursuing a career as an artist or creative professional?

Susie: It has been truly incredible!  The highs are high, and the lows are a blessing in disguise!

Balance is important.  I used to keep aside gigs for additional income, social interaction, and a proper schedule.  However, a lot of my work is commission-based, and I am a “Yes!” person who loves a deadline!  It wasn’t easy to keep everything running smoothly.  I took my art full time in 2019, but I miss having a strict schedule and social banter with my former work peeps!  We have a bébé en route this January that is sure to fill the void.

More advice: Say “Yes!”. Know your worth. And something I have yet to master, market yourself!  I wouldn’t say I like talking about my own work.  I’m often promoting others.  Be your own cheerleader.

Jacquin: What would be your dream project to work on?

I would love to try a mural.  The scale terrifies me in the best way; I know I need to take the plunge! My closest attempt maybe my Hydrangea panels installed at The Slate, thanks to the talented Jennifer Klos of The Collector House.

Jacquin: What are your favorite places for shopping and inspiration in the Dallas area?

1. Mecox Gardens
2. Nick Brock Antiques
3. The Garden Gate
4. La Vie Style House https://www.laviestylehouse.com
5. St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
6. Museums! They are inspirational and have fabulous gift shops with items specific to their collections and exhibitions.

_{Photography Credit: Khadijah Martin}

Learn more about Susie Kwiatkowski’s artwork here.

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram

Redfin has invited me to share an interior design idea for their roundup of expert design tips. I thought I’d share the feature with you! Here is an excerpt from the article. 

2020 affected almost every aspect of our lives, but it also helped many of us reconnect with our homes. This time spent inside has allowed us to begin the process of transforming our homes into more functional, peaceful places that reflect our own interests, experiences, and design preferences.

If you’re hoping to continue that process this year, you may be searching for some inspiration. Look no further. We had some of the top interior designers weigh in on the most popular colors, decor styles, and materials you can expect to see in 2021. So if you’re looking for some interior design ideas to update your home in the new year, here are the home trends experts predict are going to be huge.

1. Natural textures 

Natural textures such as cane, wood, rattan, leather, ceramics, matte metals, aged brass, bamboo, etc. are all on the rise in the interior design world and will continue to be throughout 2021. Employing natural textures (both in decor and furnishings) will bring immediate warmth and timeless interest allowing a natural cohesion of the elements throughout your space. – Porche & Co

5. Big, bold artwork 

If you want to create a well-designed home that reflects your unique personality, the artwork is key, specifically artwork that you truly love. I recommend hanging at least one work of art in every room. Bringing in the right art selection can truly transform your space and it’s a great way to show your personal style. – Interiors by Jacquin

8. Bringing the vacation vibe inside your home

For 2021 I expect a continuation of the “nesting” we saw from the previous year and that includes the layers of a life well-lived. Pull out your vacation photos and pieces you picked up while traveling and make them a part of your home. Have a favorite scenic photo blown up and framed to evoke the experience of travel and to encourage you to make plans for the future. – Greige Design

Read the full Redfin article here. 

Follow Interiors by Jacquin on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram