Narrowing down your personal design style can potentially be a very overwhelming task. However, one of the reasons why I am so passionate about design is due to the fact that it can be a perfect reflection of our lives as individuals and as a collective. We are each shaped by our individual experiences – faded and vivid memories alike have a unique and profound mark of how we present ourselves. On a more human level we are ever-evolving: refining or redefining and your taste can be, too!
While I am a true believer that your taste and design style can continually change, I am also steadfast in the belief that discovering a foundational style will give you more freedom to express your personal tastes. Knowing your foundational style helps guide you to create spaces that will remain cohesive and still expressive of who you are.
The foundation of JZ Interiors operates from experiences that have shaped me throughout my life: time spent in the English countryside, growing up on the California coast, picking fabrics at Rose Uniacke next to Nancy Meyers (storytime?)…My point is, defining moments in our lives can shape so much more than a moment in time – they can quickly become who we are and how we represent ourselves.
Over the years, I made it a priority to master design styles that resonated most with me: English Cottage (Think The Holiday), California Coastal, Historic Spanish Revivals, European Influence, and Transitional – where modern meets traditional. Explore and learn more about why we love these design styles at JZ Interior Designs.
English Inspired Cottage
English-Inspired cottage is not to secretly one of our favorite design styles and our take on”cottage core.” After falling in love with England and the English countryside (and now hosting retreats there!), it captivates with its quiet and charming lifestyle. The timeless design, featuring exposed timber beams, a warm, muted color palette, and charming floral prints and collections of lived in textures. Inside, we design so families can gather around the fireplace on plush furnishings and traditional elements like vintage rugs loaded with antique accents. The aesthetic is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and rustic simplicity, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons with a sense of comfort and sophistication. Our own Cottage by the Sea is heavily influenced in this style.
Who to Follow: Tess Newall, Sean Anthony Pritchard, DeVol, Louise Roe Home, Cotswold Interior, Heidi Caillier
Where to Shop: Sharland England, Six Bells, Lorfords Antiques, Cutter Brooks, Liberty, Etsy
California Coastal
Our take on “coastal” is a bit different than most. Growing up driving the California coast has always been a source of inspiration. We like to pull from Big Sur & Carmel by the Sea- a rugged stretch along the coastline that has been my favorite. We opt for stormy grays, deep blues, muddy browns, neutrals, and organic greens to evoke the natural beauty of the Pacific. With weathered wood accents and natural texture against clean lines, oversized windows framing ocean vistas, and strategically placed low-light fixtures, the interiors evoke a sense of mystery and tranquility. Lighter textures like linen furnishings and refined touches mixed with natural materials contribute to a laid-back elegance that capture the raw beauty of the coast in its most enigmatic form.
Who to follow: Amber Interiors, M. Elle Design, Jamie Haller, Nina Freudenberger, Betsy Brown Inc
Where to shop: Juxtaposition Home, Good Together House, Slightly Choppy, Mart Collective, Amber Interiors
Nancy meyers Inspired
Our ethos has always been inspired by Meyers. She’s shown us that home really is a feeling and we now always design around that feeling. This design style is where light-filled interiors, sophisticated neutrals, and timeless elegance converge. Characterized by inviting spaces adorned with slip covered furnishings, antiques, crisp whites, perfectly arranged florals, and an abundance of natural light and natural fibers, the aesthetic is a seamless blend of comfort and refinement. Charming kitchens, curated collections, perfectly paired textures and attention to detail define the signature style, creating homes that exude a relaxed yet polished ambiance, embodying the essence of Nancy Meyers’ iconic cinematic interiors.
Who to follow: This Oak House, Phoebe Nichol, Mike Mosier, Carlay Page
Where to shop: Handled Estate Sales, Details Estate Sales, Rose Uniacke, 1st Dibs, Etsy, Williams Sonoma
Spanish Revival
Inspired by older, charming, and historic Spanish and Santa Barbara style homes in Southern California, where stucco exteriors, terra-cotta roofs, and wrought-iron accents evoke the charm of Mediterranean architecture. This is a style that makes our hearts skip a beat and never goes out of style. The interiors include arched doorways, colorful, warm tiles, and intricately carved woodwork, showcasing a blend of Moorish and Spanish influences.
Warm earth tones, ornate detailing, and rustic elements create an inviting and timeless aesthetic. Courtyards adorned with fountains and vibrant flora enhance the connection between indoors and outdoors. Historic Spanish design exudes a romantic allure, transporting you to a bygone era of elegance and cultural richness.
Who to follow: Durietz Design, Commune, Meghan Eisenberg, The Wiseman Group
Where to shop:1st Dibs, Revival Antiques, The Expert, Chairish, Mediterrania Home
European Inspired
Our trips to Europe have been greatly influential to us and our designs. We are always inspired by the materials that withstand the test of time. The timeless allure; marrying old-world charm and modern sophistication while remaining unstuffy and lived in. Exquisite detailing, real materials, ornate moldings, and a rich palette of earthy tones create and ambiance of refined luxury. Interiors feature elegant furnishings, opulent fabrics, and antique accents, all seamlessly integrated to evoke a sense of continental grace. Whether inspired by the grandeur of classical French architecture or the cozy warmth of Tuscan villa, European design embraces a diversity I that harmonizes tradition with contemporary flair, resulting in spaces that radiate enduring beauty and cultural richness. We love to pull bits of this into modern homes to bring in that feeling and texture.
Who to follow: Leah Oconnell Design, Zach Stamatis, Rose Uniacke, Katie Harbison, Rehkamp Larson Architects
Where to shop: Oda & King, Casa Gusto, Elsie Home, Jamb
Transitional
.For us, transitional design is about seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements to create a timeless yet contemporary space. We start with neutral color palettes that offer a serene backdrop, balancing classic furnishings with modern accents to achieve a harmonious blend. Timeless pieces, often with clean lines, are paired with comfortable fabrics, subtle patterns, and intricate millwork to cultivate a refined yet approachable aesthetic. We also emphasize the use of innovative materials like marble, glass, steel, and aged brass, which contribute to a sense of openness and urban sophistication. These elements are layered with traditional textures, creating a space that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. Our furnishings strike a balance between functionality and form, with textures and accents adding depth and character. The result is an uncluttered elegance where simplicity and innovation coexist, offering a space that is both timeless and cutting-edge.”
Who to follow: Nickey Kehoe, Jake Arnold, Yond Interiors, Amber Interiors
Where to shop: Nickey Kehoe, Panopile, Amber Interiors
For more design style inspiration, visit our Pinterest!