Shoptalk - JHL Design
How would you describe each of your respective design styles?
Freres: I love a modern mix of vintage and new. When clients have antiques or family heirlooms, I am thrilled! I love a good story for bringing pieces together to add a personal touch to a space. We recently completed an interiors package that included pieces that were over 100 years old from the family that was building the home. Defining the personality of the space, whether it’s for a home or hospitality project, is a crucial part of our process. Although we live in a modern home, I love working on a traditional mix when I get the opportunity.
Your team thrives in both high-end residential and commercial design. Does one area of design inform the other?
Horning: They can both influence each other. More than half of our clientele engages JHL for their homes as well as, their offices or development projects. Our clients come to us for great design ideas that are unique, and a level of service they know they can count on. Our projects are all specific to each directive and go through a meticulous process to understand the mission and vision. We get very intimate on the details of how people live and what a space needs to provide.
What does building design and interior design collaboration look like for your team?
Horning: More and more clients want a one-stop shop. We tackle the big picture: how to site a home and determine where it will have great light. We also know how to make a space livable all the way down to the smallest details: how the window shades operate and where the shoes get tucked away. Our architecture team and interiors team work together throughout the entire process. We have design critiques from both teams along the way to make sure the design is consistent throughout. Some of our employees have been designing for more than 20 years, so there is a lot of knowledge to give. Holly and I met working together 15 years ago and have always appreciated how we can bring together the big picture and the most intimate details that make a space feel so considered.
What aspects of your background and upbringing have shaped your design principles and philosophies?
Freres: My upbringing was a mix of living in Oregon and Louisiana - it was quite a contrast! With that in mind, I have many influences that inform my design principles. I love a well-curated museum, and I also love an eclectic French farmhouse. My mother brought me into the industry in the late 90’s; she taught me that every detail matters and never to compromise on quality. I am grateful for my family’s influence – both of my parents had family-businesses, so the work ethic and drive has been a constant part of my life. My family is deeply rooted in the wood products industry, so we love using wood to warm up a space. Our studio library is currently full of essentially any kind of wood species and finish you could dream up. I love a formal space, but practicality is solidly rooted in all my designs. I want a space to look great, but if it doesn’t live well then it won’t last. Our approach to design and environmental awareness is to do something once, and do it well, so that it lasts for decades.
Favorite place to travel?
Freres: Cape Town, South Africa
Horning: Greece
Perfect weekend in the Northwest?
Freres: Being out in nature with my family – skiing, hiking, all of it. Horning: Wine country
How does your extensive travel and wanderlust impact your design style?
Freres: My background is peppered with extensive travel and wanderlust. I feel very fortunate to be able to draw on many different cultural influences. My most recent overseas travel was to Indonesia, where we went on a wonderful shopping excursion and came home with some stunning artifacts, including hand-woven Ikat fabric that I just adore. There are still so many places I want to visit – especially Greece and Morocco. My design is constantly influenced by what is out there – the global deep dive you can do from a magazine or online is invaluable, but there’s nothing better than spending a few weeks in a culture vastly different from your own to open your eyes.
For more information visit: www.jhldesign.com
