The Tailored Home: Janie Hirsch

Keep reading Decorati’s exclusive interview with Janie Hirsch to learn about how this award-winning Atlanta designer developed a childhood thirst for design, loves all things French, and is embracing the internet to expand her knowledge of the design world.

What was your inspiration for the Westbrook residence?
The exterior of this home had a slight Italian influence, so I decided to design an interior that would reflect an Italian farmhouse. This style lends itself to being able to be casual and functional for the client while still being elegant and sophisticated. The client was looking for a home of quality and character that typically appears in an older home. Entertaining and an active lifestyle with children were also important considerations to the functional design of this home.

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How were you able to achieve your design while keeping the needs of the client in mind?
I began with the finishes throughout the home and a decision to make them appear as though they had been there for years. The flooring looks as if it is reclaimed wood when it is actually random width oak planking that has been hand sawn and hand sanded to reach an antiqued patina. The different patterns in the flooring also add flair to each space. I next incorporated the rustic ripped pine beams to add interest to the main living areas. Both of these elements are often seen in old homes throughout Italy. The plaster faux finish on the walls gives the rooms a great sense of history even though it is a new home. Of course the lighting always finishes off the design giving each space presence. As for furnishings, a mixture of new pieces and antiques sprinkled throughout gave the home an immediate comfort level.

What role did color and texture play in your design?
Color is always a great way to make a statement in a home, whether it is with neutrals or bold color. I used both cool and warm neutral tones throughout the home ranging from gold to grey to mushroom and then spiced it up with some paprika and soft grey-green. The combination came off as very soothing with a bit of sophistication. Texture was also an important factor in the fabrics and finishes. In mixing velvet with cotton, linen, bamboo, and wool to mention a few, everything was nice to the touch and comfortable to sit in. Most fabrics were made of natural fibers- some were also considered green and sustainable, due to the type of fabric and the way they were processed.

The living room showcases a variety of colors and texture. The walls are a gold tone plaster finish, while the fireplace and sofa are a putty grey color. The fireplace is brick with a Pastel-Coat finish and then painted creating a heavily textured finish. The chairs in a paprika bamboo fabric bring the interest and spice into the room. The pillows on both the chairs and the sofa add pattern to the solids. The sisal rug adds another layer of texture to the room.

How did you combine classic taste with modern living?
Classic taste can be interpreted in many ways.  Always keeping the client’s lifestyle and needs in the forefront helped keep the task at hand. By using fabrics that will wear well and clean well, I could apply them to classic designs for a very livable environment. To me, mixing antiques with any style of design always makes a room feel special and timeless. And after all, antiques have weathered the years both with their style and what they represent.

What are some unique aspects of the kitchen?

The kitchen is all about entertaining. The client loves to entertain for holidays, family gatherings, parties, and even Sunday afternoons. The kitchen opens up to a beautiful courtyard with a fountain with sets of double doors making it enticing to sit on the veranda to enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cocktail. The dual islands are perfect for preparing for a grand occasion or just dinner with friends because you can have more than one person prepping and cooking, while others can sit at the second island to engage in conversation without getting in the way. The professional appliances from Viking are a home chef’s dream making everything easier and enhancing the function of this kitchen. The weathered finish on the cabinets contrasting with the crisp white crackled and glazed tile gives instant character and reflects the style of those I saw in Italy.

This kitchen received the Viking Range’s Designer of Distinction for the fourth quarter of 2008, as well as the Georgia Chapter ASID Design Excellence Gold Award in 2008.

How did you become interested in interior design?

My father was an extremely talented architect and watercolor artist in Lake Charles, LA where I grew up. Besides being Daddy’s little girl, he had a major influence on me, and how I viewed the world. He would take me to work with him when I was young and I would walk around and ask the other architects and designers questions about what they were working on. So, needless to say, I was around great design and artwork throughout my childhood. As I got closer to college, it was a natural desire and talent that I decided to cultivate and make my lifelong career. He taught me an appreciation for architecture and interior design that I would not have experienced otherwise.

How would you describe your design style?
I would say that it is an eclectic combination of classic furnishings and antiques with a strong connection to architectural elements. I enjoy using color as a neutral, along with texture and pattern for a home that is timeless and tailored. My goal is to have a home that is inheritable and ages gracefully, while expressing the personality of my client.

How do you keep up with new design trends?
To keep up with design trends, I use as many avenues as I need. Travel is always an exciting way to see what other parts of the country and the world are doing in the design industry. Spending time in interesting stores in other cities can be quite intriguing. Magazines of course always have beautiful homes to see that can always spark some sort of idea. I also enjoy attending High Point market to see what new styles, colors, and influences are coming out in the next several months. Some of the showrooms do beautiful displays that can make you want to redesign your own home on a regular basis. The internet and blogs sometimes come into play when you are searching for an item. With wonderful sites like Decorati coming online, you can find great articles about designers and design trends right at your fingertips.

What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?
For inspiration, I love to travel when I can. I love Paris and all of France…any and all things French. Someday, I will have an apartment in Paris and hopefully have the time to enjoy it. I also love Italy and England. As for the USA, there are so many fabulous cities to visit for inspiration, such as New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and New Orleans. And here in Atlanta, there are numerous places to see and experience. Museums, art galleries, antique stores, and show houses are always inspiring, especially if you can experience some sort of history in the process. Lastly, magazines and books give me some excitement and inspiration also.

How do you feel the Internet is changing the interior design industry?
The Internet has definitely expanded our access to so many more things. As a designer, we already have access to so much more than our clients do. In Atlanta, we have ADAC, the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, but while it has so much to offer, the Internet offers the availability to see what else is out there and at other design centers.

Get Janie Hirsch’s Look! Shop products in our member’s only, limited-time only sale section. Click here to learn more.

Photography by Chris Little Photography- Atlanta, GA

Resources:

Westbrook Study Loft: High Back Settee – Pearson in Linen with Zoffany Maze Red Pillows, Round Side Table – Sarreid, Sconces – Oly Studio, Library Table – John Richard Collection, Desk Chair – LEE Industries in McGee Camel, Cain Chairs – Sarreid with Café Suede, Side Table – Accents Beyond, Tufted Ottoman – TCS Designs in Robert Allen Because Cinnabar, Artwork & Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design & Antiques, Flooring – Coventry Reproductions

Westbrook Dining Room: Dining Table – Coventry Reproductions, Host/ Hostess Chairs – TCS Designs in Beacon Hill Islandia Bark with Hodsoll McKenzie London Pillows, Chandelier – Currey & Company, Grape Hop & Garden Tools – Antiques through Love Train Antiques, Oval Back Side Chairs – Hickory Chair in Islandia Lagoon, Straight Back Chairs – Hickory Chair in Islandia Bark, Console – Tritter Feefer, Sconces – Oly Studio, Painting over Console – Joshua Bradley through Deljou Art Group, Window Treatments – Dogwood Linen Lamb’s Wool with Award Franzine Antique Green Tassel Fringe, Settee – TCS Designs in Robert Allen Savoy Eucalyptus Velvet with Hodsoll McKenzie London Pillow, Martini Table – Arteriors, Mirror over Settee – Chelsea House, Flooring – Coventry Reproductions

Westbrook Living Room: Chairs – Hickory White in Beacon Hill Islandia Sienna w/ Lemans Umber Pillows, Cocktail Table – Sarreid’s van Thiel & Co, Sofa – S & K Custom Furniture in Robert Allen Contentment Cocoa w/ Schumacher Balthazar Wool Damask Paprika Pillows, Sisal Rug – Natural Elements, Chandelier – Chelsea House, Painting – Elya Dechino through Deljou Art Group, Sconces – Authentic Designs, Desk – Antique through Love Train Antiques, Desk Chair – Pearson in Linen, Architectural Panel – Antique Tin Panel, Flooring & Beams – Coventry Reproductions, Pedestal and Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design & Antiques

Window Treatments – Beacon Hill Damask Linen Bronze Leaf, Westbrook Master Bedroom: Headboard – Antique Reproduction Doors from Guildmaster, Custom Bedding – Beacon Hill Tweed Chevron Flame, Surreally Yours Shanghai Red, Robert Allen Allepey Maize, Fabricut Glazed Linen Khaki, Night Chest – Accents Beyond, Bench – Sarreid’s van Thiel & Co, Rug – Roswell Rugs, Window Treatments – Dogwood Lovering Texture Mimosa silk, Accessories & Architectural Molding – J. Hirsch Interior Design & Antiques, Flooring – Coventry Reproductions

Westbrook Kitchen: Counter Stools – David Lee Designs, Lighting Pendants – Visual Comfort, Custom Cabinetry – Keystone Millworks, Flooring & Beams – Coventry Reproductions, Appliances – Viking Range, Plumbing – Kohler, Tile – Sherman Interiors, Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design, Plaster Faux Finish – Pauline DiGiorgio, Manget Living Room: Chairs – Hickory White in Grey Flannel with Paprika Quilted Silk Pillows, Oval Side Table – Hickory Chair, Rug – World of Rugs, Window Treatments/ Draped Wall – Robert Allen Lovely Linen Storm Sheer, Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design, Flooring – Grey Washed Distressed Heart of Pine

Manget Dining and Music Room: Custom Dining Table – Becton Ltd., Host/ Hostess Chairs – LEE Industries in Patton Ivory Linen, Side Chairs – John Lester in Grey Linen, Chandeliers – Currey & Company, Consoles – Summerset Bay, Paintings – Emanuel Mattini through Deljou Art Group, Rug – World of Rugs, Accessories – BD Jeffries, Flooring – Grey Washed Distressed Heart of Pine

Manget Family Room: Sconces & Chandelier – Progressive Lighting, Sofa – Stanford Furniture in Aisha Natural Linen with Beacon Hill Madrigal Damask Celedon and Winterhill Bandng Square Pillows and Kidney Pillow in Woven Basket Brick with Stroheim & Romann Brushed Border Trim, End Table – Hickory Chair, Cocktail Tables – Hickory Chair, Chair – Hickory White in Schumacher Tilda Check with Greeff Hayden Stripe Horizon Pillow, Chairside Table – Chelsea House, Floor Lamp – Visual Comfort, Buffet – Mayland Court Custom Hutch, Painting – TJ Bridge through Deljou Art Group, Window Treatments – Dogwood Cameo Striped Linen, Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design & Antiques, Rug – Roswell Rugs, Flooring – Grey Washed Distressed Heart of Pine

Manget Breakfast Room: Dining Table – Sarreid Trip & Bicker, Slat Back Side Chair – Hickory Chair Grey Linen, Wood Bench – Antique Irish Folding Bench from MacRae, Upholstered Settee – LEE Industries in Monty Sienna and Mattress Clay, Chandelier – Currey & Company, Painting – Craig Alan through Deljou Art Group, Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design, Sisal Rug – Natural Elements, Flooring – Grey Washed Distressed Heart of Pine

Manget Master Bedroom: Headboard – Custom Silver Leaf Frame Molding with padded upholstery inside in S. Harris Wainscott Sand Linen, Bedding – Legacy Linens in Jefferson Hemp & Perugia, Stanford Aretha Sky Neckrolls, Dogwood Damask Linen Celedon Boudoir Pillows, Upholstered Bench – Stanford Furniture in Apoc Buff, Night Chest – Hickory White, Chandelier – Currey & Company, Window Treatments – Dogwood Damask Linen Celedon with Robert Allen Montrichard Menthe Tiebacks, Rug – Roswell Rugs, Accessories – J. Hirsch Interior Design & Antiques, Flooring – Grey Washed Distressed Heart of Pine