Classic Edge: Jessica Lagrange

Keep reading to learn how Chicago designer Jessica Lagrange creates classic, sophisticated spaces with a touch of edginess and surprise.

How would you describe your design style?

We always try to design with the client’s style in mind; we will probably never be a design firm with a particular ‘look’ you can spot a mile away, and I think that’s a good thing. But my personal style? Classic with an edge.

Photograph by Nathan Kirkman

How have you observed a particular category, evolving over the past 20 years? Going from more conservative to more risk-taking; from hands-off to kick-back?

Actually, I’ve found that the notion of ‘categories’ is becoming a bit obsolete. Contemporary interiors have become softer and less stark, and pieces of all styles are being combined everywhere. The line between traditional and contemporary has blurred to the point that it is much harder to put a label on an interior, which I think is actually a step in the right direction.

Photograph by Nathan Kirkman

How do you keep up with new design trends? (Magazines, blogs, internet, travel, etc).

All of the above, and then some. But to be honest, I really try not to look to others to tell me what the ‘new, hot colors’ will be – I come up with my own! That’s the fun part. Inspiration can be found everywhere, with infinite ways to use it. I always have my eyes wide open.

Photograph by Tony Soluri

Is there a classic—a staple—that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature? What is it and what enables it to work in any environment?

I always like to use an animal print somewhere, whether an actual hide or a print, realistic or abstract. Animal prints tend to somehow make traditional spaces more hip yet add a classic touch to modern spaces. They’re best placed somewhere unexpected and truly go with everything.

Photograph by Tony Soluri

Photograph by Tony Soluri

Is the trend in green design a fad or is it here to stay? Are clients requesting you to utilize eco-friendly or sustainable products in your design?

Design that respects the environment and its users is definitely here to stay. Many of our clients come to us very well informed and concerned about how toxins in their environment – in carpets, mattresses, paints – can affect them. Clients also look to design as one way they can help lessen their footprint – by selecting a sustainable wood for their floors, for example. To be honest, though, it really hasn’t changed the way we work; these considerations have always been a part of our design process and always will be.

Photograph by Tony Soluri

How do you keep up with new design trends? (Magazines, blogs, internet, travel, etc).

All of the above, and then some. But to be honest, I really try not to look to others to tell me what the ‘new, hot colors’ will be – I come up with my own! That’s the fun part. Inspiration can be found everywhere, with infinite ways to use it. I always have my eyes wide open.

Photograph by Tony Soluri

Why do you think a well chosen paint color is critical to the success of a room design? What are the top 3 factors you take into consideration when choosing a paint color?

The walls and ceiling are the largest expanses, so of course they can make it or break it! One thing we like to do is start with one special pieces – the perfect antique Oriental rug (bonus points if it they had it already!) – and let it inspire everything else. Then we may consider what we want the role of the surfaces to be – do we want them to visually disappear (neutrals), or do we want them to make a statement (a puchy color)? Finally, we might consider the mood we want to achieve – dark and cozy vs. light and airy, exciting vs. calming. From there the number of options remaining isn’t nearly as daunting.

Photograph by Tom Rossiter

Photograph by Tom Rossiter

What are some tips for making a smaller space appear larger?

Though it seems counterintuitive, the more furniture in a room, the larger it seems. Also, keep it light and bright. On the contrary, to make a larger space cozy, think about warmth: darker colors, fireplaces, textures, drapery on the windows, and lots of layers. Most importantly, though, my ultimate recommendation is to embrace what the room is – don’t try to change it, work with it! Embrace it and play up its best features.

Photograph by Tom Rossiter

How do you go about assessing a client’s/project’s needs?

We pay attention. We look to the space – its architecture and environment – and know that a successful design solution will draw from that. Then we truly listen to the client – their stage in life (newlyweds or empty nesters?), the way they live (their day-to-day), things they like and dislike about their current design. Images help a lot to discern their personal style, or a pretty foolproof strategy is to look to their wardrobe – all neutral Armani, or a lot of color?

Photograph by Tom Rossiter

In your opinion, what makes a great room?

I am drawn to rooms that are classic with unexpected twists. A great room will keep you interested, even the smallest detail well considered and relating to the whole. In a well designed room, you will notice and appreciate something different every time you return, but what you will not notice is that you feel and do exactly what you were meant to.

Photograph by Tom Rossiter

What is the ultimate goal of all your projects?

Ultimately, the project has been successful if it is a reflection of the client’s personality. If every member of a family says that it truly feels like their home, then I have done my job well. When the project ends with a lasting friendship, that’s even better.

Headshot photograph by Nathan Beckner.

Click here to view Jessica Lagrange’s website and Decorati Portfolio.