Drawing on her penchant for fashion, The angelsBased designer Jaqui Seerman approaches her projects stylistically, often combining bright colors, textures and distinctive art to make a bold statement in a room.
“Fashion and interior design are so similar.” Ms. Seerman told Mansion Global. The designer explained how every aspect of fashion, from fabrics to accessories, layers to movement and attention to detail, influences the whole, telling a story and projecting a mood.
Raised in a design-centric family — her father ran his own home-building company and her mother used her “natural talent for interiors” to decorate their homes — Ms. Seerman spent the greatest of her youth dancing across both coasts. She cut her teeth working for the “ever talented” Waldo Fernandez, then moved on to Madeline Stewart & Associates and eventually Martyn Lawrence Bullard before launching her eponymous design firm in 2014.
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But for Ms. Seerman, interior design has been a way of life for as long as she can remember.
“Since childhood, I had a natural inclination towards design and luckily, when I charted my own path in my early twenties, they gently persuaded me to consider this passion,” she said of her parents pushing her towards a future in design. “I’m glad they did and feel lucky to have a career in such a crazy, challenging and creative industry.”
In addition to her thoughts on the similarities between fashion and interior design, Mansion Global spoke with Ms. Seerman about creating elegant yet livable homes, defining one’s design style, and how living in West Hollywood influences her work.
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Mansion Global: You compare fashion to underwear. Can you elaborate a bit more on how it translates?
Jaqui Seerman: It’s very much the same foundation. Any outfit or ensemble should fit the shape of the body or the individual you are wearing, so you can refer to this in architecture. Making a high waist looks amazing on some people, and not on others. You should pay attention to the body. You should look at the architecture of a home and model your aesthetic on what looks best in that setting.
Fashion’s ever-evolving aesthetic is a constant influence, whether one realizes it or not. You want to have the same fresh elements in the interior.
MG: When you use the term “fresh,” are you referring to designing with new furnishings and fixtures?
JS: It doesn’t have to be limited to what’s current now. Great views are timeless, and that’s the goal with interiors too. You could make a great Halston today and it would look just as stylish as it did when it was originally designed – the way it is draped and the refinement of the execution. After all, the goal is for her to age gracefully.
MG: What’s the secret to maintaining that elegant aesthetic while living comfortably?
JS: Think of a classic outfit: a chic, pretty pulled bun and simple jewelry with a white button. You may start the day completely fresh and your hair perfectly pulled back, but as the day progresses and you start running around, it gets a little worn. But it still looks stylish.
Indoors, you create a room that looks incredible when assembled, but as the day progresses and you put on your shoes, remove the cushions, open the book, drink your tea and it’s all lived in, the aesthetic is still there. Still looks put together and well maintained even after being lived in.
MS: Any advice for someone who has yet to define their design style? How do they get there?
JS: Everyone is looking at the finished product. They rush to the fun part.
Instead of setting deadlines for yourself, let it evolve and collect the pieces you love over time. The space will look well-curated and organic because everything is not bought from one place. It will also have personal value because you got these unique things. Take your time and let it happen. Explore what feels right to you. May the journey be pleasant. If you do it right, you won’t have to do it again.
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MS: Do you have any pet peeves about design aesthetics?
JS: In general, I’m not a big fan of cabinets that don’t go all the way to the ceiling. There is always a situation when there is a reason why they do not go to the ceiling. And in that scenario, I can support the cause. But in most scenarios, take the cabinets to the ceiling. Bring out the height of the room, so that it looks ordinary, embodied and beautiful.
MG: How has living in West Hollywood, or “WeHo” influenced your design approach and style?
JS: It has affected me in a way that is not unique to the city, the environment or the coast I am in, but more to the individuals who choose to reside here. Many of them are creative and risk-taking. They are not afraid to push the envelope. Because of this, I can embody an aesthetic and complete interior that is not only ready until the furniture, pillows, carpets and curtains, but the pantries are equipped and organized. It’s completely done. There are a limited number of places in the world where the community goes this way. Los Angeles, Southern California, especially West Hollywood, are not risk-averse. They are willing to take a chance and see what happens. This has been a nice experience when doing interiors.
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MG: Where do you shop for uniques and collectibles in Los Angeles?
JS: All Angelenos in my industry find great inspiration in JF Chen. They have collected some of the most amazing furniture. It’s fun to see pieces that inspire and have different architectural forms, like a chair that doesn’t look like a chair.
MG: How do you define luxury?
JS: It’s the simple things that are special. Fresh flowers, large floral arrangements, incredible dinners with beautiful curated china that has sentimental value. Have pieces that have sentimental value in your home, such as an oil painting your grandmother did or a wonderful mohair blanket that you use and treasure. It’s more about the experience of being in the environment––about home and having guests, showing what’s important to you. We can all be satisfied with the most glorious clothes, but sometimes people want a fresh cotton sheet. Its personal. It’s curated for you. This is the most luxurious experience when it’s exactly what you want.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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