I was born and raised in Northern VA and went to George Mason University to study Marketing and Events Management. Shortly after starting college I met my college sweetheart and after graduating we moved up to Boston, MA where we currently live with our son and daughter in an early 1800's federal farmhouse. After various roles in different industries such as the wedding industry and commercial real estate, I finally made the leap to start my own residential interior design business after just having my daughter. Oliver James Interiors is the combination of my son and daughter's middle names which embodies the spirit of bringing life to my clients homes that is not only personal and timeless, but a design guaranteed to be treated with care as if it were my own. In my free time I love to garden take bike rides with my family, enjoy good food and beverages, and travel near and far!
Q&A
What Cuvée Home items did you select and why?
We loved the Gathered Ahana Stripe Lampshades for our kitchen island pendant light. The pleated fabric adds romance and texture while the shades of greens and reds work harmoniously with the rest of our kitchen design.
Describe your home or personal design aesthetic in 3 words:
Charming, cozy, welcoming
What is your favorite styling piece or accessory?
It's not a coincidence I chose a pleated lampshade from Cuvee Home because I often find myself switching out basic lampshades for more interesting styles to add interest to a room. I also love solid brass styling items whether it's a little antique brass bunny or ginkgo leaf brass tray to style on top of a pile of books, for example.
Where do you find inspiration:
It sounds cliche but travel and nature are my biggest sources of inspiration. I've been fortunate to have traveled on most continents around the world and have been exposed to different cultures, topography, etc and there is an endless amount of inspiration whether it be through color palettes, patterns, forms, textures and more.
Favorite Design Book:
Ohh that's a tough one since I've been reading a lot of great ones lately but maybe Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating.
Favorite Cocktail:
Either a Naked & Famous or Pisco Sour
What is your favorite room in your house and why?
Any tips for creating a stylish home?
I recommend collecting antique and vintage furniture, pottery, art, and textiles overtime that light you up inside. I also recommend always having fresh flowers around the house and scents through diffusers or candles. Having a place to store everything helps keep the unwanted clutter down to a minimum.
