We’re so excited to share this month’s Tastemaker feature for the blog for steve mckenzie’s – Jennifer Boles, who, for many of you may need to introduction… She’s the classic design maven behind the wildly popular blog, “The Peak of Chic“, and has also authored two fabulous books, House Beautiful Fabrics for Your Home and In with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z. Please join us in welcoming, Jennifer Boles, as the latest Tastemaker for steve mckenzie’s:
Jennifer Boles was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Upon obtaining her bachelor’s degree in history from University of the South (Sewanee, TN), Jennifer returned to Atlanta to pursue a career in business and finance. After ten years spent in the business sector, Jennifer decided to pursue her passion for interior design and the decorative arts. With an intense interest in design history and a love of writing, Jennifer started her design blog “The Peak of Chic” in the Fall of 2006. Her website-read by design devotees from around the world- focuses on design trends, historical homes, history of design, and all things design related. Recently named “blogosphere darling” by Departures magazine, Jennifer has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, Town & Country, Elle Décor, and Wall Street Journal. In 2007, Jennifer became a contributing editor to House Beautiful, and more recently, she was named contributing editor to Veranda. When she’s not writing, reading, or thinking about design, Jennifer spends her time traveling, collecting antique and vintage ceramics, and buying far too many books.
1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?
Classic; Confident; Personal
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
My favorite space is my own home because it’s furnished with things I love.
3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?
The work of design legends such as Dorothy Draper, Albert Hadley, and Syrie Maugham.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Cole Porter; Billy Baldwin; Bobby Short
5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
A clean-lined sofa.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
Variety in texture and finish, for example, adds interest to a room. That being said, you also need balance.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
Into: Subtlety. It’s a lost art, one which I hope people rediscover.
I’m over the kitchen-sink approach to decorating. You can’t just throw a random mix of styles and pieces into a room and expect the room to look pulled-together.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?
It’s important, but it has to reflect the taste and interest of the homeowner, not the designer.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
My dog, Alfie.
10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.
Learn about the history of design. You’ll never be at a loss for inspiration if you know about design history and those designers who influenced the art of decorating.
We so appreciate that last bit – about the history of design. This is a passion of both Steve and Jill’s and something they look to often when working with clients to create new designs.
A BIG shout out to the gracious Ms Boles for agreeing to participate in our Tastemaker Tuesday blog feature, she’s such a peach, and if you aren’t already an avid follower, we encourage you to add “The Peak of Chic” to your list of blogs to read – it is sure to become an instant favorite!