Author: Breegan Jane

How did you know you were meant to do what you do? Was it a feeling? Did the skills required come exceptionally easily to you? I wasn’t someone who knew immediately that interior design would be my path. What I DID know was that I had an insatiable urge to create. I was always artistic, and that gift would prove to be impossible to deny. My propensity toward the imaginative is something that feels inescapable, inevitable. When I began flipping properties and later designing homes, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. As my experience grew, so did my desire to tackle larger projects. To date, I have used my talents in both the residential and commercial design arenas. I love them both, but they involve quite different trains of thought from me as an interior designer. This is how they compare.

Residential and Commercial Interior Design

I am often asked in interviews how I got started in interior design. The answer is always lengthy because my beginnings weren’t linear. I designed book bags for my friends, opened my own retail store and more before I worked in the design field. But, people aren’t always aware that I worked as the creative director of a luxury yacht manufacturer, or that I redesigned an airplane hangar. I had several unique opportunities that set the stage for my interior design career. Working in residential design at that point wasn’t a surprise. Venturing into commercial design presented challenges I hadn’t yet encountered. 

Both types of interior design allow me to dream up amazing ways to bring a space to life. However, the approach I take must differ in order to satisfy the needs of a space. When I design a home, my focus is largely on what one or two people want and how their family will exist inside that space. A space like a restaurant will be frequented by many people from all over. Every design choice has to be carefully thought out so that the space is comfortable and functional for all. It’s equal parts thrilling and complex, and I’m always up for the job!

Family Basics

When you hire an interior designer, one of the first priorities is selecting materials that suit the project. Of course we all want things to look beautiful, but I design spaces to be aesthetically pleasing and liveble! When I’m selecting countertops for a family with young children, I’m careful to choose materials that won’t etch if it comes into contact with juice. I ask questions about the kinds of textures the homeowner appreciates, and I mesh their hopes for visual appeal with easily cleanable fabrics. I want to know if the family has a baby or young child that takes naps during the day, because that will determine details like light-blocking curtains. Those are just a couple of ways I consider design for residential properties. Commercial interior design necessitates a different set of priorities when it comes to materials selection. 

Universal Utility in Interior Design

A wide section of the general population will visit a place like a restaurant, so I have to think about the way a space will be used by many, as well as how materials selection can add to or detract from the goal of the space. This is especially important when the goal is serving people and/or making money. 

I designed a bar for an upscale restaurant in Santa Monica, and I took an unconventional route. Rich wood graced the top of the bar and elegant marble on the front. That allowed the delicate stone to be less of an issue when it came to food and drink contact. But, that’s not the only reason for the unique material placement! I wanted the space to feel like a local watering hole, a place with an air of familiarity, without sacrificing the slightly ritzy atmosphere. The wood felt like something to easily pull up to and enjoy a beverage, but the stone remained eye-catching and refined.

Have a Seat

How many times have you spotted a sofa that you just had to have for your home? It has the perfect look and exact color that you want. You’re so infatuated with this piece that you don’t even care if it’s comfortable, because you’re planning to place it in that formal living room that nobody ever uses anyway. We’ve all done it. We all know what it’s like to make a dream purchase that will complete the look in our homes. People book an hour consultation with me and often ask me to help find that dream decor item that they’ve been dreaming about for their homes. I’m always happy to oblige. After all, you need to LOVE your space, and I’m always thrilled knowing my clients will walk through their doors each day with smiles on their faces when they see how stunning their homes are. That’s my job when I’m in residential design. 

The priorities shift when I’m designing a commercial space. I want the seating to be comfortable for everyone who will spend time there. That means the chairs must have the right amount of cushion, but be able to withstand long durations of sitting. It also means selecting fabrics that won’t stain, and won’t tear or rip easily. Some designers don’t believe you can have it all. To that, I say “bring it on!” Beautiful seating that features durable design is possible, and I’ve used it several times over. I loved the leather banquette seating pictured above. The color felt warm, and the tufting added a sophisticated touch. Patrons were always comfortable while they enjoyed their meals, and the staff had an easy time wiping them clean. That’s the way I mix function with style when my design will benefit the masses.

The Allure of Art 

When I sit down with clients to talk about what they want out of their spaces, they often speak with such passion. They describe the imagery they’ve held in their heads with vivid details. Those conversations rarely finish without the mention of some art piece, color palette or wall covering. That’s because art and color have such an immediate impact on us. We choose soothing tones when we want a tranquil atmosphere, brighter ones when we wish to feel invigorated, and crisp, cooler hues when we want a clean feeling in a space. Color is one of a designer’s most powerful tools! My residential clients seek my expertise in choosing the best colors for their home offices, the right wallpaper to use in their powder rooms, and the perfect piece of art for that space right above their beds. They want their homes to make the right impressions. 

So it should come as no surprise that art and color in commercial interior design are equally as important. When I’m designing a space, every element I incorporate is an opportunity to positively affect the crowds who gather there. This is especially true in restaurant design. They say people eat with their eyes first. That’s a neat way of saying that appearance counts! I believe we can shift the energy in a space with the art included. I once took a portrait of a chef’s hands in action, and enlarged it to cover an entire wall. It felt immersive and dramatic. The moment you entered the space you were immediately transported into the mood deliberately created by the environment. 

Intuitive Interconnectedness in Design

I have talked about UNICA before, and although it isn’t a commercial property, the 41,000+ sq ft estate is definitely designed to host large numbers of guests. The bar lives on the wellness floor of the property and can be seen from multiple levels. I wanted to tie in characteristics of both floors and create a design that felt cohesive. I commissioned a piece from an artist that featured elements reminiscent of smoke and water. This perfectly linked to the floors with views of the fireplace and waterfall! 

Choosing art for commercial spaces is a delicate dance of finding attractive pieces that can somehow appeal to a multicultural, multi-generational audience. That’s not easy to do! I have found great success by integrating art with historical significance to the geographical location of the property. I also suggest using art that has the ability to begin conversations relevant to the space. Sounds simple, right? It is! Don’t overthink it. Determine what you want people to feel within the space. Do you want to spark philosophical thoughts? Sensations of comfort? Exclusivity? All of those things can be achieved with the art, colors and decor you select.

I don’t think I could ever choose a favorite between residential and commercial design. They both allow me to stretch my creative muscles in amazing ways. Designing for one means total control over every element. I get to go as subtle or funky as the client desires. Commercial design requires an entirely different way of thinking that considers the preferences and ideals of many. It’s challenging, but the reward is sweet!

One of the things I love to do as an interior designer with the years of experience I have is to debunk popular myths regarding my industry. We talk a lot about the power of design here on my blog, but I regularly hear in conversations with others that they believe they could never afford to hire an interior designer. I’ve also heard things like, “I just want to change one thing,” and “I live too far away from the designer I want to work with.” There are so many assumptions regarding interior designers and what we do, and many of them are false! I work with a company called The Expert, and it allows me to help clients from all over the globe with their interior design woes. It’s also much less expensive than you probably think! I’ll tell you how it works, and why you will want to book with me for a consultation today!

Why Should I Book an Interior Design Consultation?

In the last few years, the number of hours Americans spend at home has increased greatly. That won’t come as a surprise to any of us, considering we’ve lived through a pandemic. I’ve been on numerous panels talking about the multitude of ways to optimize our homes for the unprecedented amount of multitasking we’ve required of them.

For many, the need to redesign their spaces came as a direct result of those needs. Others simply wanted a change. Let’s face it, it’s easy to get tired of looking at the same furniture, colors and artwork day after day. Whether you desperately need a reworking of your space to save your sanity, or you want a more inspired and aesthetically pleasing space, scheduling a consultation with me is the first step to getting exactly what you want out of your space. It’s easy!

Scheduling an Hour With Breegan Jane 

If you have been interested in getting my assistance with designing your space, working with me is more convenient than ever before. Head to my website and you’ll find an option on the “Design” tab to book a consultation. You’ll then be directed to select a video consultation. That’s right, I can now serve you no matter where you live. Virtual consultations allow me to be anywhere in the world and inside of your home at the same time! I am available for on-site consults as well. You can contact me directly for that purpose at the number or email address found on my site. 

When your appointment time arrives, my attention is all yours. You will lead with your concerns, what you want my help with, and what area. I tell clients that our consultation will always benefit from you being physically in the space you want redesigned. This way you can walk me through it and point out specific elements. It isn’t mandatory, but it’s something to keep in mind prior to our appointment.

What Can You Hire Me To Do?

Many people believe that you must need a major renovation project in order to hire an interior designer, but that’s simply not true! Of course, I always suggest trusting a professional when it comes to complex undertakings like replacing your flooring, selecting and installing countertops, or extensive remodels. These jobs require a specific kind of expertise. I am available to help with all of these things. But, I’m also able to assist you with smaller projects as well! 

If you’re stuck on what kind of furniture a room needs, which paint color to choose, or maybe you want to change up your kitchen without breaking the bank, I can help you with it during our consultation on The Expert. I am even able to help you with item selections and shopping lists for your spaces. Booking a consultation with me is more à la carte than one-size-fits-all. Your time is precious, and I’m always excited to help you achieve exactly what you desire for your home. 

What Does Breegan Jane Specialize In?

The world of interior design is vast. No two designers have the same specialty. It’s always nice to know a bit about the background and proficiency of the person you’re hiring. A great deal of information regarding my experience in interior design can be found on my website. I also share my tips, tricks and design projects on my social media. I specialize in luxury residential design (3,000 sq. ft – 42,000 sq. ft), design build, room layout, materials selections, finishes and more. 

We’ve worked hard to develop a business model that could be effectively tailored to almost everyone’s needs in interior design. While we specialize in large-scale projects, we are also available for design decisions, even when you have a local interior designer already in place. We have eliminated the need to hire our team for your entire project. Instead, you can pinpoint exactly what you’d like our opinions on, and we’re happy to help!

We spend so much of our time inside our homes, making memories, loving our families and transitioning through the various stages of life. I believe these spaces should be safe havens that rise up to greet us when we walk through our doors. I’m passionate about helping others achieve that for their spaces. If you’re ready to design your home for the life you want, contact me today and let’s begin!

If you’ve been following along with me on social media, you know that at the time of this blog I’m currently in my favorite place on earth. You guessed it, I’m in Ibiza, Spain! This year alone I’ve been on more than 20 planes for work, and I’ve lost count of how many projects have been on the docket. It’s all been incredible, don’t get me wrong. But, it’s also been incredibly tiring and hard on my mind and body. With all that my career, motherhood and life in general require of me, it can be tough to remember to put aside dedicated time for wellness. I’m willing to bet the same could be said for you, too. More and more, my clients are seeking ways to incorporate wellness in their interior design. If you’re wondering how to do that for your spaces, I’ve got the info you need!

Wellness as a Priority 

Let’s face it, our lives are busy. Perhaps they’re busier today than ever before. For most, if not all of us, the pandemic turned everything upside down. One day we’re all going to the office, having dinner with our families, and socializing with our friends. The next (or at least it felt like it), we’re locked down at home with no clue when it would all end. Overnight, our homes became our everything! Work, classroom, restaurant, entertainment center…our homes had to transform into all of those things. Adjusting to that alone presented an enormous challenge for all of the world. 

Wellness by Definition

During the height of the pandemic, I noticed that people wanted to redesign their homes, but the motivation was different than it had ever been. Suddenly, the inquiries were less about pure aesthetic changes, and instead, they focused on versatility and comfort. That was the first clue that wellness in design had now been moved to the top of most people’s priority lists. Merriam-Webster defines wellness as: the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal. Most people think of wellness in terms of physical and mental health. In actuality, wellness is more comprehensive. It requires an approach to a lifestyle that places great importance on nourishing the body in a healthy way, stimulating and engaging the mind, and caring for the spirit.

A Multi-Dimensional Approach

Dr. Debbie L. Stoewen* says there are eight dimensions of wellness, including: “physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental”. So you see, wellness isn’t just one or two aspects of our lives. It is the whole of them. Taking care of ourselves shouldn’t be put on the back-burner. These bodies we’re living in are the ones that allow us to take care of the kids, to climb the corporate ladder, to empower others, and to exist in this world without crumbling every day. We must be deliberate about establishing healthy habits in order to achieve the mind/body/soul results we desire. But, how does interior design factor into wellness? I’m glad you asked.

Wellness in Interior Design

Shelter is considered one of the most important of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Our homes should promote peace and wellness. I use interior design to do exactly that. One of the first considerations when it comes to wellness in design is color. I don’t just love neutrals for the versatility they offer. I appreciate the way they impact the feeling of a room. In color therapy, white is used to soothe and purify. I’ve often told clients that using white and other soft neutral tones in a space allows your mind to unwind and relax at the end of a chaotic day. I suggest painting walls in a crisp, cool white hue. You can also select whites and creams for other large surfaces in your home like countertops, for a cleaner look. The space will feel calming and uncluttered. That’s what we all want when we enter our homes.

Lighting is a huge part of facilitating wellness in a space. We use lighting to establish mood. Think about the differences in the way your office looks compared to a hospital, then compared to a romantic restaurant. The contrast is huge. That’s because businesses select lighting fixtures and bulbs that create the feeling they want. When I’m designing a space I like to take advantage of the existing ambient light. Using windows to maximize sunshine is always a great thing, but when that isn’t readily available, I rely on alternate methods. I used circadian rhythm lighting when I designed UNICA. In the photo below it looks like the bathroom is pink, but it’s actually the lighting! Circadian lighting can be used to work with the body’s natural rhythms in order to ensure we get the right amount of light for our internal systems to function best.

Engaging the Senses

Have you ever wondered what makes visiting a spa so…pleasurable? You might be audibly screaming, “the massage!” right now. But, there are likely a variety of factors at play. Did you know that smell is the most developed sense a fetus has in the womb? It’s no wonder that scent is so closely tied to our memories. When we recall our best memories, and sometimes even our worst, we often speak about how something smelled. The perfume someone was wearing, the scent of the tires on the road after an accident, or the charred scent that lingered in the air after a fire, for example. Our brains process smells in special ways. So while that massage feels euphoric, you’re likely also responding to the scent of the body oils and the incense wafting through the room. 

Our experiences in various places are also impacted by textures. Have you ever walked into a store and spotted a pillow that you just had to go touch? Our senses drive us towards certain things and away from others. In interior design, we can use this knowledge to aid in creating wellness in our homes. Use decorative diffusers throughout your home with fragrances that smell delightful. Select furnishings that are lush and inviting. Velvet has the advantage of both appearing rich and sumptuous as well as feeling that way to the touch. I encourage clients to use pieces in their homes that will elicit those types of positive reactions within themselves.

Wellness isn’t just the latest buzzword. It’s a right we’re all entitled to. We spend so much of our lives and important moments right inside our own homes. They should be places of rest and rejuvenation. If yours isn’t, consider making a few of these modifications. Don’t know where to begin? Schedule an hour with me here, and let’s chat! I’m ready to help.

*Stoewen DL. Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life. Can Vet J. 2017 Aug;58(8):861-862. PMID: 28761196; PMCID: PMC5508938.

Have you ever seen a sitcom where women walk into a party or gathering with the same outfit on? It creates quite an uproar! There’s something about exclusivity that has such a coveted appeal. But really, why blend in when you can stand out? Interior design is no different. While it may bring savings to consider cookie-cutter layouts and options, custom design always makes more of a statement. If you’re looking to hire an interior designer to incorporate custom elements in your home, I have the expertise and experience to bring many exclusive aspects of interior design to your home spaces!

One-of-a-kind Design

Do you ever go into a store looking for something you’ve envisioned in your mind, only to find it doesn’t exist? Annoying, right?  Not if you hire an interior designer named Breegan Jane! I have a tried-and-true, failsafe motto when it comes to custom design: it can happen! I believe in the creative spirit. Practically, that means if you can’t find what you want for your home, let’s make it!

I have years of experience designing unique elements for bathrooms, for example, including custom tubs and sinks. Our bathrooms are frequently used spaces, and they should cater to our individual needs. I want your bathroom to delight the senses just as much as it boasts functionality. Design is creative, but it should also be innovative. Who says a sink has to look like an oval bowl with a silver fixture? If your mind can dream it, we can work to bring it to fruition. Case in point: I designed a splashless sink for the megamansion UNICA in Bel Air. It featured a faucet that made running water sound more like a gentle rainshower than splattering drops. In my opinion, you should hire an interior designer that challenges the norm to achieve the exact effect you’re seeking. That’s what I’m ready to do for you.

Here’s another scenario: you find an amazing piece of furniture, and you can’t let it go. Unfortunately, it has silver finishes, and your decor incorporates all brass accents. Contrary to your possible disappointment, all is not lost! I work closely with businesses that specialize in customization, right down to the minute details! As an insider, I know there are companies that don’t always work in the retail aspect of the industry, but they will work directly with brands and designers. This is just one of the perks you get when you hire an interior designer to bring your home wishes to life.

Unique Functionality Tailored to Your Needs

Kitchens are my absolute favorite spaces to design. Because I’ve been fortunate to design both residential and commercial kitchens for restaurants, I understand that chefs and home cooks have specific needs for efficient functionality. This is particularly true when it comes to the overall layout of a space. Let’s say you’re a homeowner who likes to juice with fresh fruits and vegetables. It may be important for your kitchen aesthetic to support having a mini fridge near the counter where you prepare your fresh beverages. Or, if you enjoy preparing home-cooked meals for a large family, you may need a dedicated space for a particular custom range. I can help you pick just the right appliances AND help create the perfect layout for your needs.

Speaking of a large family, perhaps you’ve been considering ways to stock your home with more groceries, and you require more than the average refrigerator options in the big box stores. I can help you custom-create a refrigerator with two (or three!) columns based solely on the configuration that best suits your family! Your appliances never have to be one-size-fits-all! I prefer to think: this-size-fits-YOU! That’s what happens when you hire an interior designer. We use our skills to ensure your space works in a way that makes your life easier. Isn’t that what we all want?

Solving Specific Design Problems

I’m not just an interior designer. I live, parent, work and entertain in my own home, so I KNOW what brings value to a space. My own life experiences, coupled with knowledge gained throughout my design career, allow me to infuse homes with a utility that feels intuitive. I want to alleviate and solve any issues or problems that may get in the way of creating all you want for your personal space.

Design is all about the details. Take pets, for example. Many interior designers don’t consider them when it comes to the home aesthetic. And while your furry family members aren’t considered “problems” to solve, something like a doggy door could clash with the overall look of your home. I’ve actually come up with some creative options for clients’ pet needs, and I did so with functional and fashionable ideas that pleased both the family and Fido. While it may seem weird for some to put time and thought into these types of home designs, I think it’s actually a sign of showing MORE thought than the average person. It takes heart and consideration—two things you should look for when you hire an interior designer.

A specific problem I ran into when designing my own home was the layout of the property’s square footage. My house was significant in length, but it was fairly narrow. To trick the unknown eye and make my home space appear wider, I incorporated custom parquet flooring. The non-directional patterns in the design opened up the space and made it look much broader. Now, the average DIY-er may not know to consider parquet flooring to achieve this effect…but a professional interior designer would!

Have I given you food for thought to consider hiring an interior designer? If so, let’s chat! I have all confidence we will come up with the perfect customizations for your specific home design needs and dreams!

They say if you want something done right, do it yourself. While I’m a huge fan of that mantra, I know it doesn’t work in all circumstances. Take home design for example. In the DIY age we’re in, tackling some aspects of design around the home may not be the best way of getting it done right. When it comes to great countertops and backsplashes, you may want to hire an interior designer to get the most value out of your home project.

Choosing the Right Countertop Materials

Tile and countertop materials can be extremely expensive. Nobody wants to pay upwards of hundreds of dollars per tile (or more!) only to have to rip it out and do it again if they get it wrong. Yet, I’ve seen it done time and time again with people who chose not to hire an interior designer.

This happens often with natural stone, particularly marble. While I absolutely love designing with stone, I know as a designer how to protect it—and when/where to use it. For example, I understand that natural stone may not be the best countertop material for an active family with kids. Condensation from glasses or bottles can cause etching and damage it permanently. Does the average homeowner know that? Maybe not. Even when designing a chef’s kitchen recently, I opted for manufactured stone. Why? Natural stone can be prone to staining. I adore natural stone, and I’ve worked with it often (have you checked out UNICA?). But the key is knowing when and where to place it in a space to maximize its beauty and durability.

Designing Beyond the Surface

Interior designers worth their salt also avoid designing solely based on superficial aesthetics, as many clients tend to do. Clients lead with their eyes and heart, and that’s not always wise. Yes, a gorgeous pattern may look perfect for your backsplash today. However, professional designers can look beyond “now” and predict when interior design tides will change or shift. We can help you choose something that may have more staying power with respect to the overall design of your space.

As a designer, my goal is not only to give you a beautiful home you love; it’s to do that in the most cost-effective way possible. I can help you pick the right tile that won’t go out of style, ultimately saving you money in the short and long run. These are the costly mistakes you can certainly avoid if you hire an interior designer.

Hire an Interior Designer to Save Time

Another consideration for designing backsplashes and countertops is the time it will take to create them. Again, if you have the expertise, by all means, go for it! I credit my mom for gifting me with the creativity gene. She has always excelled at arts and crafts. We would mosaic together, and I became really skilled at it! If you’re anything like me, you may have a good grasp of the techniques needed to tackle this kind of project. It could be a great way to put your own creative spin on your backsplash.

However, if you don’t know how to handle a project of this magnitude, it could go really wrong, really quickly. You don’t have to be Liam Neeson, but you do need to have a special set of skills to do this well. Something that may take a professional a day or less to do might end up turning into a nightmare for someone who’s inexperienced. And, as I mentioned earlier, materials can be costly. But even if your materials are inexpensive, experimenting without the expertise could cost you a great deal of time. None of us have enough of that to waste. If you’re not sure you have the skills, it might be best to hire an interior designer.

Planning and Envisioning like a Designer

As you probably know by now, I’m building my dream beach home. Recently I discussed moving a staircase in my master bedroom from one side of the space to the other. When I make suggestions like that, people often give me perplexed looks. They can’t fathom or understand how that could be possible. But interior designers have a knack for seeing a home as a blank slate, down to its studs, and determining what would work best.

The same goes for backsplashes and countertop materials. The average person may get a tile or stone sample and use that one sample to decide what they want for the entire countertop design or backsplash slab. As a designer, I know that’s the worst way to pick a countertop! One sample may have slight veining. But my professional expertise knows you need to see the entire slab before making a decision. The larger section may have more of one color versus another. Or, it may have more veining than you prefer in your design. I’ve learned how to avoid this and other mistakes through years of designing and renovating homes. This is yet another reason why you may want to hire an interior designer.

Breegan Jane: Your Dedicated Interior Designer

Designers think differently than average homeowners when it comes to home projects. That’s because interior design can almost be like a secret code or language to decipher. Professional designers have the eye, expertise and experience to crack those “codes” and take the trial-and-error out of the interior design process. Seeing a DIY project on TikTok can be intriguing, and it may even persuade you to try it. But getting it right the first time with a pro can be more efficient financially and time-wise than getting it wrong and doing it over again. Should you want to hire an interior designer to help you perfect your countertop and backsplash needs, I’m here to help you save time, money and headaches, all while making your home look amazing!