Author: Breegan Jane

If you were to ask a realtor what the most commonly complemented features are when clients tour houses, I bet an abundance of natural light would rank in the top five! Listen, most people don’t want to live in a dungeon. Being connected to nature has so many amazing benefits. Natural light from the sun has been proven to improve sleep quality, boost vitamin D levels in the body, and even help bone health and mood! In short, there are scientific reasons for sun-chasers like me! I love incorporating natural elements in design, but you can’t exactly “fake” sunlight! So, what can you do if you have a dark space that desperately needs light? Let’s talk about it in today’s blog. 

Go Light With Paint

This one is a no-brainer, but if you wish to lighten up a dark room, you definitely want to make thoughtful paint choices. Lighter colors will instantly make a space feel not only brighter, but also more open. White is probably the easiest and more likely option to select, and it’s a favorite of mine. It’s extremely versatile, which means you’ll never be limited in your style or decor choices. White paint as a backdrop truly allows all the other pieces in the room to shine, and any ambient sunlight will reflect off of it to maximize the natural brightness.

We’ve established that a bright color like white can add light to a room, but have you visited a paint store recently? There are thousands of various shades of white to choose from. Be sure to consider whether you want a warm or cool white. Go too cool and your space can appear sterile and cold. Too warm and you risk the rooms looking dingy and dull. See why hiring a designer is key? We can guide you through that process.

Materials Matter

As you move to find ways to add light to your spaces, don’t forget about the ways you can use materials to enhance the natural light you already get from windows. I opted for antiqued tiles in my kitchen space. The wall on which they are installed faces huge doors and windows. So when the sun shines, the rays bounce off the mirror-like surface of the tiles. As I’m sure you can imagine, that was by design. If you aren’t in the market to redo your tiled surfaces, that’s okay. Instead, take advantage of mirrors! Mirrors placed strategically in a room will reflect light similarly, and make a space feel brighter and bigger. That’s absolutely a win!

Any space with larger surfaces will benefit from lighter colored materials. White stone for countertops—both in bathrooms and kitchens, white, cream or tan area rugs for your floors, and even light, neutral colored backsplashes will all add that gleaming quality to your spaces. Don’t overthink it. Utilize materials in light colors to attract and reflect light in any room.

Chase the Sun

Perhaps the easiest way to bring more light into your home is to prioritize your windows. If you are lucky enough to have large beautiful windows, structure your seating and layout around them. One of the things I always advise clients to do is visit their new home at different times of the day. Why? Because if you desire to enjoy a cup of coffee while you watch the sunrise in the morning, you need to know where to position your nook. If you want a bright and sunny workspace because that makes you more productive, you need to know which room to make your office. In short, take advantage of the ambient light in your home.

Both my last home and the one I’m currently building feature skylights in the bathrooms. Despite contractors suggesting I get rid of them, I knew immediately that I wanted to create a spa-like space and bathe under the stars. I planned my blueprint around that. You might not have floor-to-ceiling windows, and you may not have skylights, but even small windows will emit light. Plan accordingly.

Bringing light to your home can be challenging when your rooms don’t get a lot of sunlight. Often, a few small changes like paint color, cabinetry choice or even just floor coverings can truly make the biggest difference! Use these tips and brighten up!

Where do you live, and why do you love it? I’m a native Californian, and to be honest, I can’t see myself ever living somewhere not by a big body of water. My earliest memories involve me being in the ocean with family. The sand and sea are practically in the DNA of Breegan Jane. I love the coast for so many reasons. It’s why I feel pulled to Ibiza so strongly. There’s such a peace that accompanies coastal living. In search of the tranquility it brings, many clients lean into coastal decor in their homes! It’s a beautiful interior styling technique, and if you’re interested in finding out how to bring it into your spaces, stay tuned.

Use Coastal Reminiscent Decor

One of the simplest ways to successfully execute coastal design is to incorporate items that call back memories of some of your favorite coastal locations! I have always believed in including hints of home in my design. But that’s an easy one for me since I live on the coast. In Southern California where surf culture is huge, it isn’t unusual to see decorative surfboards mounted on walls in chic ways, or beach coral decor in vacation homes. But if you’re after a more understated yet elevated way to bring in the coastal vibes, I’ve got exactly what you need.

Grecian by Savoy House and Breegan Jane

You probably don’t immediately think of lighting when coastal design is the goal, but you should! Lighting is the icing on the cake in any space, and there’s nothing better than a stunning statement piece hanging from the ceiling of a beautiful room. Grecian is a six light chandelier from my lighting line with Savoy House, and it is one of my favorite pieces!

The fixture is crafted with natural coconut shells, and the branches cascade in a romantic way. The hand-applied Champagne Mist finish adds a beautiful touch that makes me feel like relaxing on a Mediterranean shore on a bright sunny day.

Simple Stylized Statements

Remember that the style you select doesn’t have to consume the entirety of every space in your home. Instead, you can choose small ways to add in elements of coastal decor that make a statement while still allowing the rest of your decor choices to shine. What I mean is, think of your adornments in terms of everyday beauty instead of kitschy, themed styling. Seashells and flip flops artwork are cool for a VRBO you’ll visit for a week. But the home “you do life” in? We want that to feel sophisticated and comfortable. 

Palmyra by Clarke & Clarke and Breegan Jane

Wallpaper is having a moment in interiors right now, and I’m all in! You have so many options depending on which paper you choose and how you choose to use it. I love the idea of using a wallpaper with muted tones as a backdrop for a single wall. Palmyra, a Breegan Jane wallpaper, is ideal for this! It comes in four colorways, and it features rustic palm trees floating in a gentle breeze. This is the perfect way to summon a coastal mood without going too far over-the-top. 

Keep Colors Light and Bright

When you think about the serenity of a beach, you think about the way your senses are captivated. One of the biggest has to do with the colors you see. I have talked a lot about the way we experience interior design, and the reasons why color psychology is so important. Blues, whites and tans will always make a space feel laid back and relaxed. So consider that when you select your decor. I happen to adore teal, so I love finding ways to incorporate it in my spaces. White is an easy one, but careful! Too much white without contrast or texture can start to feel sterile. So, how do you use coastal colors and keep the style modern?

Try a lighting fixture in a bright white but with loads of texture and interest. Pacha is a chandelier that has white tiered flowers with a White Cashmere finish. Talk about alluring! It draws the eye without feeling so bold that it takes over the room. 

Throw pillows are always a win when you’re looking to add a splash of color to a room, and Paradiso with its woven and distressed texture is superb! This Breegan Jane fabric comes in a myriad of hues, but denim would make a splendid pillow or curtain for a coastal interior! 

Incorporate Organic Materials 

Lastly, you can never go wrong with natural elements in a coastal inspired design. I love using natural elements because anything that connects me to nature is a win in my book. Where possible, use materials like beautiful lighter toned woods, stone and rattan. They will complement the other colors and textures in the space, and you’ll definitely usher in that unmatched peacefulness that comes with the great outdoors.

You certainly don’t have to use every one of these in your home to feel coastal, but adding in a few here and there in orchestrated ways will absolutely have you ready for a trip to the beach! For now, enjoy that relaxing energy in your space with an elevated coastal design!

I designed Breegan Jane fabrics and Breegan Jane wallpapers with the understanding that there will never be a one-size-fits-all for interior design. After all, we style homes based on the individuals who live in them, so of course they’re all going to be totally different. If you know anything about me as a designer, you know I believe a home should be customized for the way you live and the way you desire to feel each time you walk into it. A significant part of that has to do with the colors you choose for your spaces. Now, big, bold colors are certainly having a moment right now, and I love that. But bold isn’t for everyone. So if neutrals still have you in a chokehold, this blog is for you! Neutrals will always be my first love in interior spaces. I’m on a mission to prove that done well, they’re absolutely stunning. Let’s talk about a few ways of incorporating them in the home.

Neutrals: From Stale to Stimulating 

When I talk about neutrals, most people immediately think of spaces swathed in beige and white. Now, those are definitely neutral shades, but there are so many more colors that fall within this category. You do your spaces an injustice if you limit yourself in that way. Neutrals fall anywhere from the whites and off-whites to grays, browns, blacks and anything in between. They are often favorites used by designers because of their versatility. Incorporating any other color or style becomes infinitely more easy when the backdrop is neutral. But neutrals without a strategy or curated design plan can feel more dull than delightful. If you’re in search of a space that still feels intriguing and intentional, using neutrals in specific and thoughtful ways is crucial.

Don’t Forget About Texture!

I find that people often consider color above all else when they’re designing a space. That’s an important factor for sure, but it isn’t the only one. If you’re using a neutral color palette, one of the best ways to keep it interesting and catch the eye is by infusing the space with texture! I love the way textured neutrals make a room feel instantly more luxe. You can always do this with natural elements like stone or woods because those typically come in organically neutral tones. If you’re looking to introduce neutrals on a larger scale, consider fabrics!

My Clarke & Clarke line is designed to suit every taste and palette. I wanted everyone to be able to find the perfect finishing touches for their rooms. With that in mind, one of my preferred ways to work with neutrals is to add textured fabrics into a space. You get the color you’re looking for but with so much more dimension! Textures can look differently as light bounces off of them, and they always draw guests’ attention.

Paradiso Fabric

Paradiso is an organic Breegan Jane fabric perfectly suited for upholstery, cushions and curtains. It comes in several neutral colors like oatmeal, ash, buff and more. Paradiso is a collection of 26 tonal woven plains. I was inspired by so many coastal elements, so the colors feel rich and relaxed. You’ll notice these fabrics feel distressed for a deeper connection to nature. The texture gives them a uniquely aged look that feels as elegant or casual as your space requires. I love Paradiso for chairs and pillows!

Serengeti Fabric

If you’re in search of a textured neutral fabric that still incorporates a pattern, Serengeti is ideal. It comes in four colorways, but Noir is the most neutral. Serengeti is a Breegan Jane fabric unlike any other fabric because it was designed on the horizontal scale with a flame stitch technique. The fabric has a ribbed definition, and as if that wasn’t enough, it also features a delicate foil texture printed on top. Serengeti is an eye-catcher!

Prints Can Be Neutral, Too!

I’m not sure who started the myth that neutrals can only be solids, but we’re debunking that today! When “color shy” clients come to me wanting to incorporate a bit of interest without bolder colors, I often steer them in the direction of prints and patterns in the colors they are familiar with. It gives them a refreshed look without going too far outside of their comfort zones.

Manda Wallpaper

I talked about using animal print in design before, and Manda is the perfect example of how to do it with neutrals! Manda is a Breegan Jane wallpaper that comes in three shades, and all of them are neutral! The paper features a classic zebra pattern in a textured jacquard. Manda was meant for accents! If you want to spice up your sofa, add a funky accent chair or even hang curtains in an otherwise solid room, Manda is what you need. 

Kisumu Fabric and Wallpaper

Kisumu is offered as both a Breegan Jane fabric and a Breegan Jane wallpaper! Kisumu is a hand-drawn African toile that depicts the iconic “Tree of Life”, the Baobab tree. It’s definitely one of the more immersive papers and fabrics. I love it, because you don’t usually think of toile when you hear “neutral”, but so many of the colorways are! Kisumu makes a statement in any room, effortlessly. It’s a conversation starter and a show-stealer in the very best way. This print can be layered in a space with other prints or left to stand on its own. 

If color isn’t your vibe, lean into neutrals in a new and fresh way this season. Trust me, we are reimagining neutrals, both solids and prints, with audacity. Check out the links above to find fabrics and wallpapers that are much more daring than they are demure. Your spaces will thank you!

Have you checked out my Instagram lately? If not, you’re missing all the cool details I’m including in my new beach home. I’m building the forever home of my dreams and it is ANYTHING but boring! In fact, this home might be the most “Breegan” design I’ve ever touched. Most of that is due to the fact that I plan to live here for a very long time. That means I’ve assessed exactly how I want the space to function to best suit my needs, and then I proceeded to design for it. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at how many select design styles solely based on an image they have in their mind. For most people, aesthetics only go so far. This is especially true of kitchen design and even more specifically, kitchen lighting! So today, let’s discuss how to optimize your lighting in new and fresh ways.

Breegan Jane x SAVOY

Lighting has always been a favorite design element of mine. This is mainly because it’s one of the few items in a space that has as much power to transform the look of the room as it does to assist in the function of the space. Listen, lighting doesn’t just sit back and look pretty. It’s pretty with a purpose! I designed an incredible lighting collection with Savoy House that features 35 stunning pieces available at retailers now. When we were creating these fixtures I never lost sight of the ways people would actually use them. I design just as much for the person who wants a showstopper piece hanging in their dining room as I did for the mom who needs proper lighting for tutoring sessions at the breakfast nook. Each home, every room and all families will require something different. You should always be able to find what works best for you. I believe my lighting line does that and so much more!

Let There Be Light

One of the things that doesn’t get talked about enough is the need to light countertops and other surfaces in kitchens. We cook in our kitchens, we eat and gather in them, and we even sometimes work there. With so much life happening in this space, kitchen lighting definitely has to be able to keep up. When you are deciding on a fixture, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. If you do a fair amount of meal preparation on your kitchen island, perhaps a larger fixture that casts significant illumination is what you need. Linear chandeliers are awesome for this need because their shape alone gives you an elongated radiance. The Legacy 4-Light Chandelier is available in warm brass or matte black, and it is gorgeous! I love hanging a chandelier that feels significant above an island. 

If multiple lights speak to you more than a larger single fixture, pendant lights are your best friend! Pendants give you the opportunity to position your light in groups for maximum illumination. Multiple fixtures work together for a cohesive feel and appearance. It’s a sleek look I never tire of! The Pharos pendant light is ideal for a two or three light configuration. The Pharos comes in champagne-toned Noble Brass, and trust me, it wows! It’s no secret that I love using metallics in interior design. Brass happens to be my favorite, and when you see the richness of Pharos you’ll immediately see why!

Make a Statement

I get asked all the time about my start in interior design. The truth is, I didn’t begin with this career in mind. Did you know I owned my own retail store as a teenager? There’s more to that story, but I remember hanging so many chandeliers in that small space. It was iconic. Even at that age I understood the impact of a statement lighting piece. When you want your home to exude beauty and grace, lighting is a great place to focus your energy and budget. Chances are, your space is already equipped with the necessary electrical wiring. All that’s left is the fixture, and that’s the fun part!

The right kitchen lighting fixture can look and feel like art without ever needing to add color to your room. Boring lighting is sooooo yesterday. Find a piece that truly feels like you! Boa is the collection that made waves at Lightovation. With its tiered frosted glass feathers and warm brass finish, Boa takes glamorous to the next level. Listen, if you’re looking for a conversation starter, Boa needs to be in your cart not now, but right now.

I love tuxedo kitchens for their elegance and simplicity. They also make the perfect backdrop for an impressive accent like Boa or even the stately Atlas pendant. You don’t have to stress about figuring out how to “decorate” your kitchen. Choose amazing paint colors and hardware for your cabinetry, and then put the icing on the cake with a fabulous light. Let the kitchen lighting do the work!

No Corner Left Behind!

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s tackle the parts of kitchens that don’t get the love they deserve. Every now and then I’ll speak with someone who is going crazy trying to figure out how to literally shed light on a hard to reach corner in their space. If you have a spot that doesn’t work for a chandelier or pendant, and you’re not interested in a floor or table lamp, a sconce might be exactly what you need! 

Sconces are so underrated. They are arguably the most versatile lighting you can ask for, because they don’t require a ton of space. I designed several sconces for my lighting line with Savoy House to fit everyone’s tastes. The one pictured above is Lio. If you have a corner that feels a bit dim, or just needs a bit of extra attention and sparkle, check out my collection for the perfect sconce.

No matter what you choose for your kitchen lighting, be sure to do what works best for your household needs. The right lighting will never sacrifice form or function. Have fun, and happy lighting!

Most know Breegan Jane as an interior designer who brings modern approachable luxury to spaces by infusing them with striking metallics and elegant neutrals. It’s true, my love for whites, creams, blacks and grays is undying. There’s just so much you can do with them across the palette of your entire home. For a creative, versatility is everything. But, having a penchant for neutrals doesn’t mean I have a distaste for color. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! This year is seeing an emergence of dopamine decor in a huge way, and when I designed my Breegan Jane fabrics and wallpapers line with Clarke & Clarke Interiors, I knew I wanted to have fun with patterns and print. We created several textiles featuring animal print, and I’m pretty obsessed with the beauty of it all! If you’ve ever wanted to incorporate animal print in your interior design without sacrificing sophistication, I have a few tips to help you begin!

Is It, or Isn’t It?

Listen, animal print in interior design can be quite the polarizing topic. I find that people who love it, reeeeally love it, and they believe there’s never enough. Then there are the people who find animal print to be a little kitschy and loud. They avoid it at all costs. Perhaps I’m the perfect candidate to speak on the subject, since I lean towards neutrals, and my goal is always to create a refined space with an effortless style. The thing is, you can do all of those things with animal print if you know how to wield its power appropriately. Let’s take it one step at a time.

Start Small

If you’re feeling a bit shy about using animal print decor, remember that you don’t have to go overboard all at once. Sometimes it’s better to begin with small doses. So, if your space is filled with solids, consider accent pieces. One of the best parts about my collaboration with the Sanderson brand is that it has fabrics that can be used any way you please! Choose a print you like and use it on a few throw pillows, big or small, that will live on your couch. The largest pieces in the room will still be solid, and you’ll give the space a bit of pizazz with an animal print accent. Sometimes you just need to stick a toe into the pool instead of diving headfirst, and that’s okay.

Animal Print in Neutrals

If you truly can’t give up your devotion to neutrals, you’re in luck! My Breegan Jane wallpapers and fabrics line features animal print in creams, grays, blacks and browns! So you can easily mix in a few patterns in your already curated space for a fresh and upgraded look! I love Manda for this exact reason. Named after an island off the Lamu archipelago of Kenya, it’s a zebra pattern in a textured jacquard. Manda comes in three colorways and all of them are neutrals! 

The Same, But Different

You know that feeling when you walk into a professionally styled space and it just takes your breath away because it’s so “perfect”? That’s what hiring a designer can do for a home. I like giving you little nuggets of wisdom here on my blog so that you can achieve some of that yourself, too! One of the ways to get that perfectly styled look with animal print is to mix different prints that are all in the same or complementing color families.

The prints don’t all have to be animal prints, either. Mixing these patterns draws the eye to the total design instead of each piece individually. The result is pure sophistication with a cohesive feel. It looks harder to do than it is. For example, Pokot, a Breegan Jane fabric in the Caribbean colorway works exceptionally well with Serengeti in Midnight. Pokot also plays well with other colorways in the same print! The combinations are endless, and they are SO much fun to play with. 

Weigh the Scale

This tip works well for just about any type of print and pattern play. For the very best results, blend prints that have varied sizes of patterns. If you select a fabric or wallpaper with a more complex print like Kisumu, mix it with Duma, a fabric featuring embroidered cheetahs. It’s a repeating pattern set against a solid background, but there is ample negative space between each cheetah. When you place it beside Kisumu or Pokot, both prints can shine without competing with one another. Use this trick when you hang a stunning print at your windows and you want to place an upholstered chair in front of it. Your space will appear to be expertly styled with the benefit of a customized design catered specifically to your singular tastes.

Breegan Jane fabrics and wallpapers are designed to be used together for an endless amount of looks and combinations to suit anyone’s preferences. I’m even having fun using them in amazing ways in my own new beach home! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the Clarke & Clarke site or my own website for ideas. Feel free to contact me for a consultation as well. I’d be happy to put together custom combinations from my collection to make your space sing! Happy designing! 

I’m often asked how I can look at a “blank canvas” property and envision everything from furniture layout, to paint colors and even bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The answer, for me at least, is simple. My mind just works differently. My job as an interior designer is to discover the features that will coalesce into one cohesive display. But that doesn’t always mean selecting items that are similar. In fact, contrasting elements in interior design can often make for the very best styling! Curious? I’ll tell you more.

Opposites Attract?

It can be tough to believe that contrasting elements work well in design. I get it. For so many years the industry has sold us all the idea that everything must match. Think about it; when you go into big box furniture stores, everything comes in a matching set. You can get a bed, nightstands and dresser all with the same material, color and embellishment. When clients choose hardware for their rooms, they typically go with all one metal: brass, chrome, black, etc. We have simply been conditioned to believe things need to echo one another in order to feel connected. It’s not true! Opposites might not attract, but they certainly do complement! Adding contrasting elements in your interior design gives your spaces a chance to feel dynamic and layered. That’s what you want when you’re creating a curated home.

Organic Versus Luxe

So, now that we realize we can vary the styles of our decor without worries of everything clashing, how do we effectively mix and match? Well, I aim for balance. For instance, I am in the process of designing my new beach home in Southern California, and I’m hand-picking every single thing. I decided on Venetian plaster for several of my walls. Limestone on walls instantly gives a very earthy feel to a space, and while you might be inclined to make that the theme of the entire room, I’ve decided to juxtapose the sort of organic appearance of Venetian plaster with an oversized and elegant chandelier! 

The two seem like worlds apart, but while the chandelier alone might feel over-the-top, combined with a more muted background, it sings! If you’re wanting to bring a bit of these contrasting elements to a room in your home, consider the places where you can add something ornate to a more subdued surrounding. The balance makes for a stunning view!

Edgy Versus Classic

When I told people I planned on combining graffiti with wainscotting, I definitely received a few shocked looks. I get it. I mean, graffiti has always been a more rugged form of artistic expression, while it just doesn’t get any more timeless than wainscotting. I wanted to give my son a say in the design of his space, but mama knows best when it comes to the lasting power and the aesthetics of design. These two contrasting elements are a surprisingly chic combination that I’m already loving! I recommend an edgy and classic blend especially when it comes to a couple that has differing opinions on what they want for a space. You can avoid several arguments by being willing to find elements that appeal to him and her, then mix them in attractive ways. Don’t be afraid to combine softer elements with more severe ones. The result is often a delightful and interesting one that will catch the eye and feel bespoke!

Solids Versus Patterns

This one is a favorite of mine, because it can be done in a myriad of ways. If there’s one thing you should consider, it’s layering color and patterns together! I recently created my Breegan Jane fabrics and wallpapers line with Clarke & Clarke, and it is brimming with prints and hues that remind me of some of my favorite places. There are so many options that you can mix and match for a tailored look. 

Want to add a wow factor to your space? Select a beautiful wallcovering, then add gorgeous throw pillows to your couch to bring out the colors in the wallcovering. Weave in patterns that are different but feature similar colorways. Treat your rooms like outfits. Add accessories to your foundational design for the look that only you could create!

I talk a lot about personalized and customized interior design because I believe your home should look and feel like those who live there. Incorporating contrasting elements is one excellent way to achieve that in unique ways! Use these tips to give your home an extra special touch. You won’t regret it!