4/3/09

Interior designer Lisa Jackson stumbled into design by accident, but it’s clear this is her calling. Clients like Renee Zellweger, Vera Wang and Tory Burch have turned to Jackson for her simple and timeless design. Widely known for unique pieces picked up during trips around the globe, Jackson has an eye for rare antiques and fine art compiled everywhere from auction houses to flea markets.

We spoke with the designer about Lucca & Co., a furniture, antique and tabletop company, which she acquired in 2007.

LoftLife: We hear you’ve just returned from some great trips, and that travel plays a large role in how you source a majority of your furniture and other pieces.  Where are your favorite travel destinations for antiques?

Lisa Jackson: There  are  of course the tried and true small towns in  Italy… Belgium – especially Brussels, Antwerp and the surrounding countryside.

My current romance is with Mykonos. I fell in love last summer, it made my heart flutter. First off, everything is white, my favorite color, and not to mention it’s an island that is all about chic and natural yet is also refined. Very fab and cool! Wildly inspirational…

LL: What are the challenges when balancing between antiques with modern?

LJ: Its all about keeping interiors modern and spare. So we sprinkle antiques in to add warmth and integrity. They provide a sense of history, and lineage. They add an uniqueness that is imperative. I exercise restraint for the most part. The overall distinctive modernity I am looking for is lost. I shutter from clutter!

LL: Tell us about the most interesting or unique space you’ve worked on to date.

LJ: We have worked on everything from the Blackstone Group offices in London to Rene Zellweger’s country house. Of course also  NY  lofts and beach houses in the Hamptons too. We love it all.

LL: A lot of your work features a neutral color scheme. Why the absence of color, or have we just not seen it?

LJ: I love to use strong color in accessories: pillows, throws, glass and ceramic objects.  Most importantly, I use masses of fresh flowers to make the room come alive – deep purples, coral, acid green, saffron. I always use lots and lots of the same type and color grouped together. Think of bright groups of flowers set against a pale beige or grey background . . . sublime!

LL: Classic design and comfort seem to remain key themes.  What interests or overall themes influence your design sensibility?

LJ: I am a modernist at heart. That’s the consistent aesthetic thread. I keep it refined and sophisticated in an informal way. Lifestyle means everything… I  want all our interiors to reflect this. Never sacrifice style and luxe. The idea is to melt into the furniture. Put your feet up and wait for the uncertain and unexpected to unfold or get lucky with some good conversation and a cocktail.

LL: Lucca & Co. is a full lifestyle brand, including books, jewelry and gifts. How do you see all of these pieces fitting together?

LJ: Its all in the edit. There’s no ruffles or rushing around here. No pretense. Just clean and simple design of the finest quality. Table top items include 17th century classic glass styles from  Sweden and  Italian hand thrown ceramic dishes. Indian jewelry and  books about modern design that all express the same voice.

LL: Coming from a business background and somewhat falling into interior design, what were the biggest surprises you came across in the industry you were not expecting?

LJ: Holy cow . . . all the heavy lifting! This is a very physically demanding business and I am always running around looking for the newest and coolest stuff for the shop, not to mention moving furniture or hauling pillows and objects for styling. I admit, I do have a great staff that helps a lot.

LL: What have you not had the opportunity to design yet that you’d like to do?

LJ: Carpet and textile designs are a passion.  I have a million ideas which I am working on as we speak!

For more information about Lisa’s interior design work, visit Jackson Aaron.

Posted by Erin Ryder

Tags: Erin Ryder, Interior Designer, Q & A