Thursday, May 22, 2014

Glamorous Retreats by Jan Showers and the 15th Anniversary of The Jan Shower's Collection





 Please enjoy this feature and interview with the uber talented, award winning  Interior Designer, Jan Showers! This is her second widely acclaimed book after Glamorous Rooms, Glamorous Retreats! 


1. Jan, would you tell our readers when you became interested in Interior Design and what sparked that decision? 

MY MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER LOVED IT AND I WAS INTERESTED IN IT FROM THE TIME I COULD LOOK AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE BEAUTIFULS!




2. How would you describe your style of décor; your special look?  

UNDERSTATED LUXURY AND GLAMOUR, AND ALWAYS COMFORTABLE AND INVITING.  IT IS TRADITIONAL WITH A MODERN EDGE.







3. I have noticed how much you use art glass and Murano glass lamps quite often. 

How important to you is it to have fine art as a focal point when designing a home? 
IT CAN MAKE OR BREAK EVERYTHING!  I LOVE GOOD ART AND THINK IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS THE FOCAL POINT OF MOST ROOMS.



A glorious blue Murano Glass Lamp









4. What are the things that inspire you; where do your ideas spring from when pulling a concept together? 


ALL OVER THE PLACE!  TRAVEL---I JUST RETURNED FROM PARIS AND AM SO INSPIRED BY THE COLORS OF THE TREES ALONG THE SEINE---WE TOOK AN EARLY EVENING CRUISE ON THE SEINE AND THE TREES WERE SIMPLY MAGNIFICENT---THE GREENS WERE STUNNING AGAINST THE BLUE SKY.  I SUPPOSE COLOR ATTRACTS AND INSPIRES ME MORE THAN ALMOST 


The Claudette Bench




5. When you are on an antiques buying trip to Europe you probably go with a list of wants; however do you also bring back items that just may be perfect for a future project? 

 YES, I ALWAYS HAVE A LIST FOR SPECIFIC CLIENTS' NEEDS, BUT SINCE I HAVE A 6,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM IN THE DALLAS DESIGN CENTER, I BUY THINGS FOR IT THAT WILL WORK ON MANY PROJECTS, NOT JUST FOR MY CLIENTS BUT FOR MY DESIGNER CUSTOMERS AND THEIR CLIENTS.



Adore the lines of this Turquoise Lamp!


The Classic Harrison Coffee Table



6. Jan, congratulations on the 15 Year Anniversary of your fine Furnishings Line, The Jan Shower’s Collection! What are a few of your very favorite designs? I know I adore The Sabine tables; however I could list at least a dozen of your gorgeous pieces!  

WE ACTUALLY SELECTED OUR FAVORITE AND MOST ICONIC 15 DESIGNS---A FEW OF THEM ARE:  THE HARRISON COFFEE TABLE, THE #4 TURQUOISE LAMP, THE CLAUDETTE BENCH, THE DANIELE TETE A TETE AND THE VILLA SOFA




The elegant Danielle Tete a Tete







The Coquille Sconce!






7. What words of wisdom do you have for the beginning Interior Designer, Jan?  


HAVE A PASSION FOR DESIGN AND BE UNDERSTANDING WITH YOUR CLIENTS---ALWAYS REMEMBER, IT'S THEIR HOME, NOT YOURS, BUT YOU OWE IT TO THEM TO GIVE THEM YOUR BEST ADVICE BASED ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE---THAT IS WHY THEY HIRED YOU!

Thank you so much, Jan,  for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us today!



The beautiful and oh so talented designer, Jan Showers!



Thank you to Jan Showers for the copy of her wonderful book Glamorous Retreats.
 The images are courtesy of Harry Abrams, photography by Jeff McNamara


You may purchase Jan's Books to add to your library at Amazon
Jan's website Jan Showers Interior Design
Jan's Collection is at Jan Showers.com 


Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

13 comments:

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Jan is so talented. I have her first book, and LOVE it! Adding this one to my list!
Teresa
xoxo

Greet Lefèvre said...

Dear Karena,
Thank you for sharing this post about Jan! Wonderful design! Jan has an eye for bringing in the right furniture pieces in every room!
Love that beautiful bench!
Have a wonderful weekend my friend!
xx
Greet
PS Thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my posts!

Kristen @ Pursuing Vintage said...

Karena, Every book you share is so beautiful, this one is no exception!
The Danielle Tee a Tete is amazing, and I would love to have that Harrison Coffee Table!
Thank you for sharing!

Jennifer said...

Such gorgeous design!! I love all her glamorous touches. Enjoy your weekend!

Stacy CUrran said...

Oh my gosh - that sconce!! Everything is SO beautiful. One of my favorites!
Stacy

Paisley Curtain said...

I have enjoyed Jan's previous book too and sure will do this as well. She brings Hollywood glamour in her interiors, she is a great talent.
Best wishes!

Julia said...

Genial unas ideas fantasticas,Que bonito post, me he paseado por tu bloc y ha estado un regalo visitarlo, te invito a ver el mio, “ Pintar es muy divertido. Constituye una delicia observar y exprimir los colores. Espero tu visita y si no eres seguidora me encantarías que te hicieras y así compartir nuestros blocs. Elracodeldetall.blogspot.com

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good heavens, what a gorgeous woman, and her designs! I love that deck with the wicker chairs and the aqua shutters...how perfect and divine is THAT! Karena dear, what a lush post, brimming with so many home décor ideas. I can't wait for school to be over so I can delve into my spring cleaning and rearrange my furniture!

Thank you so much for coming to visit with me! It is always my desire for someone to come and be lifted up. AND just know it takes me a while to get to visit other blogs with my school and wild schedule, but it is wonderful to come here to see how you celebrate others. Big hugs, Anita

Unknown said...

A beautiful interview K! I love her style and Murano glass light fixtures make a room! so many beautiful images..thank you. xo Nancy

Austen said...

I love this! Definitely inspiration for when I move in my first house in August! :) Thanks for posting

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Gorgeous designer with gorgeous designs. How special to see some of her work.xo

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Karena...what a fabulous interview...I have admired Jan's incredible designs and work for many years...I love her style and take on the traditional with a modern flair...her taste is exquisite and thus she is an amazing designer...I too love that Murano glass lamp...a true work of art!!

therelishedroost said...

Love her style!! Great post , have a wonderful weekend Karena!

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