CONTRIBUTORS
BEHIND THE SCENES GET TO KNOW A FEW OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS THEY TALK ALL THINGS DESIGN. PRODUCED BY SARAH RAMIREZ
LAURE JOLIET
Photographer / Los Angeles
KIMBERLY OLSON Writer / San Francisco
Most memorable interview: I interviewed a couple who were high school sweethearts and had just built their Miami dream home. The design team created a space that was such a reflection of them, incorporating elements that evoked both their world travels and an indoor-outdoor feel, as well as adding a sound system for parties. The husband even designed some first-of-theirkind, remote-controlled gas lanterns, which are now on the market—a true passion project. What’s your design style? I like classic pieces with a sense of history, but I also appreciate clean lines without too much fussiness—and I’m definitely not someone to shy away from color. I have a tufted-velvet sofa in a lovely lime green. No regrets! Prized possessions: A gorgeous Tiffany-style stained glass lamp that my father made for me and an old doll that belonged to my grandmother, which my parents had restored as a birthday gift. I’d include my cat, Ariel, but she rules the roost, so she might object to being called a possession.
CYNTHIA LYNN Photographer / Chicago What type of design inspires you? I’m really fascinated with late19th-century architecture. However, my own personal taste is very modern. I just love when architects and designers marry the two. For example, when they choose to keep the façade of existing structures but completely modernize the living space, I think that’s just fantastic! Most interesting person you’ve ever met: My husband and I went truffle hunting in Alba, Italy, and met a truffle hunter and his dog, Gigi. He was absolutely fascinating—from the way he interacted with the dog to the history he upheld for the art of truffle hunting. It was as if he were a character written for a book. He also spoke very little English, so his enchanting personality transcended language barriers. It was one of my fondest memories, and I’m so grateful we were able to meet him. If I weren’t a photographer, I would… Run an animal rescue and rehabilitation center. I’m a huge animal person and have such a soft spot for dogs. I do what I can now by fostering, but I would love to do more someday.
JENNIFER SERGENT Writer / Washington, D.C. What do you find most enjoyable about design? I like that it’s so personal, like music. Designers can take the same fabrics and furniture (as musicians do with the same notes and scales) and combine them in limitless ways to express a point of view or mood. I see interior design as transformative for the psyche even more than for aesthetics. Prized possession: A chest my husband commissioned designer and furniture maker Caleb Woodard to make for me. The carved wood on the doors resembles woven ribbons. If money were no object, I would buy… A beach house in Fenwick Island, Delaware. I’ve vacationed there with my family since I was little, and it would be great to own something there.
JOLIET HEADSHOT: RACHEL NEDERVELD. VIGNETTE PHOTO: CYNTHIA LYNN; INTERIORS BY SHELLEY JOHNSTONE DESIGN. LYNN HEADSHOT: COURTESY CYNTHIA LYNN. SERGENT HEADSHOT: JOHN SPAULDING. OLSON HEADSHOT: COURTESY KIMBERLY OLSON.
Favorite Luxe shoot: A penthouse in San Francisco I photographed that had views of the Transamerica building, through the dining room window, and the Golden Gate Bridge, out the living room windows. It was great! What’s intriguing you now in the world of design? I like that there’s so much room these days for innovation and experimentation. The Internet has democratized a lot of the design world, so small firms making thoughtful pieces can thrive alongside huge companies. Most fascinating person you’ve ever met: I sat next to an army doctor on a flight out of Boise who was on his way to Liberia to head up Ebola treatment centers at the peak of the epidemic. He had so much life experience, compassion and courage, as well as epic patience, as I peppered him with questions for two hours. Top three things on your design wish list: I would love to own a heated outdoor bench from Galanter & Jones for chilly California evenings, artwork by Lauren Spencer King, and a custom quilt from Counterpane.