Chicago, IL – In the dynamic world of interior design, where aesthetics meet functionality, Jasmin Reese stands out as a visionary. Her journey, marked by early exposure to diverse living environments and a deep-seated intuition, has culminated in a successful eponymous firm renowned for its bold use of color, unexpected textures, and a personalized approach to each project. This article delves into the life and career of Jasmin Reese, exploring the influences that shaped her design philosophy, the evolution of her business, and the unique elements that define her signature style.
The Foundation: A Childhood of Constant Transition
Jasmin Reese’s formative years were shaped by a peripatetic childhood, a direct consequence of her upbringing in a military family. This constant movement, from one locale to another, exposed her to a remarkable spectrum of residential styles. Her early life unfolded in spaces as varied as repurposed factories, exuding industrial charm, to elegant homes nestled within sprawling vineyards. This exposure to a multitude of architectural and interior designs wasn’t merely a backdrop to her childhood; it was an immersive education. Each new dwelling, each unfamiliar environment, provided valuable lessons in how surroundings can profoundly influence mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
"Growing up, I was always adapting," Reese recalls. "It wasn’t just about unpacking boxes; it was about understanding how a space felt, how it accommodated different needs, and how it could be made to feel like home, no matter where we were." This early immersion in the power of environment laid the groundwork for her future career, fostering a keen observational eye and an innate understanding of spatial dynamics.
The Spark: From Furniture Showrooms to Design Dreams
The path to interior design wasn’t a straight line, but rather a series of serendipitous encounters and developing passions. During her college years, Reese juggled the demands of academic life with employment in high-end furniture showrooms. It was within these elegantly curated spaces that her latent interest in interior design blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Surrounded by exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and sophisticated styling, she began to recognize not only her appreciation for beautiful objects but also a burgeoning talent for their arrangement and curation.
This period was instrumental in her realization that her natural inclinations were more than just preferences; they were professional assets. "I discovered I had an uncanny ability to read a room," Reese explains. "It’s like a sixth sense, an intuition about people and how they interact with their surroundings, and what elements will resonate with them." This innate understanding of spatial psychology, coupled with her growing knowledge of furniture and materials, proved to be a powerful combination.
The Defining Moment: Embracing the Ideal Profession
The true turning point in Reese’s career arrived not through a grand epiphany, but through a practical decision that underscored her dedication to her burgeoning passion. Faced with the choice between a well-deserved vacation funded by a bonus check or investing that money into redesigning her office space, Reese unequivocally chose the latter. This act of prioritizing her professional growth over personal leisure signaled a profound commitment to her calling.
With her resolve solidified, Reese made the significant move to Chicago to pursue formal education in the field. She enrolled at Harrington College of Design, a decision that would equip her with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills to complement her intuitive talents. Her dedication and hard work culminated in a significant achievement: she launched her first interior design business on the very day of her graduation, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and readiness to enter the professional arena.
The Firm: Jasmin Reese Interiors and its Distinctive Approach
In 2014, Jasmin Reese officially founded her eponymous firm, Jasmin Reese Interiors. What began as a nascent business has since flourished into a thriving enterprise. Today, the firm operates from a spacious 6,000-square-foot studio, a testament to its growth and success. This expansive space is uniquely designed to foster collaboration and transparency, as it is shared with an upholsterer. This close proximity allows clients to witness firsthand the intricate process of their custom pieces being brought to life, offering an invaluable behind-the-scenes glimpse into the craftsmanship involved.
Reese’s design aesthetic is characterized by a fearless embrace of color and an innovative use of materials. She is particularly known for her signature "color bomb" rooms – spaces that explode with vibrant hues, creating an immediate and exhilarating impact. Equally distinctive is her penchant for wallpapered ceilings, a design choice that adds an unexpected layer of sophistication and whimsy to any setting, transforming what is often an overlooked surface into a captivating focal point.
When asked about her creative process, Reese reveals a dynamic and responsive approach. She doesn’t necessarily wait for a fully formed concept to materialize. "I am pretty reactive," she admits. "I typically just start ordering materials or something related to the idea, and I journal every day." This method, characterized by immediate action and daily reflection, allows her to remain agile and open to the evolution of a design, drawing inspiration from the materials themselves and the evolving narrative of the project.
The "Friday Five": A Glimpse into Jasmin Reese’s Inspirations
As part of her regular contribution to the "Friday Five" column, Jasmin Reese often shares a curated selection of items that hold personal significance and inspire her work. These selections offer a more intimate look at the influences that fuel her creativity beyond the professional realm.
1. My Cat Nina
Reese’s affection for her cat, Nina, is evident in her sharing of Nina’s playful interactions with luxurious Samuel & Sons fringe. This simple yet charming anecdote highlights how even the smallest, most personal aspects of life can bring joy and inspiration, weaving a thread of warmth and personality into her otherwise professional persona.
2. Hercules Ring
A gift from a friend, the Hercules Ring from the Grand Tour collection serves as a powerful symbol of strength and resilience for Reese. The story behind the gift – her friend likening her to Hercules riding a bull – adds a layer of personal connection and humor. Reese wears this ring on challenging days, a tangible reminder of her inner fortitude, a quality undoubtedly essential in the demanding world of design.
3. Driving Range
The simple act of visiting a driving range at night with her husband offers Reese a unique form of relaxation and reflection. After over 25 years of this ritual, the casual enjoyment of the sport under the city sky provides a welcome respite and a space for quiet contemplation, a crucial element for maintaining creative energy.
4. Wedgwood Cake
Reese’s collection of Wedgwood is a testament to her appreciation for fine craftsmanship and timeless design. The custom-made birthday cake, meticulously crafted to resemble a Wedgwood piece, represents a deeply thoughtful gesture from her husband. The baker’s enthusiasm for the challenging project, despite initial hesitations from others, underscores Reese’s appreciation for dedication and artistic execution, even in unconventional forms. The bittersweet act of cutting into such a beautiful creation highlights its sentimental value.
5. Sketches
A more artistic and personal pursuit, Reese’s sketches of martial arts practitioners from her class, Benjilany, reveal another facet of her creative mind. Inspired by videos and screen grabs, these sketches are a form of visual exploration. The idea of translating these dynamic forms into wallpaper someday hints at her forward-thinking approach to design, always seeking new applications for her artistic expressions.
A Portfolio of Distinctive Designs
The work of Jasmin Reese Interiors is a vibrant testament to her design philosophy. Each project showcases her signature elements, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.
Guest Room: A Symphony of Red and Vintage Blue
In one notable project, Reese masterfully blends a bold, saturated red with the timeless elegance of vintage Wedgwood blue. This guest room exemplifies her love for layering vintage elements, infusing the space with a rich history and unique character. The careful integration of special details creates an inviting and memorable atmosphere for visitors.
Cat Canopy Bed: Whimsical Comfort for Furry Friends
Demonstrating her ability to extend her design sensibilities to all beings, Reese designed a charming canopy bed specifically for a cat. This creation, featured in a fundraising auction for PAWS Chicago, showcases her playful side and her commitment to supporting meaningful causes. The use of plush materials and delicate fringe adds a touch of luxury and comfort, even for a feline companion.
Primary Suite: Luxurious Textures and Custom Details
For a primary suite, Reese employed a sumptuous velvet stripe from Christian Lacroix, chosen for its saturated hues and rich texture. The creation of a custom tassel to adorn a bolster pillow exemplifies her meticulous attention to detail, proving that even the smallest elements can elevate a design from beautiful to breathtaking. This project underscores her belief that personalized touches are paramount in creating truly exceptional spaces.
Foyer with Chandelier: A Bold Welcome
Reese’s design for a foyer creates an immediate and unforgettable impression. Saturated red walls and ceiling envelop the space in a dramatic embrace, setting a powerful tone from the moment one enters. A tiered crystal chandelier, suspended from a warm brass frame, adds a touch of refined glamour and diffuses light softly, balancing the intensity of the color. The innovative addition of a cove ceiling adorned with plaid wallpaper introduces a striking graphic contrast and a sense of depth, demonstrating her fearless approach to pattern and color.
Powder Room: An English Garden Delight
Powder rooms, Reese notes, are particularly rewarding design opportunities, offering ample space for delight and surprise. In one project, she transformed a powder room with Alexandria wallpaper by Designers Guild in the Lapis colorway. The vibrant blue, reminiscent of an English garden, creates a charming and unexpected oasis, proving that even the smallest spaces can be imbued with immense personality and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion: A Future Shaped by Intuition and Innovation
Jasmin Reese’s career is a compelling narrative of how a childhood shaped by constant change, a natural intuition, and a passion for beautiful things can converge to create a remarkable design practice. Her ability to read spaces and people, coupled with her bold use of color and innovative material choices, has established her as a sought-after designer. From her unique studio environment to her distinctive "color bomb" rooms and wallpapered ceilings, Reese continues to push creative boundaries. As she moves forward, her reactive yet thoughtful approach, combined with a deep well of inspiration drawn from both her personal life and the world around her, promises a future filled with even more captivating and personally resonant interior designs. Her work is a testament to the power of intuition, the beauty of bold expression, and the enduring impact of a well-designed space.
