Jean Liu

Dallas - Interior Designer

What first sparked your interest in design? In college, by pure luck I managed to land one of the highly coveted studio apartments at the Halcyon House, a historical property in Washington, D.C., that originally belonged to George Washington’s secretary of the Navy. Living in such an architecturally rich space opened my eyes to the world of interior design and its ability to improve and enhance one’s day-to-day life.

How would you describe your personal aesthetic? I’m a lover of highly edited and modern spaces. People think it’s color I fear, but it’s really pattern. I try to use it sparingly.

Most important design decision? Art is the single most important element that can elevate a room. As a young(ish) collector, we love working around those important pieces first.

What is a design trend you are loving now? I’m loving this resurgence of cane furniture. I grew up in the ’70s where we had caned chairs, caned dressers and caned ceiling fans. Those who know my background in the ceiling fan industry are well aware I’ve been dying to bring those caned blades back for some time now. So to see this material being reintroduced on modern forms is fun and nostalgic.

What is a timeless design element that will never go out of style? I don’t think a dark, lacquered library will ever lose appeal or feel passé. I also think a good antique Oushak or Mahal is something that will never go out of style.

What is your favorite color palette to use in projects right now? I’ve been on an olive green and rust-colored kick lately. Second to that is this aubergine and gold combination I find so rich and luxurious.

jeanliudesign.com



Photography by: PHOTO BY NATHAN SCHRODER