A dining area decorated by Jill May Interiors.
How did you end up becoming an interior designer? What led you to that path?
In 1998, while living in Beijing, I started Red Door Antiques. I sourced antique furniture, architectural pieces, accessories and contemporary art throughout China and wholesaled the pieces to high-end furniture and design showrooms throughout the United States. On occasion, while in China, people would ask me to decorate their offices and residences with my pieces. Then when I moved to Austin in 2002, a Red Door Antiques customer asked me to help design and decorate the new condo she was building. I’ve been decorating my heart out ever since.
What’s a decorative piece every person should own in his or her home?
Something that is meaningful to the person. For me, it’s a statue that my husband and I got on a trip we took to Peru right after we got engaged, a collection of 1920s picture frames that my dad got me when I turned 13, and a Honora Jacob painting that I bought for my husband for his 40th birthday. A home should tell the story of the people who live in it, and layering interesting and meaningful pieces into the house is the key to that. I have a weakness for great art. In Austin, one of my favorite galleries is Wally Workman. She represents some amazing artists, such as Ian Shults and Joyce Howell.
A breakfast area designed by Jill May Interiors.
What are you favorite interior design trends for Spring?
I’m loving the new Kelly Wearstler fabrics for 2014. They’re bold and subtle at the same time, and the color palette is incredible!
What can we expect to see from you in the upcoming year?
I’m obsessed with overdyed rugs, and I’m crossing my fingers that I have a client that will share my obsession! I’m planning a fall trip to New York City, and ABC Carpet and Home is definitely on the agenda – hopefully by then I’ll have a client who wants me to buy one of these gorgeous rugs for them.
A sitting room designed by Jill May Interiors. The pillows and chairs are by Spruce!
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I love modern, traditional and everything in between. My personal design aesthetic is a pretty eclectic mix. For example, a living room would consist of a well-constructed American made sofa made by Lee Industries, an oversized modern piece of art and accessories acquired both from antique shops and West Elm!
Apart from showcasing examples of her styling, we presented Jill with a creative challenge. We asked Jill to curate two spaces using pieces from Spruce as well as other home goods. She created an entryway and a sunroom. Let us know what you think in the comments section!
1. Vintage French School Chart of Snake by Paul Pfurtscheller via 1stdibs; 2. Vintage Folding Chairs from Spruce; 3. Vintage Milk Glass Murano Chandelier from Shop by Brown; 4. Bovary Sofa from Spruce; 5. 6. Sari Pillow from Spruce; 7. Neon Garden Pillow from Spruce; 8. Orangesicle Pillow from Spruce; 9. Early American Textile Pillow; and 10. Vintage Black Ceramic Planter by Spruce.
In this sunroom (above), I paired this fabulous sofa, pillow and chairs from Spruce with a vintage milk glass Murano chandelier and French school charts from Shop by Brown in Houston.
1. Vintage mirror; 2. Vintage Folding Chairs by Spruce; 3. Vintage Frederick Cooper Lamp with a custom shade by Spruce; 4. Ralph Lauren Home Walnut Refectory Table by ABC Carpet and Home; 5. Vintage Black Ceramic Planter by Spruce; 6. Kabloom wallpaper design in Fruit Punch by Flavor Paper
Thank you for taking the time to collaborate with us, Jill!