Why You Should Be Fearless with Jo Berryman
In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I host designer Jo Berryman, who discusses her book 'Expressive Interiors.' Jo encourages homeowners to be fearless and bold in their design choices, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self through their living spaces. We explore various design principles such as harmony and discord, the significance of trust in the design process, and the value of personal and meaningful starting points for decor. Jo shares insights on how to blend different styles, colors, and textures, ultimately aiming to create unique and inspiring interiors. I share actionable advice on developing confidence in personal design choices and the importance of creativity in home decor.
Watch the entire episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Welcome back to a new season of the Slow Style Home podcast! I'm excited to be back and kick things off with designer Jo Berryman, who has a beautiful new book called "Expressive Interiors." Jo brings a fearless approach to home design, which she shares through personal stories and invaluable lessons.
Finding Your Inner Design Warrior
Jo believes that everyone has an "inner design warrior" waiting to be unleashed. She recounted the story behind her book's title, explaining how she initially considered naming it "Rebellious" but eventually settled on "Expressive" because that truly captured the essence of her work. This shift from rebellion to expression reflects Jo's belief that home design should be an authentic extension of our inner selves, not just a bold statement for the sake of it.
Joao Botelho: Serenity in Minimalism
Jo shared the story of Joao Botelho, whose home is featured in her book. Set within an old church, Joao's home showcases the power of architectural details combined with minimalistic design. Jo described how Joao worked closely with local architects to create a space where light, shadows, and luxurious textiles all play key roles. This home illustrates how even minimalistic interiors can be deeply expressive and filled with character.
Sophie Daunais: Spiritual Minimalism in Ibiza
Jo told us about Sophie Daunais's home in Ibiza. Unlike Joao's home, which is more modern, Sophie's abode has a rustic, almost cavernous feel due to its stucco finishes and built-in furniture. Jo highlighted how Sophie incorporates spiritual elements and personal talismans throughout her home, turning everyday objects into sacred pieces. This story emphasizes how deeply personal touches can transform a space into a sanctuary.
Connecting with Clients on a Deep Level
Jo's design process involves getting to know her clients on a profoundly intimate level. She shared various stories about how she discerns her clients' tastes and preferences through questions about their favorite foods, music, and cherished family heirlooms. One memorable example was a grandmother's hand-me-down that Jo's client wanted to infuse into an entire room. By starting from this meaningful object, Jo created a space that was both aesthetically pleasing and deeply personal.
Harmony and Discord: The Dynamic Duo
One of the most enlightening stories Jo shared was about the concept of harmony and discord in design. Inspired by William Blake's idea that "without contraries, there is no progression," Jo believes in the power of juxtaposing contrasting elements. In her own home, she pairs industrial concrete with soft, florid cushions and lace, creating a dynamic and dramatic effect. This story serves as a reminder that fearless design often involves embracing the unexpected.
The Importance of Transitional Spaces
Jo also underscored the importance of often overlooked transitional spaces like hallways and staircases. She told a story about a project where a dramatic runner and a bold feature wall transformed a mundane hallway into a focal point. These areas, Jo explained, are the sutures that connect the different parts of our homes and offer wonderful opportunities for creative expression.
Splurge Wisely, Save Creatively
Jo also included practical advice on where to splurge and where to save. She shared the example of her friend Alex, who has a beautifully styled home on a shoestring budget. By finding treasures in flea markets and displaying them with reverence, Alex has created a space filled with character and charm. Jo stressed that it's not about how much you spend but about the meaning and intent behind each piece.
Trust and Intuition in Design
Finally, Jo highlighted the importance of trust—both in her relationships with clients and in ourselves. She recounted how deeply understanding her clients' passions and histories allows them to trust her design choices. This same trust should be cultivated within ourselves, empowering us to make decisions that reflect our true selves.
My Final Thoughts
Jo Berryman's approach to home design is a beautiful blend of fearlessness and authenticity. Through her stories, she has shown that designing your home is about creating spaces that resonate deeply with who you are. If you're inspired by Jo's insights and want to learn more about making your design dreams a reality, I highly recommend exploring the Slow Style Framework: Envision, Experiment, Execute, and Enrich. You can find more information and perhaps even work with me by visiting SlowStyleHome.com and clicking on Coaching.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration of fearless home design. Let's all take a page from Jo Berryman's book and start creating spaces that inspire, comfort, and truly reflect our inner selves!
Warm regards,
Zandra
