JTD was formed in 2016 by Jen Talbot. An internationally recognized, multidisciplinary American designer establishing a reputation for innovation and ingenuity, where she actively takes notes from her installation art practice. Jen created conceptual narratives through ephemeral, performance-based installation art, consistently utilizing the human form as a part of the sculpture.

With this rich creative lineage, Talbot sees each space compressed like a work of art and carefully crafts a visual composition into each space. Talbot often uses color or the absence of color, to function as a visual catalyst.

The deep network of artists, artisans and vintage merchants, make up a support network critical to the success of our work. Realized through layering of open + solid shapes, linear + irregular line and elements of the hand made. Our goal is to build an innovative environment relevant to each client, customizing the work to the needs of the people inhabiting the space.

Clients that seek innovation and a fresh design perspective grace her client list and include the heir to Bergdorf Goodman, VP of Kate Spade, the editor of a major magazine, Boeing and Silicon Valley Execs. In 2020, while people around the world sought new footing, Jen broke into the international design scene as an Instagram micro-influencer. Her projects have been published in seven international design magazines, including Arch Digest, ELLE DECORATION Netherlands, Modern Luxury, Marie Claire, and Living, ETC.

Working with luxury residential clients in NY, LA, San Francisco and Chicago in all ranges of project sizes, from new build, gut reno to furniture selection. Jen has 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and 8 years in product design. And in 2021, Jen launched her own product line. Studio Line, a collection of artisan fabrics, wallpaper, select furnishings, and accessories that draw from Jen’s rich past experiences as sculptor, installation artist, and product designer.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an interior designer is scouting for artwork. We usually tackle this near the end of a project, but occasionally we'll work the entire design around a particularly standout piece of work, allowing it to shine in the spotlight. More often these "finishing pieces" serve as jewelry. They can tell a story, tie the larger elements of a space together, and complete the overall look. Our advice is to look for art that resonates with you. Typically we collaborate with local galleries, but this can be limiting because there is a historical lack of diversity represented here. Instagram is an excellent resource to connect with artists directly, particularly for commissioned pieces. Following the “Black Art Matters” and “Support Black Artists” hashtags has lead us to some remarkable artists of color. Whether we’re enjoying their work in a local museum or our own homes, as designers, we recognize our role in introducing clients to a world beyond their own and supporting artist of all backgrounds.

Bisa Butler uses quilting to create vibrant images. Her work portrays story-telling through the experiences of African Americans, often through portraits. Butler’s artist statement explains that the art of quilting is a piece of her heritage, a necessity in that “enslaved people were not given large pieces of fabric and has to make do with the scrapes of cloth that were left after clothing wore out.” Now she can reclaim the technique and use it as artistry that is also educational. Her work “Safety Patrol” was recently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bisa Butler “Safety Patrol”. Image Source: Art Institute of Chicago

Bisa Bulter “Wangari Maathai.” Image Source: Claire Oliver Gallery

Nick Cave blends together a spectacular array of materials that become wearable sculptures. Covered head-to-toe, the wearer’s body is completely enveloped. The Soundsuits, though visually whimsical, are born from a “dark place”: the need to protect one’s self. They hide all identifiable traits that can be judged, like race and gender. Cave’s artwork comes to life in his performance exhibitions, where movement is choreographed with music and the suites themselves rustle, jingle, and sway. One of his one-of-a-kind pieces can be seen locally at the Chicago St. Jane Hotel. The “Hustle Coat” is a nod to the entrepreneurial street salesmen that sell replica luxury jewelry. The black trench coat in lined with gold and silver chains, faux diamond encrusted watches, and gem embellishments.

Nick Cave “Hustle Coat.” Image Source: St. Jane Hotel

Nick Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org

Nich Cave “Soundsuits” Denver Art Museum 2013. Image Source: Public Delivery.org

The artwork of Kehinde Wiley is a juxtaposition of the hip-hop movement and Old Masters paintings. This blend stems from his childhood growing up in South Central LA during the 1980s.  To escape the neighborhood turmoil, Wiley spent his weekends attending art classes where he learned the techniques of still life and self- portraiture. As his education in art and world events grew, his topics began to address modern issues like politics, sexuality, and race. In 2017, Wiley was commissioned to paint the Presidential Portrait of Barack Obama. The work stands out among its fellow residents in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Wiley uses a botanical background, thick with greenery and punctuated with flowers that symbolize different regions of the world. The subject is seated in the foliage, and the expression captures the thoughtful charisma that Obama is known for. Throughout Wiley's portfolio, there is a noticeable trend for highly stylized wallpaper-like backdrops with highly realistic, yet vibrant, figures that recall the Renaissance era.  

Kehinde Wiley “President Barack Obama.” Image Source: National Portrait Gallery

Kehinde Wiley “The Two Sisters.” Image Source: NPR.org

Elan Byrd first studied fashion design and textiles at esteemed universities in New York and London before transitioning her focus to sustainable home decor. The fashion industry has been identified as a leading contributor to consumer waste, with cheaply made garments heading quickly to landfills. Byrd uses her love of textiles to weave renewable fibers by hand. The mediums include vintage grass cloth from the 1980s, linen, and raffia. Her creations are a practice of meditation, a tangible and decorative connection to nature. Byrd describes her work as bringing “a sense of calm and serenity.” We love the range of textures and earthy, neutral tones.

Elan Byrd “Growth.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

Elan Byrd “Sacred Journey.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

Elan Byrd “Steps Under The Sun.” Image Source: Elan Byrd

We found the work of Briana Arrington in the Instagram rabbit-hole. Based in Philadelphia, her focus is illustration and graphic design. Arrington’s art is an exploration of identity, creating a broader representation of people seen in America. According to her bio, she hopes “that her work reaches someone who may look like her, see the world like her or has gone through similar experiences.” Our favorite pieces are from her Photo Remix collection, which layers the photography of DVVINCI with her fanciful digital illustrations.

Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Enfin, Je M’aime.” Image Source: Briana Arrington

Briana Arrington and DVVINCI “Sandbox Ruler.” Image Source: Briana Arrington

It can take years of travel and scouring local galleries to assemble an exquisite art collection. What if the main architectural feature of your home was designed with this in mind?  A sculptural plaster staircase creates an instantaneous wow factor. Even Botticelli would be inspired by these curvaceous beauties. Focusing on the beauty of a utilitarian part of the home can take the design to the next level. Yes, even stair should be beautiful.

Designed by Delphine Krakoff. Image Source: Architectural Artifacts

Designed by Bernardes Arquitetura. Image Source: Bernardes Arquitetura

Designed for landscape architect Fernando Caruncho. Image Source: Architectural Digest

Unknown Designer. Image Source: Pinterest

Designed by Serena Crawford. Image Source: Serena Crawford

We are so grateful for all of the incredible people we have been gifted to work with in 2019 and the last TEN years!! A TON has changed in my life in the last 10 years. I have cultivated and nurtured two strong, beautiful daughters that are just starting to come into their own, ended one business to start a new one, have been published multiple times in national publications and have continued to be authentically me and people have finally begun to take notice! I am exorbitantly blessed in my life as a creative person, mother and entrepreneur. Let’s GO 2020, I am READY for you!

End of the year wrap up with the move to neutrals that you will begin to see more in forefront this year. They have been gone since the late nineties and they are about to make a come back in full force. But like all come backs, they will be refreshed and reworked!

1. Pierre Frey- Tarangire 2. Kravet Couture 3. These Walls 4. Kerry Joyce Textile- Sandstone Channels 5. Custom Cabinet Front- Intelligent Spaces

We are so honored to be selected to participate in the Lake Forest Showhouse 2020. The Lake Forest Showhouse raises funding for the Infant Welfare Society. The showhouse is coveted invite of top designers in Chicago and the event and overall show is attended by influential Chicagoans.

We are planning to continue to be true to ourselves and stay in our lane which is curated modern spaces.

We are cooking up some great plans that incorporate custom wallpaper and show case local artist talents. Thrilled to include a couple of these insanely talented artisans.

Polly Yates

Taylor Kirby

Avoirdupois

A room is typically defined by its walls: four flat planes that intersect with flooring and a ceiling. When it’s dumbed down, it can feel rather boring. At some point there will be a debate about the finishes. Paint? Or wallpaper? Will the walls and trims match with a single color (v. classy), or should they contrast for more definition? Of course, if you’re feeling spicy there could be an accent wall.

Let’s not be confined by these lines. Let’s push the envelope a bit further…

What if we treated walls like an open canvas and played with the geometry? This may feel a bit avant-garde, but color blocking extends the boundaries and allow a room to make statement. The key is to be deliberate in the application. Take a look and tell us what you think:

The room takes on an overall neutral base color. Large swaths of paint extend from the ceiling and horizontally, and when they collide a blend emerges. Source Link

A room can’t go wrong with a pristine white canvas, but adding a bold color like these shades of green brings in a sense of edginess. Source Link

The Hoxton hotel in Amsterdam merges 17th century design with retro fixtures and color palettes. The rooms are detailed to perfection, but the hallways are not to be missed. Source Link

This brass sconce layers beautifully with stripes of warm, earthy red and blush tones. Source Link

Color doesn’t always need to be applied in blocks. Photographer Omar Sartor’s portfolio includes a minty eclipse. Source Link

I know we are not the only ones completely girl crushing on Kelly Wearstler. Let’s breakdown why we love her:

1. The Colors Are Just Right- She has an innate balance and eye for the right color. For example, It always seems like fresh new shade of cream. She is not inviting the wheel, she just demands for excellence in tweaking until it in 100% right.

2. The Proportions Are On Point- She plays with scale, that is with intent and creates interesting visuals. For example, by creating a back of a chair that seems over sized and even disproportionate to the rest of chair is interesting.

3. Draws From History- She pulls inspiration from line, shape and textures from her travels to Morocco, France and Italy, etc. If you know architecture the lines she uses are simple shapes distorted, again by scale, to create something innovative. She also pulls inspiration from vintage pieces from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. These are not decades that have been reworked so much that they seem tired. Unlike our friend mid-century modern, that has been living among us for 20+ years. It is so dead. The 70’s and 80’s feel fresh again. Of course she is also extracting the best parts of your eras and modernizing it.

Echo Bench

Esfera Chair

Chalon Side Table

Phoebe Stacked Table Lamp

Cascada Wallpaper

District Fabric

Accessories are the key to rounding out a space. It is a critical piece to create a “well lived in” feeling and to personalizes a room. Accessories are much like a great pair of heels or chunky cuff bracelet to punch up a look. We are forever on the search for great accessories and have a private Pinterest board devoted to special finds we stumble on in our research in designing a home.

The happy combination of accessories is size, texture and layering. Key to any well styled accessory book shelf or coffee table is:

1. 4-5 small to medium solid shapes.

2. Open and woven shapes, such as small sculptures, baskets, etc.

3. No glass vases. Solid colors create better silhouettes. Mix of the color and shapes, unless you are going for an intentional all white look. It will feel more organic and natural if they are different sizes and shapes.

4. Personal items, such as a clients collection of vintage coins or memories from travels.

5. Coffee table books and varied sizes of decorative storage boxes. These make great opportunities to create height.

Check out a couple of our current obsessions.

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Small Vessel

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Alpaca Wool Throw

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Charolette Taylor Vase

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Polar Byzantine Silk Scarf

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White Wood Chain

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Totem Pilar Candles

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Im going to let you in on one of our BIGGEST trade secrets, we have a top secret list of our favorite up-and-comers. One of our responsibilities as a designer requires constant research for new furniture, fabric, and finish designers. Our knowledge of unique artisans is one of the biggest reasons why you hire us. As artists ourselves, we appreciate the creativity and hard work that many of these Indie designers put into re-defining textiles and the classic patterns. Please see our current Top Indie Fabric and Textile Designers list below.. Remember to spread the word to give these artists their much deserved credit as you won't see these designers in mainstream fabric shops. 

Imogen Heath

Eskayel

St. Frank

Savanna Hayes

Quercus & Co. 

The Foundation Shop 

James Malone Fabrics

Holli Zollinger 

Caryn Cramer

We love starting a new project with fabric and wallpaper selection. Opening a package of freshly sent samples is the best mail at the office. We love sourcing fresh prints and colors from new lines that are typically a small business run by an artist putting their ideas into print and paper. 

A couple of our new favorites are St. Frank, Skinny Laminx, Imogen Heath, Adelene- Simple Cloth. Check out a couple inspiration boards we are working on for upcoming projects.