Design Advice: Jamesthomas

We recently had the privilege of interviewing James Dolenc and Thomas Riker, the design duo behind jamesthomas, for the latest issue of UR Chicago. As is true with all interviews, some great material remained on the cutting room floor.

The one item we eagerly wanted to pick up and dust off is that of design advice. Known for their sophisticated but usable design, any jamesthomas guidance is valuable.

Jump down for some words of wisdom straight from the pros (as well as their original sketch of the 2007 DreamHome bath).

Dolenc: Don’t try to emulate things that you see on HGTV or other design shows. That is not reality. No one expects you to design a room in 24 hours – that produces bad, gimmicky design.

Verify, verify, and verify your dimensions before ordering anything!

Riker: Keep it simple and clean. [Don't try] to make too much of a statement. Again, less is often more.

Since we're sharing, what's your advice?

Photo credit: Merchandise Mart

Comments (6)

Magnaverde Rule No. 1:
Don't confuse decorating with shopping.

this year's green is next year's orange (or teal, or magenta). Pick color's you can live with for a long time, don't pick them because they're trendy.

Don't fill a room with designer pieces. Pick one or two as a centerpiece, and work around it with furniture and art work that reflects your own taste.

Include at least one uber-comfortable piece per room. Design over function is all fine and good, until there's nowhere to sit and appreciate it.

magneverde, you are so right!

1. To the ones doing their own home: Do not decorate your home for anyone else but yourselves!

2. To decorators: always remember that someone is going to live in that space...

Live in your space for about a year before making any permanent changes to it.

When researching and considering those changes/acquisitions, start at top-of-the line and work down not vice versa, even on the smallest budget.