Jenna Lyons may be achieving recent fame through the Real Housewives of New York – but the Massachusetts-born designer already has an impressive portfolio in the fashion and interior industry to her name.
The former executive creative director and president of J.Crew turned to interior design after her exit from the company in 2017– and in that time, she transformed her SoHo loft into one of the most iconic spaces in lower Manhattan – starting with her blue kitchen.
While varying shades of blue reign supreme in Jenna's kitchen (seen below), however, cabinets and wall paint aside, her unlacquered brass countertop and backsplash – come out on top among experts today.
In recent months, the quiet luxury trend has held a huge influence over the way we think about decorating – with the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson both exhibiting elements of the aesthetic that is taking over the internet. The movement is precisely what it sounds like – achieved using understated high-quality finishes such as beautiful marble veining, gold hardware, and unlacquered brass – the latter being the case with Jenna's home.
'Quiet luxury in the kitchen is defined by the use of natural materials like wood and marble, and warm tone metals like brass,' says interiors expert Stefana Silber.
It is about enjoying the earthy and organic materials and embracing their imperfections – from the etch marks and scratches of marble and wood to the progression in the aging of unlacquered brass. It is the opposite of shiny reflective surfaces. It is about cooking and hosting, enjoying life, and entertaining in the kitchen. Not about fretting over the sterile perfection of a manmade quartz countertop.'
Born and raised in Bulgaria, when Stefana was 18, she moved with her family to the US. She lived in New York City for six years and also went to college there. She moved to Maryland when she met her husband and has been living there since. As her kids grew older, she discovered blogging as a creative outlet for passions such as home decor, DIY, and her love of beautiful things and places. Her real passion is sharing her knowledge from years of projects and renovations.
Designer Emily Ruff from Cohesively Curated Interiorsagrees. She, too, notes that unlacquered brass like Jenna's is a key way to get behind the ever-popular design trend – while suggesting we pair the brass with beautiful zellige tiles – for a look that feels slightly different to Jenna's space.
'When it comes to designing a kitchen, we like to make sure there is a balance of materials so nothing feels too overwhelming or over the top. Unlacquered brass and marble are both timeless finishes that make a kitchen feel luxurious, but very classic and attainable,' she says, in her discussion of the quiet luxury trend.
'Adding wood and handmade zellige tile with the brass and marble create warmth and balance.'
In terms of design features beyond unlacquered brass, Jenna shares that her marble counter came from California-based retailer Galerie Half, while her stove is La Canche, and her Murano light (seen above) was on 1stDibs. Architect Meyer Davis designed the space, which we'd say, predicted quiet luxury, years before we knew how influential this term would really be. Though, this is Jenna Lyon's home, after all.
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