I love how every home represents a time capsule of memories made during the time lived between those walls. This Beverly Hills nook is not only as cute as it can be, tucked right behind Barneys New York, but is also home to one of the sweetest women, my dear friend and interior designer/fashion blogger, Jen Wilson.
This particular place has held some of the best memories for her as she started a new wonderful relationship and worked to build her blog to almost 100K followers. So proud! She is an interior designer by day and a fashion blogger by night and is sharing her insider design tips with us today as well as giving us a peek into her life as a Beverly Hills influencer.
What are the highs and lows of living in Beverly Hills?
High: I absolutely love being able to walk everywhere, plus- there are amazing restaurant options within walking distance and there is always something fun going on.
Low: The traffic is terrible, so that would definitely be my low, but I rarely drive more than a few miles a day:)
Where are your favorite local places to get drinks, shop, + have breakfast lunch and dinner?
Ohhh I love getting drinks at Wally’s, the rooftop at the Peninsula or Waldorf Astoria. Beverly Hills Hotel has a great brunch or dinner and for something more low key, I love lunching at La Scala (the chop salad is a must). I also love South Beverly Grill, sitting at the bar is something I love doing if I am dining solo or grabbing a quick nibble with a friend.
How long have you been in interior design?
I have been doing interior design for about 8 years now and love it more each day.
If you could describe your interior design style with one or two words what would they be?
Timeless and minimal.
What are your favorite accessories for the home?
I love Diptyque candles, Parachute, and Nest, My favorite blankets are a classic Hermes throw or a cozy throw from Restoration Hardware. Pillows- I tend to like custom so you can choose your own fill, fabric, and size, but if I had to pick something from a store, Room & Board has a nice selection. Artwork- I love photography in a nice frame as an inexpensive form of art.
What are your favorite coffee table books for display on a shelf or table…
The Big Book of Chic is always a nice choice for a coffee table book. I also love Domestic Art, Kate Moss by Mario Testino, and Room with a View.
What is your favorite room?
I love the living room because it is flooded with light and so pretty during the day.
Let’s talk about that planter.. love it and. think of it often lol- where did you find it?
I love it too! I got it at Rolling Greens and it is one of those pieces I will never get rid of.
Do you entertain and have people over to this place or does this space represent solitude?
This space represents solitude. I love entertaining but I don’t really have a plethora of space to have people over. My boyfriend and I will make dinner and enjoy the space together, but when meeting with friends, we typically go out.
How did you find this place?
I found it on Zillow if you can believe it. It was a stroke of luck and I couldn’t be happier with my little hidden gem that I call home.
Your aesthetic is very clean and minimal, how do you keep the clutter away and organized?
I keep everything clutter free and organized by throwing out or donating things monthly. I have a rule for myself and if I can’t find a use for something after having it for three months, I donate it or give it to a friend.
What are some of the most important rules to remember when designing your home?
Less is more and always measure before buying something.
Do you make your bed every morning?
Absolutely.
What are the best pieces to invest in and which pieces can you afford to be more budget conscious?
Invest in a great sofa, occasional chairs, bed frame and mattress and good lighting. You can be more budget conscious with rugs, accessories, and smaller case goods.
I love a cozy sofa (Restoration Hardware makes a few great options) and a great dining table is key because if you entertain this will be a space you use often. I think the living room area is a nice place to invest (in general). A nice sofa, coffee table, set of occasional chairs etc, go a long way and this is a main area people see in your home.
Steals I am obsessed with are using photography in place of fine art. I love a great piece of photography in a nice frame. It looks nice and if you don’t have the budget for expensive art, this is a great way to make your walls come to life without breaking the bank.
In addition to your interior design work, you also have a successful fashion blog, Modern Ensemble. How do you find time for both and what benefits do you have living in Bev Hills for blogging?
I have to be really great about organizing my time. Typically, I shoot blog photos one morning a week and then work during the day doing interior design. At night, I focus all of my time on the blog. Living in Beverly Hills is really beneficial because almost all bloggers live in LA and most of the meetings and events I have are around the corner from me which makes attending them that much easier. It is so easy to find great spots to shoot because they are literally tucked in every corner.
Where you live, there are many vignettes right outside your door for blog photos… how cool is that? How long does it normally take for you to shoot?
I know! I am so lucky to have everything at my fingertips. It usually takes me an hour to shoot three looks. My photographer and I are super organized, so it goes by quickly.
I love how each place you live marks an era of time in your life. This home has been home to many good things in your life… want to share some of the highlights since you’ve lived here?
Yes I could not have said this better myself. This place marks a very special era in my life. It is one where I really found myself and became whole. I have grown my blog in this space, spent many special days/nights with my boyfriend here and made so many wonderful new friends. I love being able to live in different areas and grow as a person while enjoying a new space to call home.
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