Jeanne K Chung is an interior designer and blogger, writing on her blog Cozy•Stylish•Chic, based in Pasadena, California. Her blog was recently one of four finalists for “Best New Design Blog” at the Design Bloggers Conference, a remarkable achievement for a blog less that 12 months old. Jeanne also attended Washington University, Parsons School of Design and the New York School of Interior Design. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jeanne K Chung.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Eclectic, cozy, collected, lived in – never stuffy or staged. I love beautiful, colorful spaces that feel as though they have evolved over time and that reflect the personality of the person living there and where they have been.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I always like to learn a little bit about the client – their interests, hobbies, etc . If there is something that they must incorporate into their space such as a piece of artwork or a rug, I use that as inspiration and create a color story that works in with that piece. Also very important is to respect the original architecture and design to complement and not work against.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
There are so many creative people I’ve worked with, it is difficult to single out just one person. But the people I admire most are the people that are experts in what they do yet are willing to reach out and educate those who are not as knowledgeable. It is so important that we share and collaborate, especially in this day and age. No one person can work alone – we can all share the information we have, but maintain our individuality as designers by processing and reinterpreting that information differently in our designs.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I always like to take a peek at my Instagram feed. There are so many creative people, and seeing one’s thought process in action oftentimes triggers my own creativity. Instagram is spontaneous (at least it is for me), and nothing I do is staged, and something has to be said about spontanaiety.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Hard work, drive, and putting myself out there at whatever cost. Being the newbie in the industry, I knew I would have to work twice as hard (if not harder) than everybody else. Opportunities are not going to seek you. You have to go out there and make these opportunities happen, so go to design events, trade shows, take classes to give yourself an edge and to be ahead of the pack, and network.
