Jewel Marlowe Q & A and Home Tour
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE COLORFUL & GLAMOROUS
JEWEL MARLOWE
Mixing patterns, color, and eras are the specialty of Jewel Marlowe. As a military spouse, Jewel and her family of six have made thirteen moves in 19 years. Moving for the third time in three years, Jewel is now renovating her 1990’s Northern Virginia colonial. As a sponsor of One Room Challenge, this is where we first met Jewel. We were thrilled when we got to partner with her on her basement makeover, where she selected our Broche chandelier. Jewel has a knack for using splashes of beautiful color, attention-grabbing patterns, and textural details to create a high-end looking, curated, and glamourous home. We had the honor of talking with Jewel about how she got started, her design inspirations, and much more.
Q. How did you get to where you are today? Tell us about your origins and how your path led to interior design?
Jewel: It is a little surprising that I have ended up in the interior design realm because I grew up in a small farm town and earned my degree in History. While I have always considered myself creative, it wasn’t until I was 28 that I decided I wanted to deep dive into interior design. Upon the realization that this was where my passions lie, I went to my local libraries and checked out every book on the subject. Then we moved to England. I continued my studies and added real life, hands-on experience by buying and reselling antiques.
Q. You describe your style as “Gathered, Polished Eclectic”. What does this mean to you?
Jewel: As a military family, we have traveled and lived all over the US, with an additional tour in Europe. During these adventures I have gained an appreciation for a variety of styles and eras. I value our treasures that we have picked up along the way because they tell our story. Through this journey, I have realized that my favorite designs usually involve an eclectic mix of old and new. I am drawn to the layers, the sophistication, and visual interest that comes from a gathered look.
Q. We love your use of colors and patterns. Do you have a favorite color? How do you find the right balance?
Jewel: I love most every color...that’s the problem. LOL. When designing my own home I try to keep the colors to a cohesive scheme, but enjoy experimenting in different rooms. While I use a lot of blues (my husband is a big fan), I also like greens, pinks, and yellows. At the moment I wanted to try something out of character so I am using Farrow and Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks on the trim in the kid’s bathroom. Think bold Hermes Orange
Q. What is your biggest design inspiration?
Jewel: While I am constantly inspired by other designers, my design soul was developed in our time living in Europe. I loved attending the auctions, experiencing beautiful antiques of all areas, and learning to reupholster and restore pieces.
Q. You have been transforming your new home over the past two year. Tell us about this home and what makes it so unique?
Jewel: The home itself is just a standard builder’s grade home in Northern Virginia, but I don’t think that needs to be a limitation to meaningful design. It blows my mind the difference good paint, moulding, and lighting can do to a space.
Q. Do you have a favorite room in your home?
Jewel: I don’t have a favorite, but I really do love our kitchen, living rooms, dining room, master bedroom, half bath and upholstered bunk bedroom...so no clear favorite.
Q. What has influenced your style and how has it evolved over the years?
Jewel: My style has always been colorful and eclectic. Sometimes one era will stand out more in a room than another, but in general, it tends to fit together in a signature look.
Q. What has been your favorite room to design thus far?
Jewel: I think my favorite room to design has been our half bath. I joke that it has the most style per square inch. The Fine and Dandy wallcoverings are especially statement making with black marble floors and dark green molding and ceiling.
Q. What is your key to selecting the right light fixture and how do you layer in light?
Jewel: When it comes to selecting the right fixture I like to take cues from the other elements in the room. Let’s take our basement for example. I have a curvy sofa, round coffee table, and organic repeating bird wallpaper. I played off these features and the feathers on the birds’ wings and matched it with the Crystorama Broche chandelier. I feel it is the perfect fit.
Q. What is your creative process when you start each room renovation?
Jewel: I usually start with a unique pattern (wallpaper, countertop, or fabric) and/or a unique design concept (upholstered bunk bed, upholstered headboard and bed, etc). I then develop the space from there.
