All Images: Stoffer Photography
Less is more. Art director and Instagram darling Amanda Jane Jones shows us how true this design philosophy is with her newly renovated apartment. Amanda, her husband and two kids live in Hyde Park, Chicago, where their simple, clean, signature style really shines. Wanting a classic feel for their fireplace surround (its 80s tile really didn't suit their aesthetic), our Glazed Thin Brick in Snow was a natural fit.
Image: Stoffer Photography
First a bit about Amanda:
My style can be described as...Simple.
My design philosophy is...Less is more.
I got my start...In photography, working as my mom's assistant.
I find inspiration in...Travel, old books, ephemera, and long walks along the lakeshore.
I can't live without...My family.
My best design advice would be...There is no such thing as too much white space.
I love tile because...It's timeless and beautiful.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you do?
I always say I'm a full time mom and part-time freelance graphic designer and art director. ;) I have a small home office that I love - it's in a sunroom, so I'm always surrounded by trees and natural light.
Was the fireplace a part of a bigger renovation or remodel of your home?
The whole apartment was completely renovated! The apartment had been empty for years, and our neighbors bought and started renovating over a year ago. In the spring, we expressed interest and they let us pick out the design elements even before we bought it. They were so kind - we really lucked out. The fireplace was covered in a really gross looking tile that looked like it belonged on a bathroom floor in the 80's, so as you can imagine the new tile is an incredible upgrade. It transformed the space immediately.
How did you come up with your overall color scheme and design of your space?
I like our home to feel calm and peaceful and I generally get that tone with neutral colors and lots of wood. We want our home to be a calm escape.
In terms of tile, what sort of look were you going? Why did you choose our Glazed Thin Brick?
I grew up with a brick fireplace in our home and it also feels very classic to me. we wanted it to feel genuine with the style of the home (which was built in 1912) and also in line with our style.
What made you choose Snow? Were there any other contenders?
Ultimately, I just really love white. I like to keep the main pieces in our home neutral and then add accent colors with the accessories and decor...and the white brick will go with just about anything. We did consider the black for a while, but I'm really glad we just went with white. It's the first thing you see when you walk in and it's really the focal point of the room.
How did the installation process go? Did you face any challenges?
So the previous owners hired someone to install it and right as we were leaving for the day, my husband mentioned he should run up to check on the tile and I'm forever grateful he did! it was being laid out more like subway tile and less like brick! We had him space them out more and the end result is just stunning.
Lastly, which of our colors/shapes/patterns are you hoping to use on any future projects?
Oh my goodness. I've been dreaming of the Chaine Homme since the first time I spotted it. I think it would be so beautiful in white in a bathroom.
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