Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis is back at it with a new round of renovations to unveil in her stunning midcentury modern home. This recent addition includes a kitchenette and three bathrooms, all full of delightfully unexpected tile patterns and colors (you’ve never seen Antique like this before!).
With so many show-stopping tile moments in her house, we knew we had to catch up with her again and hear the inspiration behind her unique design perspective. Keep reading for the full interview!
Meet Jessica:
Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your firm and Nest Studio Collection?
I am the owner and founder of Atelier Davis which is my eponymous design firm based in Atlanta, GA. I started Atelier Davis close to 5 years ago when I moved to Atlanta. I've been working in interior design for close to 20 years, starting in hospitality design with the firm Wilson Associates in their Dallas, New York and LA offices. After working at Wilson, I founded my hardware line Nest Studio in 2012 when I moved back to NJ and had a frustrating time finding beautiful yet functional hardware. Over the past 10 years, I've been growing Nest Studio's offerings while also designing interior projects. Once I moved to Atlanta, I decided I wanted to focus on growing my interiors practice, which is when Atelier Davis was born.
Brick: San Gabriel | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
When did you first become interested in design? How did you get your start?
I've always been interested in design. As a kid, I loved studying and drawing floor plans and going to open houses. I got my first subscription to Architectural Digest when I was in middle school. After studying Art History in college, I worked in TV for Bob Vila's Home Again. It was there that I really realized that I wanted to be more directly involved in the design process and went back to school for interior design.
Tile: 3x12 Rosemary, Small Diamond Rosemary, Sand Dune, Carbon | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
Can you tell me about your design process? What is your favorite part?
I start with a lot of concepting. What is the look and feel and the vibe? How do my clients see themselves in the space? Let's tell a story of how they want to live. From there it gets into translating that story into the spaces, the selections and palette. I think my favorite parts are - the beginning, putting it all together and seeing it on a screen, in the materials palette and then the end, doing the final install, arranging the art and accessories.
Tile: 6x6 Aegean Sea, 2x8 Aegean Sea, 2x8 Raven Matte, 2x8 Calcite | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic is a little unexpected. Layered and lived in with a touch of whimsy. I like spaces to feel collected and really reflect the people who live in and use them.
Brick: Absaroka in Norman | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from all over the place. Project specifics often inspire me, like the surroundings, the site and the architecture of the space. Then of course, travel, culture and art.
Tile: 4x4 Halite, Harvest in a Custom Motif | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
How do you factor sustainability into your designs?
I love bringing in sustainability. Sourcing locally is one of my favorite ways to bring in something sustainable. Also, sourcing items that are vintage and repurposing them for a new use.
Tile: 2x8 + 4x4 Antique | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
Why do you like using tile in your designs?
Tile is one of my favorite ways to insert color and pattern in the hard surfaces and finishes. Usually, the backdrop of a space tends to be pretty neutral - flooring, cabinetry, counters, but I feel that tile is where you can really have some fun with your finishes.
Tile: 6x6 Aegean Sea, 2x8 Aegean Sea, 2x8 Raven Matte, 2x8 Calcite | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
You play so beautifully with pattern and color throughout your home--any tips on how you make it look so effortless?
Don't force it! I guess that is easier said than done. I like to select one element that is really the show stopper, like the floor in our primary bath. The rest of the tile on the walls, the counters, and the cabinets are all pretty neutral. They aren't boring, but they aren't show stoppers either. They play a supporting role. Like the circles in the lighting and the circular tub that picks up the circles in the floor tile.
Tile: 2x8 and 4x4 Antique | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
Let's talk about your recent tile projects! Was this a continuation of your previous renovation? What areas were you focusing on?
Yes - this was a continuation. We did an addition onto our current home that included a new pool bath and kitchen, guest room, family room, and studio space. I wanted the tile in the kitchenette to speak to what we had done in our kitchen, especially since you can see one space from the other. The guest bath needed to feel like part of the rest of the house since we echoed many of the same architectural elements. On top of that, there were two baths that hadn't been renovated in our first phase so we decided to update the kids’ bath and expand our primary bath into a former laundry room to complete the project.
Brick: Absaroka in Norman | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
All three bathrooms include bold patterns, how did you come up with the patterns + color stories?
The kids' bath felt like it could go a little more saturated and primary color-wise. I wanted it to feel timeless and sophisticated, while still being fun. Hence, the blue with the black and white.
Tile: 2x8 Aegean Sea, 2x8 Raven Matte , 2x8 Calcite | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
In the primary, I used a sort of maroon red which I am loving right now and it’s echoed in the soft furnishings in a lot of the rest of the house. The circles are also something I've played around with in the primary bath, and in some of the other spaces. So, I like to subtly carry a theme throughout.
Do you have a favorite tile moment in your home?
There are so many! I think definitely the primary bath floor, but I’m in love with the terracotta moment that is the guest bath. It's all one color but I loved playing with the different tile sizes to create a unique pattern.
Tile: 4x4 Halite and Harvest in a Custom Motif | Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
Want to create your own unique tile moments like Jessica? Start by bringing home up to five free samples.