August 11, 2023 • 21 mins
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of interior design as we welcome Jennifer Kizzee, a design maverick known for her unique blend of Latin influences and love for organic elements. What if you could transform your bathroom into a Moroccan-style retreat? Jennifer not only did it but also shares how she accomplished it using Tile Club's Spanish Siesta mosaic tiles. Listen to her discuss her inspirations, functionality in design and thoughts on current trends she's embracing, and those she's bidding adieu to. Hop on this design journey as Jennifer also reveals how she juggles her dual roles - a successful designer and a mother.
Let's continue our deep dive into the vast sea of Jennifer's design vision in the second segment. Fueled by her upbringing in Mexico, Jennifer's designs are the epitome of warmth and functionality. Have you ever considered the concept of a service kitchen or scullery? Jennifer brings to light the essence of these spaces. She also expresses her fascination for coastal vibes and talks about the projects she is eagerly awaiting in 2023. Whether you're a mother striving to create a more functional home or just a design enthusiast, Jennifer offers priceless insights. So, tune in to glean knowledge from this design powerhouse and get a fresh perspective on current trends.
LINKS TO VISIT:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkizzeedesign/
- Website: https://www.jenniferkizzee.com/
- Jennifer's Moroccan-inspired design: https://www.jenniferkizzee.com/portfolio/rockpointproject
- Shop Spanish Siesta Tile: https://www.tileclub.com/products/spanish-siesta-mosaic-tile
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/mellow-bop
License code: DMOG7RNGEPGMIPJH
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:00):
Welcome to Tile Trends by Tile Club, where
we explore all things homedesign, lifestyle and the
transformative power of tiles.
I'm your host, LindsayFluckiger, and today we're
joined by the incredibleJennifer Kizzee.
From her early days in Veracruz, Mexico, to her successful
stint in sales and marketing inthe US, Jennifer always had a
(00:21):
passion for design.
In 2016, she embraced thiscalling by launching Jennifer
Kizzee design alongside herhusband, john.
Focused on blending aestheticswith real-life functionality,
she crafts spaces that bothparents and children can enjoy.
Based in League City, Texas,Jennifer brings modern postal
vibes influenced by her tropicalupbringing, while also juggling
(00:44):
the joys of raising four livelykids.
Jennifer, it's great to haveyou on the show.
Jennifer Kizzee (00:49):
Thank you, I'm so excited to be here.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:53):
Likewise, we can't wait to get the discussion
rolling and learn a little bitmore about you.
Today, let's dive right in yourMoroccan-style bathroom retreat
using tile club.
Spanish Siesta tiles is simplystunning.
We've shared it many times onour social.
We oftentimes have peoplecomment on it and ask us all
about the design, the tiles.
(01:14):
Could you share with ourlisteners how you approach this
project and why you chose thoseparticular styles?
Jennifer Kizzee (01:20):
Yeah, thank you .
I'm so excited to hear thatit's gotten very popular.
I really wanted to create aspace that was very vibrant and
just serene and tranquil.
The Spanish Siesta tile wasjust the perfect fit because all
of the rich tones and all thebeautiful patterns, all of those
elements combined that reallyset the foundation for this
(01:43):
Moroccan aesthetic.
Lindsay Fluckiger (01:45):
Yeah, they definitely did.
I love all of the colors andhow everything just tied in so
perfectly with that.
Let's talk about your designaesthetic.
What inspires you as a designer?
Jennifer Kizzee (01:58):
As you can tell by my accent, I'm not from
around here.
I'm from Mexico and SouthernMexico.
I'm very influenced by myHispanic or Latin roots and my
love for organic and naturalelements and things like that.
Myself and my team, we'rereally striving to create spaces
(02:19):
that evoke warmth and vibrancy.
The one thing that is superimportant for us is to make sure
that they're also livable andfunctional spaces for pretty
much any family.
Lindsay Fluckiger (02:31):
I love that functionality is so important.
I feel like once we got throughthe pandemic, whatever that was
.
I always call it the blip.
It was this crazy blip.
In time we came out of thatreally combining spaces or
(02:52):
really looking how we can make akitchen also function as an
office.
Functionality, I think, hasreally come to the forefront of
design.
Jennifer Kizzee (03:00):
Couldn't agree more with that statement.
I always say to my clients weknow that we can make any space
beautiful.
We got to cover but thefunction aspect of it has to be
there, hands down.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:13):
Yes, well, speaking of functionality
designing for families, you're amother to four active children,
so I can relate and it's chaos,but I love it.
How do you balance the demandsof motherhood with a higher
career in interior design?
Jennifer Kizzee (03:30):
Okay, I personally I really love and
enjoy both roles, and a lot ofthe things or the designs that
we bring together are inspiredby our everyday living and that
just kind of sparks fuel into mybrain and my team's brain on
(03:54):
how we can make the spaces forclients even better, because
we're right in their shoes.
We know how the familyfunctions and what their
standard needs, and then fromthere we can just customize it
to their specific needs.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:10):
That's wonderful.
Are there any specific designsor advice that you would give to
mothers who are looking tocreate a more functional home?
Jennifer Kizzee (04:20):
Yeah, definitely I would say that as
designers, as professionals, andwe understand all the products
out there, right, when maybejust a client knows a few things
that they get to see at thestore, but, you know, getting
materials incorporated into thespaces that are easy to clean
and zero maintenance, and allthose things, I think that
really speaks is the lovelanguage for any mother in the
(04:43):
world.
Because if I can have abeautiful space but I don't have
to worry about every singleaspect, or people are going to
be drinking wine on my brand newwhite sofa, right, like, how
can we make it better by, youknow, bringing performance
fabrics or a scratch resistantflooring if kids are running
around, and all those things,right, we know what's out there
(05:06):
and it's our job, right to putit in front of our clients so
they can really enjoy theirlives, enjoy their families,
have a beautiful home withoutall this stress that could come
with it, right.
Lindsay Fluckiger (05:16):
It's so true, so true.
We actually just installed anew backsplash in my kitchen,
and I've only ever had abacksplash in one other home in
my life, and so it's such atreat for me because my kids are
messy, we have dogs and it hasjust changed the entire space
and made me feel more confident.
Like this is going to be easy Ican just wipe it like it's fine
(05:37):
and it's amazing how somethingso simple can simplify your life
.
Jennifer Kizzee (05:42):
Yeah, absolutely.
I had marble at some point inmy life, even myself being an
designer, I still did it, and soI use myself as an example Like
what not to do in your kitchen.
Well, I'll always discourageanybody from using a natural
stone.
If you're not that person, youknow that is not going to
maintain it, unless youabsolutely, you know, love the
(06:05):
edging and all the naturalpatina that comes, you know,
later on.
But yeah, function is numberone for us, for sure.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:14):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Great insight to marble.
I'll try to remember that whenwe were replacing countertops.
Jennifer Kizzee (06:19):
Just call me.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:23):
I'll have to set up a consultation with you.
Jennifer Kizzee (06:25):
I love it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:27):
So now, as someone at the forefront of
interior design, what are somecurrent trends that you're
loving, and are there any thatyou just don't care for?
Jennifer Kizzee (06:36):
Yeah, well, personally, I love transitional
style.
I would say that coastal ormodern coastal is dear to my
heart.
You know in that I grew up inSouthern Mexico by the water and
a very tropical state 110degrees almost every single day,
year round is super, super hot.
(06:57):
But when you look at ourportfolio, when you look at our
work, you will see that we'reheavily on ocean colors or the
unique elements.
A lot of pretend and funnyenough, you know, pretend has
been so, so popular and Kingwebbing and all those, you know
elements that make you know apiece of furniture or any other
(07:18):
space.
You know a lot more organic andit is very heavy and I think
it's here to stay.
A lot of the trends that I'mseeing, personally, is the use
of a lot of natural stones, alot of natural materials, like
more rock and tile is one ofthem.
I would say a lot of terracottainfluence and you know so leash
(07:39):
dials and you will see a lotmore limestone.
You know flooring, you knowthroughout kitchens, right,
which is not necessarily yourmost typical mean of material to
use in in an interior space,right, you will see it more
exterior.
So bringing the nature orbringing the outdoors indoors,
it's truly what's trending rightnow, but I do believe that it's
(08:03):
here to stay for a long time.
Lindsay Fluckiger (08:06):
Yeah, I have to agree with that and I love
everything you said about justlike the terracotta look, the
Zellige tiles and things likethat.
It really does bring in thosenatural elements and helps
connect you with the outdoors.
Jennifer Kizzee (08:17):
Yeah, absolutely Good, I want to
record.
Lindsay Fluckiger (08:22):
So it's always interesting to hear
different perspectives on designtrends.
So to follow up with that, arethere any trends that you would
love to see go?
You know when the wholefarmhouse.
Jennifer Kizzee (08:33):
you know when Farmhouse first came out and
people took it to the chickenwire stage.
I couldn't wait the day it willgo away.
I think there's elements I knowyou're laughing but I know
there's elements that we loveand they're great, you know, for
you know country homes or, likeSouthern or country homes, you
know type of, you know how typeof houses or style.
(08:55):
But I would say that over thetop, scandinavian is just seems
a little bit too cold for me.
And even when we design, youknow, homes, or we work with
clients that are building homes,you know 20 plus, you know, or
25 foot ceilings, it seems verycold.
And I'm all about the warmth andyou know, if I take a color,
(09:18):
you know it's being well.
I'll always be gravitatingtowards the warmer type of towns
and you will definitely seethat reflect on the work that we
do every day.
So there's a lot of you knowways to to bring that, you know,
warm and togetherness and andthat cozy feel you know it has
to be there.
So I would say anything that isover the top, way too modern to
(09:42):
contemporary, that feels cool,I will probably run for the
hills and, you know, find mysafe space in a very warm type
of home.
Lindsay Fluckiger (09:51):
Wonderful.
I love that I'm the same wayand I'm able to walk into my
home and feel the warmth ofdifferent textures and and
colors and kind of the richnessthat really is inviting when
people come over and you walk in.
So yeah, I got a giggle aboutyour comment on the chicken wire
.
Jennifer Kizzee (10:12):
Yes, I mean there are some, some people just
stick to another level and butwe're happy to take the chicken
wire down, take the, take thecows, because you know, pictures
down will happily do it for you.
Lindsay Fluckiger (10:26):
Yes, yes, oh how funny, all right.
So now that we've heard alittle bit more about your own
personal aesthetic design trendsthat you're enjoying and those
that you'd like to see go, canyou tell us?
So let's imagine that maybe oneof our listeners out there is
feeling a bit tired of theircurrent decor.
(10:46):
Perhaps they have some chickenwire on their walls.
W advice would you give them.
Jennifer Kizzee (10:52):
Yeah.
So I know, like you know, thetype playing house or trying to
change the feel of a house canbe daunting, because you know we
don't know where to start andI'm sure you know somebody out
there relates to this.
But you know, I'm sure you'rebeing a home goods or a target
and spending $500 in a bunch ofdecor and then when you put it
in your home it feels likenothing happened.
(11:14):
My advice is to start small butfocus on one room at a time.
Instead of sprinkling a bunchof candy on 100 cupcakes,
sprinkle maybe on one or two ata time.
That's how you will see themost impact.
So start with your bedroom,start with the living room and
then just focus on those andthen, once you get those taken
(11:37):
care of, you can move to thenext one and you will feel a
whole lot more accomplished,knowing that you were able to
make those changes right Withoutspending a ton of money, but
really making it moreintentional by just focusing on
one space or two space at a time.
It always works like a charm,because I've been on the other
(11:58):
side, like going to a bunch ofstores and coming with a bunch
of bags and then I put it up andI'm like, oh my gosh, where did
it go?
Right, it looks the same.
So, yeah, that would bedefinitely my advice, and
probably the most practical andcheaper one as well.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:14):
Yeah, oh man, you nailed it.
I think every woman has gonethrough that, where they've gone
to like these old kids orwherever, got all the things and
then you're going, that's it.
Jennifer Kizzee (12:25):
Yeah, I know right, maybe I do need to call
it a time, but you definitely doit.
If you know, throw thelisteners, you can do it.
Just try to just focus on youknow, room by room.
Just tackle it from by room.
In other words, that willprobably pay off sooner.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:42):
Do you have advice for, like, let's say they
are just going oh, this wholehouse needs an overhaul.
What's your advice on, like,which room to start?
Do you have a favorite room orone that you think is easier to
tackle?
Jennifer Kizzee (12:55):
Yeah, I always start by just asking questions,
you know, to our potentialclients and understanding how
they want to lead the day androutine a lot and what their
priorities are.
I would say let's just startthere, like getting to know them
, and then from there we canreally dial down to what are the
spaces that need them.
Attention, like right away, andwhat can be more of a phase two
(13:17):
.
Typically just working with alot of families, it seems like
the living spaces are in thekitchens are always the most
important spaces because, one,it's truly where you spend the
most of the time right and two,you know, that's what gives you
the bigger impression when youinvite people over.
That's where everybody likes tocongregate anyways.
(13:39):
So I would say that, reallythinking about you know how you
want to use the space, butwhat's important to you
specifically?
It's the number oneconversation.
But then again, you know, itseems like you know typically
those open spaces are alwaysnumber one on a lot of our
clients list.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:01):
That makes so much sense.
I know from my home setup.
It's a pretty open floor planon the first floor and you open
the door and the first thing yousee is the kitchen.
Yes, this is like if my kitchenis not together, then nothing
is so like.
That's that focal point, that'sthe gathering place.
Jennifer Kizzee (14:19):
Absolutely.
Something that I've seenrecently or Well, we're also
designing them that way is thatwe're creating an additional
kitchen or a service kitchenSome other people call it a
chef's kitchen and that's justright behind your primary
kitchen space, but that's whereall the dirty dishes go and
(14:41):
they're all behind walls, so youdon't have to tackle them every
time somebody wants to be in avisit and come over.
They can always be tucked in inthe back and then you'll get to
it when you get to it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:52):
You know, yes , I have seen that trending.
Jennifer Kizzee (14:55):
I've seen it called a scullery, Yep that's
also another name for it and Ithink genius.
It kind of really releases thepressure of just keeping your
house neat and we just got totell the kids that they have to
use the kitchen in the backright and then leave all the
other kitchen just for the show.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:15):
That's a brilliant idea.
I love that.
Jennifer Kizzee (15:19):
Exactly Always number one functionality,
because if you feel like you'rein a museum, it's probably not a
good thing, yes, yes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:28):
We touched a little bit on your upbringing
and your roots, and I would loveto expound upon that and here
just a little bit more about howgrowing up in Mexico has shaped
you as a designer, as well asyour personal aesthetic.
Jennifer Kizzee (15:41):
Yeah Well, I mean, I don't know if you've
been in Mexico yourselfpersonally, in Bichu we have,
you know, go down, check outMexico City, there's a lot of
great states and outside thetourist places, you know,
there's just so much culture andso much richness.
So, growing up, I was trulysurrounded by you know, colors
(16:04):
and elements and just a strongsense of community.
And all of this, you know youbundle that together and just,
you know, profoundly influence.
You know my design, aestheticsand I truly, you know, in love,
incorporating, you know, warm,liveliness and just a sense of,
you know, togetherness andcommunity.
(16:26):
So here, you know, in thiscountry, it's just so fast-paced
, but down there everybody'schilling, they work super hard
but there's a lot of time, youknow, for family and you know to
go and enjoy, you know,outdoors and that's.
I don't feel like that justhappens in Mexico.
I feel like in a lot of Centraland South America, the entire
(16:51):
culture it's very similar Familycomes first, work comes next,
and here is a little bitbackwards, right, but we still,
even with all of that, you know,we still have to find that you
know, middle ground where youget to balance it all.
And it's just to say it right,because I feel like we all
(17:13):
struggle with that.
But anyway, back to yourquestion.
All of that, you know it reallymade a huge dent on the way you
know we designed the spaces andhow we tackle them and how can
we create an environment thatjust lets you decompress after a
long day at work.
So there you have it, from atrue Mexican right.
Lindsay Fluckiger (17:39):
Yes, I would love to go, so let me know next
time you're coming that way.
I hear that similar kind oflifestyle when I spent a summer
in Italy and I'll never forget.
Yeah, Ruby and I were in Romeand we had just landed and we're
kind of like bustling and oh,just trying to stop, and then
(17:59):
there's this.
We went down this little cafeoutside and got a bite to eat
and as we're leaving, the servergoes no, no, no.
(18:23):
I experienced that for anentire month and it really
changed my life, and for thebetter, and I wish that our you
know, you know these wouldremember that.
Like slow down, you have timeto slow down, you're not in a
hurry, so Absolutely.
Jennifer Kizzee (18:38):
Yeah, no, I love that and I did read a
little bit about that that youknow they expect you to enjoy
your meal and they have yourcoffee, like that's.
You know, almost a requirementor it's this expectation, right,
that you're going to go andreally take it all day, but
we're just more like let's go,go, go, cause we got five more
(18:59):
places where I hit.
But, yeah, I love thatphilosophy of you know, just
embracing it, taking your timeto breathe and, again, you know,
decompress, and then you, weget to go back to reality, you
know, at some point.
So we have to enjoy it while wecan, for sure, for sure.
Lindsay Fluckiger (19:19):
Well, just even exploring different
projects that you have in yourportfolio, I can see the warmth
and kind of the come, relax andjust enjoy, like I see that in
your aesthetic and I love that.
Jennifer Kizzee (19:30):
I hope there's many women listening and lots of
moms who just really need tohear it's okay to slow down and
have a space, absolutely yeah,if I can't just sit down and
drink your coffee on your couch,on your white couch?
Well, Jennifer, thank you somuch for taking the time to be
with us today.
I have one last question foryou, can you tell us what
(19:55):
projects you're looking forwardto for the rest of 2023?
So we just completed a vacation home.
It's going to be a feature onAirbnb pretty soon, starting
September 1st, and I'm going totell you we had a lot of fun
(20:15):
Once because we get to do a lotof coastal vibes and both will
combine.
You have to check it out.
So if somebody calls me and say, jennifer, we're going to give
you five more houses on thewater they're all going to be
modern, coastal Seriously, thatwill be like an early Christmas
for me, so I'm looking forwardto that.
(20:36):
We're in the works of talkingto other homeowners that have a
secondary vacation home.
They want to you know it'spretty sub for an inch and make
it really fun for rentalpurposes.
So I'm very excited about that.
Hope it works out.
So, yeah, that's what has mademe very excited right now.
Lindsay Fluckiger (20:55):
That's wonderful.
Oh well, thank you so much forsharing all the wonderful things
going on for you and yourdesign firm.
We're wishing you the best ofluck and just appreciate your
time today.
Jennifer Kizzee (21:05):
Absolutely.
Thank you so much for having me.
Welcome to Tile Trends by Tile Club, where
we explore all things homedesign, lifestyle and the
transformative power of tiles.
I'm your host, LindsayFluckiger, and today we're
joined by the incredibleJennifer Kizzee.
From her early days in Veracruz, Mexico, to her successful
stint in sales and marketing inthe US, Jennifer always had a
(00:21):
passion for design.
In 2016, she embraced thiscalling by launching Jennifer
Kizzee design alongside herhusband, john.
Focused on blending aestheticswith real-life functionality,
she crafts spaces that bothparents and children can enjoy.
Based in League City, Texas,Jennifer brings modern postal
vibes influenced by her tropicalupbringing, while also juggling
(00:44):
the joys of raising four livelykids.
Jennifer, it's great to haveyou on the show.
Jennifer Kizzee (00:49):
Thank you, I'm so excited to be here.
Lindsay Fluckiger (00:53):
Likewise, we can't wait to get the discussion
rolling and learn a little bitmore about you.
Today, let's dive right in yourMoroccan-style bathroom retreat
using tile club.
Spanish Siesta tiles is simplystunning.
We've shared it many times onour social.
We oftentimes have peoplecomment on it and ask us all
about the design, the tiles.
(01:14):
Could you share with ourlisteners how you approach this
project and why you chose thoseparticular styles?
Jennifer Kizzee (01:20):
Yeah, thank you .
I'm so excited to hear thatit's gotten very popular.
I really wanted to create aspace that was very vibrant and
just serene and tranquil.
The Spanish Siesta tile wasjust the perfect fit because all
of the rich tones and all thebeautiful patterns, all of those
elements combined that reallyset the foundation for this
(01:43):
Moroccan aesthetic.
Lindsay Fluckiger (01:45):
Yeah, they definitely did.
I love all of the colors andhow everything just tied in so
perfectly with that.
Let's talk about your designaesthetic.
What inspires you as a designer?
Jennifer Kizzee (01:58):
As you can tell by my accent, I'm not from
around here.
I'm from Mexico and SouthernMexico.
I'm very influenced by myHispanic or Latin roots and my
love for organic and naturalelements and things like that.
Myself and my team, we'rereally striving to create spaces
(02:19):
that evoke warmth and vibrancy.
The one thing that is superimportant for us is to make sure
that they're also livable andfunctional spaces for pretty
much any family.
Lindsay Fluckiger (02:31):
I love that functionality is so important.
I feel like once we got throughthe pandemic, whatever that was
.
I always call it the blip.
It was this crazy blip.
In time we came out of thatreally combining spaces or
(02:52):
really looking how we can make akitchen also function as an
office.
Functionality, I think, hasreally come to the forefront of
design.
Jennifer Kizzee (03:00):
Couldn't agree more with that statement.
I always say to my clients weknow that we can make any space
beautiful.
We got to cover but thefunction aspect of it has to be
there, hands down.
Lindsay Fluckiger (03:13):
Yes, well, speaking of functionality
designing for families, you're amother to four active children,
so I can relate and it's chaos,but I love it.
How do you balance the demandsof motherhood with a higher
career in interior design?
Jennifer Kizzee (03:30):
Okay, I personally I really love and
enjoy both roles, and a lot ofthe things or the designs that
we bring together are inspiredby our everyday living and that
just kind of sparks fuel into mybrain and my team's brain on
(03:54):
how we can make the spaces forclients even better, because
we're right in their shoes.
We know how the familyfunctions and what their
standard needs, and then fromthere we can just customize it
to their specific needs.
Lindsay Fluckiger (04:10):
That's wonderful.
Are there any specific designsor advice that you would give to
mothers who are looking tocreate a more functional home?
Jennifer Kizzee (04:20):
Yeah, definitely I would say that as
designers, as professionals, andwe understand all the products
out there, right, when maybejust a client knows a few things
that they get to see at thestore, but, you know, getting
materials incorporated into thespaces that are easy to clean
and zero maintenance, and allthose things, I think that
really speaks is the lovelanguage for any mother in the
(04:43):
world.
Because if I can have abeautiful space but I don't have
to worry about every singleaspect, or people are going to
be drinking wine on my brand newwhite sofa, right, like, how
can we make it better by, youknow, bringing performance
fabrics or a scratch resistantflooring if kids are running
around, and all those things,right, we know what's out there
(05:06):
and it's our job, right to putit in front of our clients so
they can really enjoy theirlives, enjoy their families,
have a beautiful home withoutall this stress that could come
with it, right.
Lindsay Fluckiger (05:16):
It's so true, so true.
We actually just installed anew backsplash in my kitchen,
and I've only ever had abacksplash in one other home in
my life, and so it's such atreat for me because my kids are
messy, we have dogs and it hasjust changed the entire space
and made me feel more confident.
Like this is going to be easy Ican just wipe it like it's fine
(05:37):
and it's amazing how somethingso simple can simplify your life
.
Jennifer Kizzee (05:42):
Yeah, absolutely.
I had marble at some point inmy life, even myself being an
designer, I still did it, and soI use myself as an example Like
what not to do in your kitchen.
Well, I'll always discourageanybody from using a natural
stone.
If you're not that person, youknow that is not going to
maintain it, unless youabsolutely, you know, love the
(06:05):
edging and all the naturalpatina that comes, you know,
later on.
But yeah, function is numberone for us, for sure.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:14):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Great insight to marble.
I'll try to remember that whenwe were replacing countertops.
Jennifer Kizzee (06:19):
Just call me.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:23):
I'll have to set up a consultation with you.
Jennifer Kizzee (06:25):
I love it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (06:27):
So now, as someone at the forefront of
interior design, what are somecurrent trends that you're
loving, and are there any thatyou just don't care for?
Jennifer Kizzee (06:36):
Yeah, well, personally, I love transitional
style.
I would say that coastal ormodern coastal is dear to my
heart.
You know in that I grew up inSouthern Mexico by the water and
a very tropical state 110degrees almost every single day,
year round is super, super hot.
(06:57):
But when you look at ourportfolio, when you look at our
work, you will see that we'reheavily on ocean colors or the
unique elements.
A lot of pretend and funnyenough, you know, pretend has
been so, so popular and Kingwebbing and all those, you know
elements that make you know apiece of furniture or any other
(07:18):
space.
You know a lot more organic andit is very heavy and I think
it's here to stay.
A lot of the trends that I'mseeing, personally, is the use
of a lot of natural stones, alot of natural materials, like
more rock and tile is one ofthem.
I would say a lot of terracottainfluence and you know so leash
(07:39):
dials and you will see a lotmore limestone.
You know flooring, you knowthroughout kitchens, right,
which is not necessarily yourmost typical mean of material to
use in in an interior space,right, you will see it more
exterior.
So bringing the nature orbringing the outdoors indoors,
it's truly what's trending rightnow, but I do believe that it's
(08:03):
here to stay for a long time.
Lindsay Fluckiger (08:06):
Yeah, I have to agree with that and I love
everything you said about justlike the terracotta look, the
Zellige tiles and things likethat.
It really does bring in thosenatural elements and helps
connect you with the outdoors.
Jennifer Kizzee (08:17):
Yeah, absolutely Good, I want to
record.
Lindsay Fluckiger (08:22):
So it's always interesting to hear
different perspectives on designtrends.
So to follow up with that, arethere any trends that you would
love to see go?
You know when the wholefarmhouse.
Jennifer Kizzee (08:33):
you know when Farmhouse first came out and
people took it to the chickenwire stage.
I couldn't wait the day it willgo away.
I think there's elements I knowyou're laughing but I know
there's elements that we loveand they're great, you know, for
you know country homes or, likeSouthern or country homes, you
know type of, you know how typeof houses or style.
(08:55):
But I would say that over thetop, scandinavian is just seems
a little bit too cold for me.
And even when we design, youknow, homes, or we work with
clients that are building homes,you know 20 plus, you know, or
25 foot ceilings, it seems verycold.
And I'm all about the warmth andyou know, if I take a color,
(09:18):
you know it's being well.
I'll always be gravitatingtowards the warmer type of towns
and you will definitely seethat reflect on the work that we
do every day.
So there's a lot of you knowways to to bring that, you know,
warm and togetherness and andthat cozy feel you know it has
to be there.
So I would say anything that isover the top, way too modern to
(09:42):
contemporary, that feels cool,I will probably run for the
hills and, you know, find mysafe space in a very warm type
of home.
Lindsay Fluckiger (09:51):
Wonderful.
I love that I'm the same wayand I'm able to walk into my
home and feel the warmth ofdifferent textures and and
colors and kind of the richnessthat really is inviting when
people come over and you walk in.
So yeah, I got a giggle aboutyour comment on the chicken wire
.
Jennifer Kizzee (10:12):
Yes, I mean there are some, some people just
stick to another level and butwe're happy to take the chicken
wire down, take the, take thecows, because you know, pictures
down will happily do it for you.
Lindsay Fluckiger (10:26):
Yes, yes, oh how funny, all right.
So now that we've heard alittle bit more about your own
personal aesthetic design trendsthat you're enjoying and those
that you'd like to see go, canyou tell us?
So let's imagine that maybe oneof our listeners out there is
feeling a bit tired of theircurrent decor.
(10:46):
Perhaps they have some chickenwire on their walls.
W advice would you give them.
Jennifer Kizzee (10:52):
Yeah.
So I know, like you know, thetype playing house or trying to
change the feel of a house canbe daunting, because you know we
don't know where to start andI'm sure you know somebody out
there relates to this.
But you know, I'm sure you'rebeing a home goods or a target
and spending $500 in a bunch ofdecor and then when you put it
in your home it feels likenothing happened.
(11:14):
My advice is to start small butfocus on one room at a time.
Instead of sprinkling a bunchof candy on 100 cupcakes,
sprinkle maybe on one or two ata time.
That's how you will see themost impact.
So start with your bedroom,start with the living room and
then just focus on those andthen, once you get those taken
(11:37):
care of, you can move to thenext one and you will feel a
whole lot more accomplished,knowing that you were able to
make those changes right Withoutspending a ton of money, but
really making it moreintentional by just focusing on
one space or two space at a time.
It always works like a charm,because I've been on the other
(11:58):
side, like going to a bunch ofstores and coming with a bunch
of bags and then I put it up andI'm like, oh my gosh, where did
it go?
Right, it looks the same.
So, yeah, that would bedefinitely my advice, and
probably the most practical andcheaper one as well.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:14):
Yeah, oh man, you nailed it.
I think every woman has gonethrough that, where they've gone
to like these old kids orwherever, got all the things and
then you're going, that's it.
Jennifer Kizzee (12:25):
Yeah, I know right, maybe I do need to call
it a time, but you definitely doit.
If you know, throw thelisteners, you can do it.
Just try to just focus on youknow, room by room.
Just tackle it from by room.
In other words, that willprobably pay off sooner.
Lindsay Fluckiger (12:42):
Do you have advice for, like, let's say they
are just going oh, this wholehouse needs an overhaul.
What's your advice on, like,which room to start?
Do you have a favorite room orone that you think is easier to
tackle?
Jennifer Kizzee (12:55):
Yeah, I always start by just asking questions,
you know, to our potentialclients and understanding how
they want to lead the day androutine a lot and what their
priorities are.
I would say let's just startthere, like getting to know them
, and then from there we canreally dial down to what are the
spaces that need them.
Attention, like right away, andwhat can be more of a phase two
(13:17):
.
Typically just working with alot of families, it seems like
the living spaces are in thekitchens are always the most
important spaces because, one,it's truly where you spend the
most of the time right and two,you know, that's what gives you
the bigger impression when youinvite people over.
That's where everybody likes tocongregate anyways.
(13:39):
So I would say that, reallythinking about you know how you
want to use the space, butwhat's important to you
specifically?
It's the number oneconversation.
But then again, you know, itseems like you know typically
those open spaces are alwaysnumber one on a lot of our
clients list.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:01):
That makes so much sense.
I know from my home setup.
It's a pretty open floor planon the first floor and you open
the door and the first thing yousee is the kitchen.
Yes, this is like if my kitchenis not together, then nothing
is so like.
That's that focal point, that'sthe gathering place.
Jennifer Kizzee (14:19):
Absolutely.
Something that I've seenrecently or Well, we're also
designing them that way is thatwe're creating an additional
kitchen or a service kitchenSome other people call it a
chef's kitchen and that's justright behind your primary
kitchen space, but that's whereall the dirty dishes go and
(14:41):
they're all behind walls, so youdon't have to tackle them every
time somebody wants to be in avisit and come over.
They can always be tucked in inthe back and then you'll get to
it when you get to it.
Lindsay Fluckiger (14:52):
You know, yes , I have seen that trending.
Jennifer Kizzee (14:55):
I've seen it called a scullery, Yep that's
also another name for it and Ithink genius.
It kind of really releases thepressure of just keeping your
house neat and we just got totell the kids that they have to
use the kitchen in the backright and then leave all the
other kitchen just for the show.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:15):
That's a brilliant idea.
I love that.
Jennifer Kizzee (15:19):
Exactly Always number one functionality,
because if you feel like you'rein a museum, it's probably not a
good thing, yes, yes.
Lindsay Fluckiger (15:28):
We touched a little bit on your upbringing
and your roots, and I would loveto expound upon that and here
just a little bit more about howgrowing up in Mexico has shaped
you as a designer, as well asyour personal aesthetic.
Jennifer Kizzee (15:41):
Yeah Well, I mean, I don't know if you've
been in Mexico yourselfpersonally, in Bichu we have,
you know, go down, check outMexico City, there's a lot of
great states and outside thetourist places, you know,
there's just so much culture andso much richness.
So, growing up, I was trulysurrounded by you know, colors
(16:04):
and elements and just a strongsense of community.
And all of this, you know youbundle that together and just,
you know, profoundly influence.
You know my design, aestheticsand I truly, you know, in love,
incorporating, you know, warm,liveliness and just a sense of,
you know, togetherness andcommunity.
(16:26):
So here, you know, in thiscountry, it's just so fast-paced
, but down there everybody'schilling, they work super hard
but there's a lot of time, youknow, for family and you know to
go and enjoy, you know,outdoors and that's.
I don't feel like that justhappens in Mexico.
I feel like in a lot of Centraland South America, the entire
(16:51):
culture it's very similar Familycomes first, work comes next,
and here is a little bitbackwards, right, but we still,
even with all of that, you know,we still have to find that you
know, middle ground where youget to balance it all.
And it's just to say it right,because I feel like we all
(17:13):
struggle with that.
But anyway, back to yourquestion.
All of that, you know it reallymade a huge dent on the way you
know we designed the spaces andhow we tackle them and how can
we create an environment thatjust lets you decompress after a
long day at work.
So there you have it, from atrue Mexican right.
Lindsay Fluckiger (17:39):
Yes, I would love to go, so let me know next
time you're coming that way.
I hear that similar kind oflifestyle when I spent a summer
in Italy and I'll never forget.
Yeah, Ruby and I were in Romeand we had just landed and we're
kind of like bustling and oh,just trying to stop, and then
(17:59):
there's this.
We went down this little cafeoutside and got a bite to eat
and as we're leaving, the servergoes no, no, no.
(18:23):
I experienced that for anentire month and it really
changed my life, and for thebetter, and I wish that our you
know, you know these wouldremember that.
Like slow down, you have timeto slow down, you're not in a
hurry, so Absolutely.
Jennifer Kizzee (18:38):
Yeah, no, I love that and I did read a
little bit about that that youknow they expect you to enjoy
your meal and they have yourcoffee, like that's.
You know, almost a requirementor it's this expectation, right,
that you're going to go andreally take it all day, but
we're just more like let's go,go, go, cause we got five more
(18:59):
places where I hit.
But, yeah, I love thatphilosophy of you know, just
embracing it, taking your timeto breathe and, again, you know,
decompress, and then you, weget to go back to reality, you
know, at some point.
So we have to enjoy it while wecan, for sure, for sure.
Lindsay Fluckiger (19:19):
Well, just even exploring different
projects that you have in yourportfolio, I can see the warmth
and kind of the come, relax andjust enjoy, like I see that in
your aesthetic and I love that.
Jennifer Kizzee (19:30):
I hope there's many women listening and lots of
moms who just really need tohear it's okay to slow down and
have a space, absolutely yeah,if I can't just sit down and
drink your coffee on your couch,on your white couch?
Well, Jennifer, thank you somuch for taking the time to be
with us today.
I have one last question foryou, can you tell us what
(19:55):
projects you're looking forwardto for the rest of 2023?
So we just completed a vacation home.
It's going to be a feature onAirbnb pretty soon, starting
September 1st, and I'm going totell you we had a lot of fun
(20:15):
Once because we get to do a lotof coastal vibes and both will
combine.
You have to check it out.
So if somebody calls me and say, jennifer, we're going to give
you five more houses on thewater they're all going to be
modern, coastal Seriously, thatwill be like an early Christmas
for me, so I'm looking forwardto that.
(20:36):
We're in the works of talkingto other homeowners that have a
secondary vacation home.
They want to you know it'spretty sub for an inch and make
it really fun for rentalpurposes.
So I'm very excited about that.
Hope it works out.
So, yeah, that's what has mademe very excited right now.
Lindsay Fluckiger (20:55):
That's wonderful.
Oh well, thank you so much forsharing all the wonderful things
going on for you and yourdesign firm.
We're wishing you the best ofluck and just appreciate your
time today.
Jennifer Kizzee (21:05):
Absolutely.
Thank you so much for having me.
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