We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jake Arnold, an LA-based British interior designer. We love following Jake on Instagram for the beautiful, beyond well-curated spaces he designs. We talked with Jake on how he moved to LA on a whim, what he does when a project isn’t going as anticipated, and how there is a tasteful way to do everything.
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Simple Cast Iron Bowls (Set of 3) by Hawkins New York
$35.00 -
Quinn Semi-Flush Light
$198.00 -
Alvi Dining Chair
$998.00
You're an interior designer, and will soon launch your own firm. Tell us a little about where you are from and how you got started.
I grew up in London. After I graduated from University, I reached out by twitter to an interior design firm in LA asking if I could intern for them. I had never been to LA before and didn’t know anyone here. They wrote me back and said, yes! I flew to LA and started working for them and within days met my colleagues and clients who shaped my career.
Your spaces are insanely well done with such a great vibe to them. Where do you start when designing a space?
Thank you! I like to think about lifestyle and mood and how people want to feel in a space. Emotional design is key to my work and dictates my process of selecting materials, finishes and fabrics.
What inspires you most as a designer?
I’m inspired literally by anything I come in contact with and have my design hat on 24/7. Being a designer isn’t a regular day job so I am always hyper conscious of design anywhere.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the design business? Is there an edge you think is important to making it in this industry?
First, to be successful no matter the industry, you have to start. To be a successful interior designer, be authentically yourself. Your clientele will be drawn to you for your particular aesthetic and how you build a rapport and trust.
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Carly Curio Cabinet
$3,999.00 -
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Roz Swivel Chair
$1,099.00 -
Noora Oval Coffee Table
$3,698.00
Are there times when a project is not coming together as you anticipated, in terms of execution of design details? How do you handle that?
On every project, there are multiple vendors and many moving pieces. I’ve worked really hard to cultivate a team that’s able to deliver on my vision, but if a project is not coming together as anticipated, I have learned to make the most of it and typically it’s positive and usually works out better than expected, I like to remain calm and take control while being resourceful.
You live in LA. How do you like to spend your free time when you aren’t curating beautiful spaces?
I love strolling my neighborhood and admiring the gorgeous old homes built with so much character and going to the beach with friends and honestly enjoying the chill lifestyle LA offers.
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Do you have any tips to make a space feel well lived in, even when it might be a brand new building or house?
All of my designs incorporate found objects. I recommend mixing a few purchases with vintage pieces.
What are a few trends you are loving right now?
I recently worked with bold colors on Sophia Bush’s house. To my surprise, I loved working with bright patterns, deep blue hues, and bright yellow. There’s a tasteful way to do everything.
What would be your dream project?
I’ve actually just started working on a dream project. We are working on an estate in Fort Lauderdale on the water that I have drawn inspiration from Palm beach luxury with California chill.
What is next for you?
I’ve started my own firm, and am building a furniture line and hopefully a book one day.
