In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Jess Cooney lets the materials do the talking in a room. The Great Barrington, Massachusetts–based designer employs a carefully curated mix of textures and attention-grabbing finishes to create warm yet pared down interiors. “This flat lay reflects the delicate balance of strength and restraint I aimed to achieve in my own spaces,” she tells Business of Home.
Having recently completed the renovation of her historic 1870s Victorian home, she fashioned her current mood board with a menagerie of modern artisan-made items—crafted by makers she discovered while exploring different corners of the world—that continue to inspire her.
The final scheme makes a quiet statement, and features creamy greige hues, gilded bar cabinets and mixed-media artwork. “From the textures of Mexico City and Turkey to the scents of Paris, this palette is rich with artistry and craftsmanship,” she says.
Here, Cooney breaks down the details, including leather-upholstered sling chairs and horsehair-trimmed ottomans.
1. ANTIQUE COPPER TRAYS
“I came home from a trip to Turkey last year with heaps of antique copper trays and bowls. I was drawn to their warmth and delicate detailing, and they layer into finishings beautifully.”
2. “FLOAT, 2024” BY OLAN QUATTRO
“Olan Quattro is a local mixed-media artist whose current work explores human isolation and environmental change. The layers in these collages offer a lot to discover: She incorporates old letters that her grandmother kept from besotted suitors.”
3. THING 4 OTTOMAN BY KONEKT STUDIO
“There’s nothing better than a versatile piece with a sense of humor. Konekt Studio’s Thing 4 ottoman is just that, with a sturdy plated-steel drum and a horsehair skirt.”
4. NYMPHEA FABRIC IN 55 BY NOBILIS PARIS
“Nobilis is a resource frequented by our studio for their stunning textiles. Nymphea is a nod to the midcentury aesthetic and has a dynamic, colorful weave.”
5. LARIAT SCONCE BY APPARATUS
“The Lariat from Apparatus is one of their softer, more organic designs. The incredible quality of light and industrial meets deco feel of many of their fixtures means a space doesn’t need much else in order to be radiant.”
6. TUXEDO QUARTZITE
“We often specify quartzites for their high durability and truly remarkable textures and colors. Tuxedo quartzite is no exception—old-world elegance with the volume turned up to 11.”
7. LOLA PLATES BY PERLA VALTIERRA
“Perla Valtierra’s ceramics were discovered on a trip to Mexico City. Her pieces balance romance with heartiness, and infuse an earthy element into any space they reside in.”
8. SLING CLUB CHAIR IN NAVY LEATHER BY BASSAMFELLOWS
“I had the pleasure of touring the beautiful BassamFellows studio last year. Their intentionality shines through every piece, and this chair is made to envelop you.”
9. HAMMERED GERMAN SILVER TILE BY PARIS CERAMICS
“Paris Ceramics makes these mesmerizing hammered metal tiles. They come backed with wood or stone, enabling them to be used in myriad applications (like my kitchen backsplash).”
10. EDGECOMB GRAY BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“A universally flattering tone we often recommend, as it’s adaptable to both traditional and modern aesthetics.”
11. THE VINYL STORE RUE DES DAMES 4 SCENTED CANDLE BY LOLA JAMES HARPER
“A scent discovered during a cold trip to Paris a few years ago. Clean and warm to the very end, in a charming amber vessel.”
12. VINTAGE BAR CABINET BY PAUL DUPRÉ-LAFON
“A functional piece for your entry is essential, but it doesn’t have to be conventional. In my home, I opted for a vintage bar cabinet, like this circa 1940 jewel box by Paul Dupré-Lafon.”
13. BOBINE LAMP IN SAND GLASS BASE AND PLUM SHADE BY JH SHOP
“Truly a work of art, Jessica Helgerson’s Bobine lamp is as playful as it is elegant. Each comes with two handblown glass snails.”
