Collectors Gene Radio – Episode Summary: Jake Arnold - A Masterclass On Redefining Comfort

Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guest: Jake Arnold
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Duration: Approximately 63 minutes

1. Introduction

In this episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner welcomes Jake Arnold, an acclaimed interior designer renowned for his unique blend of European sensibility and American informality. Jake’s impressive career trajectory, from his British roots to establishing a formidable presence in Los Angeles, serves as an inspiring narrative for both aspiring and seasoned collectors and designers.

2. Jake Arnold’s Background and Journey

Jake Arnold shares his unconventional path into the world of interior design. Without a formal degree, Jake relied on instinct and passion to carve his niche. He recounts his move from the UK to the US fourteen years ago, highlighting the challenges of starting anew without existing networks or experience.

• Challenges of Starting Out:
  "I burst into tears and wanted to go back home because I couldn't do this." ([04:02])

Despite initial struggles, including a pivotal project featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Jake's resilience paid off, leading to a rapid influx of clients and the establishment of his own successful design business.

• Early Success Story:
  "The house got on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens and so it went really well." ([04:39])

3. Design Philosophy and European vs. American Influences

Jake delves into how his British upbringing influences his design ethos, emphasizing a respect for history, craftsmanship, and architectural detail. He contrasts this with the American penchant for openness and innovation, striving to meld the best of both worlds in his work.

• European Sensibility Meets American Flexibility:
  "I try to marry those two ideas together. One European sensibility, but with the relaxed and informalness of the US." ([06:46])

Jake discusses his preference for creating spaces that feel cozy and comfortable, using darker, richer tones atypical in Los Angeles, which initially set his work apart but now contribute to his signature timeless aesthetic.

• Unique Aesthetic in LA:
  "I create cozy, comfortable, livable spaces that are impactful by nature and don't just necessarily look good on a picture." ([08:53])

4. The Expert Platform

One of Jake's significant contributions to the design community is The Expert, a platform he founded to connect homeowners with top-tier designers for virtual consultations. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Expert democratizes access to high-end design expertise.

• Founding The Expert:
  "We started during COVID as a natural evolution because I was getting a lot of DMs on Instagram." ([12:55])

Jake emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the design industry, highlighting how The Expert supports both designers and clients by fostering a community where knowledge is shared and creativity thrives.

• Philosophy Behind The Expert:
  "There's enough for everyone. I believe in democratizing design." ([15:17])

5. Collecting and Sourcing for Projects

As a passionate collector, Jake elaborates on how his personal collecting habits enrich his design projects. He advocates for an organic approach to collecting, where items are chosen based on love and aesthetic appeal rather than strict context or purpose.

• Embracing Organic Collecting:
  "Collecting is really a choice and it's a lifestyle choice of having things around you that you love that don't necessarily have purpose. And that's okay." ([18:39])

Jake shares his experiences sourcing unique pieces from places like Paris flea markets and European locales, where design is deeply ingrained in the culture. He contrasts this with the U.S., where such collections are less common.

• European Influence on Collecting:
  "Design is such a huge part of history in Europe. It's weft into the culture." ([24:31])

6. Product Collaborations

Jake discusses his collaborations with renowned brands such as Crate and Barrel, Lulu and Georgia, and Parachute. These partnerships allow him to design and curate products that blend affordability with high-end design aesthetics.

• Crate and Barrel Collaboration:
  "The Crawford sofa... you can't differentiate the difference once they're all mixed in with everything else." ([47:31])

Jake highlights the importance of materiality, functionality, and creativity in these collaborations, ensuring that each piece stands out while maintaining the brand’s accessibility.

• Design Philosophy in Collaborations:
  "I never really see that nice patina or finish or scale that is done in a way that feels like a more expensive piece." ([50:04])

7. Designing His Own Home

Transitioning to a more personal topic, Jake opens up about the challenges and joys of designing his own home. Balancing his broad tastes with the spatial constraints of his property, he emphasizes the importance of consistency in finishes and the freedom to experiment with different styles.

• Personal Design Challenges:
  "It's so hard because I know what's available, I know what's out there. I also don't want to be so tied down to one direction." ([54:01])

Jake reflects on the iterative process of honing his home's design, embracing spontaneity while striving for a cohesive aesthetic that feels authentically him.

• Embracing Flexibility:
  "There's 20,000 ways I could do this house that would all be good and I just have to commit to one." ([54:01])

8. Collector’s Gene Rundown

In the concluding segment, Jake participates in the Collector's Gene Rundown, answering a series of questions that shed light on his personal collection habits and inspirations.

• What's the One That Got Away:
  "1950s mahogany dining chairs with a chinoiserie feel... they are incredibly unique." ([55:44])

• Future Collecting Aspirations:
  "Looking for a beautiful, oversized cabinet for a project with 12-foot ceilings." ([56:42])

• Unobtainable Item:
  "A silver leaf-covered desk from the Victoria and Albert Museum, priced around $600,000." ([57:31])

• Dream Collection with No Budget Constraints:
  "I would collect an incredible art collection, blending old masters with contemporary pieces." ([58:15])

• Inspirational Collector:
  "Jacques Grange for his unique and grounded use of objects." ([61:03])

• Hunt vs. Ownership:
  "Definitely the ownership." ([61:51])

• Born with the Collector’s Gene:
  "Yes, but I enjoy it without seeking identity from it." ([62:01])

9. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Cameron expressing admiration for Jake's multifaceted career and contributions to the design world. Jake’s insights offer a profound understanding of the intersection between collecting and interior design, emphasizing that passion and resilience are key to redefining comfort and creating timeless spaces.

• Final Remarks:
  "Cheers to you and all the collaborations, products, projects, and homes that you're doing." ([62:44])

Notable Quotes

• "Collecting is really a choice and it's a lifestyle choice of having things around you that you love that don't necessarily have purpose. And that's okay." – Jake Arnold ([00:00])

• "There's enough for everyone. I believe in democratizing design." – Jake Arnold ([15:17])

• "I create cozy, comfortable, livable spaces that are impactful by nature and don't just necessarily look good on a picture." – Jake Arnold ([08:53])

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Career Building: Jake's journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability when venturing into a new field without prior experience or connections.

• Blending Influences: Successfully merging European design principles with American flexibility can result in a unique and timeless aesthetic.

• Democratizing Design: Platforms like The Expert can make high-end design accessible, fostering a collaborative and inclusive community.

• Organic Collecting: Embracing an organic approach to collecting enhances both personal spaces and professional projects, allowing for greater creativity and connection with spaces.

• Collaborative Creativity: Partnering with established brands enables designers to bring thoughtful and unique products to a broader audience without compromising on quality or design integrity.

This episode serves as a masterclass on how passion for collecting and design can redefine comfort and create spaces that resonate with both personal and universal appeal. Jake Arnold's experiences and philosophies offer valuable lessons for collectors and designers alike.