Podcast Summary: Ep. 390: Designing Elegance & Comfort with James Thomas Interiors

Introduction In Episode 390 of How to Decorate, the Ballard Designs team welcomes James Dolentz and Tom Riker, co-founders of Chicago-based James Thomas Interiors. Since establishing their firm in 2003, James and Tom have garnered acclaim for transforming homes into sophisticated, elegantly welcoming spaces. Their approach emphasizes reflecting clients' passions and lifestyles, prioritizing easy elegance and comfort through unique design details, textures, patterns, and rich colors.

Founding James Thomas Interiors James and Tom share their journey of founding James Thomas Interiors, highlighting their transition from different backgrounds—James from commercial interiors and Tom with a master’s in architecture—to collaborating on residential projects. They recount how initial projects, such as designing lobbies and model units, organically expanded their portfolio.

James Dolentz [02:10]: "I was very tired of laying out workstations. There was a lack of creativity in my field."

Tom Riker [02:10]: "I always had an interest in interiors. It was a really good segue to team with James in creating our company."

Building a Strong Company Culture A significant portion of the discussion centers on the robust and engaging culture at James Thomas Interiors. James and Tom emphasize the importance of kindness, creativity, and employee retention. Their team, now numbering 18 members with long tenures, thrives on creative freedom and collaborative storytelling in design.

Tom Riker [05:26]: "We give our staff a lot of creativity... we’re not domineering over them."

James Dolentz [06:29]: "There is a common thread amongst all of them of this sense of generosity and light."

They also discuss their competitive compensation packages and benefits, which contribute to low turnover and high employee satisfaction.

Tom Riker [10:58]: "After 10 years, you get a month sabbatical. We try to treat people really well."

Learning and Mastery in Interior Design James and Tom candidly discuss their initial lack of residential interior design knowledge despite their professional backgrounds. They detail their learning process through seminars, mentorship, and hands-on experience, eventually building a knowledgeable and skilled team.

James Dolentz [03:53]: "We didn't have the privilege of working for a high-end residential firm and really gaining that experience."

Tom Riker [16:13]: "We just were kind of a sponge and we absorbed stuff."

Design Influences and Philosophy The designers delve into their North Star inspirations, citing figures like Martin Brudensky and historical architects such as David Adler and Howard Van Doren Shaw. Their philosophy revolves around creating timeless yet contemporary spaces that evoke warmth and hospitality.

James Dolentz [20:15]: "Martin Brudensky’s ability to create fantastical, magical places..."

Tom Riker [22:40]: "David Adler was a master of creating beautiful spaces that felt relaxed and effortless."

They reject fleeting trends, focusing instead on enduring elements that bring joy and comfort to their clients' homes.

Current Design Trends and Materials James and Tom highlight their current design interests, which include rich detailing, mixing furniture styles, and layering textures. They express enthusiasm for materials like grass cloth, sisal rugs, mohair, velvet, linen, and rattan. Their emphasis on details and personalization distinguishes their work from purely showroom-based designs.

James Dolentz [36:51]: "Details, details, details. Like hands down details."

Tom Riker [37:16]: "Mixing furniture styles makes interiors more interesting."

Showcasing Signature Projects The duo discusses notable projects, including the Gold Coast Space Residence featuring a stunning tortoise shell ceiling. They explain the creative process behind such elements, emphasizing collaboration with skilled craftsmen to achieve unique, show-stopping results.

James Dolentz [41:03]: "We started with a leopard print and transitioned to tortoise shell, transforming the space."

Tom Riker [43:06]: "It just transformed the space between painting those cabinets and putting that tortoise shell on the ceiling."

Listener Questions and Expert Advice In the listener segment, James and Tom address Joanne's dilemma about making her ranch-style 80s home more cohesive and calming. They offer practical solutions, including adding tongue and groove paneling to ceilings, selecting appropriate rugs, updating window treatments, and enhancing furniture placement to create a more inviting and balanced space.

James Dolentz [47:06]: "Adding tongue and groove paneling to the ceiling would do a world of justice for the space."

Tom Riker [51:50]: "Adding tongue and groove on the ceiling is going to elevate the space and make your eye go up there."

Conclusion James Dolentz and Tom Riker conclude the episode by sharing where listeners can find their work online and expressing gratitude for the engaging conversation. They highlight the importance of continued learning, collaboration, and maintaining a joyful, hospitable design process.

James Dolentz [54:49]: "Our website is jamesthomasinteriors.com and we are James Thomas Interiors on Insta."

Tom Riker [55:26]: "And that's our show."

Key Takeaways

• Company Culture: Prioritize kindness, creativity, and fair compensation to build a loyal, talented team.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace ongoing education and hands-on experience to refine design skills.
• Timeless Design: Focus on creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with contemporary comforts, avoiding transient trends.
• Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to intricate details and layer textures to elevate interior spaces.
• Client-Centric Approach: Tailor designs to reflect clients' lifestyles and emotions, ensuring spaces are both beautiful and functional.

Notable Quotes

• James Dolentz [06:29]: "There is a common thread amongst all of them of this sense of generosity and light."
• Tom Riker [10:58]: "After 10 years, you get a month sabbatical. We try to treat people really well."
• James Dolentz [36:51]: "Details, details, details. Like hands down details."
• Tom Riker [37:16]: "Mixing furniture styles makes interiors more interesting."
• James Dolentz [41:03]: "We started with a leopard print and transitioned to tortoise shell, transforming the space."

Follow James Thomas Interiors

• Website: jamesthomasinteriors.com
• Instagram: @jamesthomasinteriors

Connect with Ballard Designs For more decorating tips and to send in your dilemmas, visit howtodecorate.com/podcast or email podcast@ballarddesigns.net. Follow Ballard Designs on social media to stay updated on the latest episodes and design inspirations.