Podcast Summary: "Jennifer Gracie // Behind the Scenes at a Legacy Family Business, Finding Inspiration All Around You, and Embracing an Unpredictable Style"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
- Host: Ariel Okin
- Guest: Jennifer Gracie, Creative Director of Gracie
- Release Date: September 25, 2024
Introduction
In the premiere episode of Season Three, Ariel Okin welcomes Jennifer Gracie, the fifth-generation creative leader of the esteemed Gracie family business. Established in 1898, Gracie has been a cornerstone in the design industry, renowned for its exquisite hand-painted wallpapers and custom murals. This episode delves into Jennifer's personal journey, the legacy of her family business, and her unique approach to design.
Jennifer Gracie's Background and Legacy
Jennifer Gracie provides an insightful overview of Gracie's rich history. Founded by her great-great-grandfather, James Gracie, the company initially dealt in custom lamps and home furnishings before transitioning to antique wallpapers and, eventually, hand-painted wallpapers in the 1920s. Today, Gracie boasts showrooms in New York, Louisiana, and Dallas, collaborating with luxury brands like Ermenegildo Zegna, Estee Lauder, and Stubbs & Wootton.
Notable Quote:
"Our wallpaper is precious, but I am not." — Jennifer Gracie [00:12]
The Creative Process Behind Gracie Wallpapers
Jennifer elaborates on the meticulous process of creating Gracie’s hand-painted wallpapers. Whether developing new designs or fulfilling custom orders, each project begins with sample creations to perfect colors and patterns. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of large-scale display wings (6ft x 8ft) to provide clients with a comprehensive view of the design, ensuring that each wallpaper remains a unique piece of art tailored to individual spaces.
Notable Quote:
"It's more like a work of art than it is wallpaper." — Jennifer Gracie [13:17]
Gracie's Approach to Design and Personal Style
Describing her style as "eclectic, unpredictable, and colorful," Jennifer highlights her treasure-hunting nature and the belief that purchasing items she loves ensures a harmonious blend in her home. She resonates with the philosophy of Billy Baldwin: "When you buy the things you love, nothing really goes out of style."
Notable Quote:
"I always knew, I mean, what..." — Jennifer Gracie [03:29]
Stories and Anecdotes from Gracie
Jennifer shares memorable experiences from her career, including quirky custom requests like a raccoon smoking a cigar and personalized elements such as incorporating wedding dates into designs. These stories underscore the bespoke nature of Gracie’s offerings and the deep personal connections formed with clients.
Notable Quotes:
"We had a request once to include in an order a raccoon reading a restaurant menu. Smoking a cigar." — Jennifer Gracie [18:46]
"A bird was flying with a little ribbon in its mouth that had the wedding date of the couple." — Jennifer Gracie [20:27]
Designing Gracie's Personal Home
Jennifer discusses the design process of her Hollywood Hills home, a mid-century residence adorned with Gracie wallpapers. She collaborates with designer Kevin Isbell to balance traditional designs with modern elements, such as her own watercolor-inspired "Squiggles" wallpaper. This juxtaposition exemplifies her appreciation for both heritage and contemporary aesthetics.
Notable Quote:
"If you decorate with the things that you love, they will live happily together." — Jennifer Gracie [24:34]
Mentors and Influences
Jennifer credits her father, Brian Gracie, and her collaborations with clients and industry peers like Alexa Hampton as pivotal influences. Growing up immersed in the business, she learned the intricacies of antiques and design through hands-on experiences, fostering a deep understanding that shapes her creative direction today.
Notable Quote:
"I have a really good memory for every design we've ever done." — Jennifer Gracie [17:34]
Personal Reflections and Favorite Things
In the rapid-fire segment, Jennifer shares her personal favorites, reflecting her vibrant and approachable personality:
- Favorite Food: Seeded watermelon
- Favorite Drink: Fresh watermelon juice with tequila
- Favorite Film: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
- Favorite Hotel: The Dorchester in London
- Favorite City: Rome
- Favorite Bedding: Linen sheets from Brooklyn
- Favorite Music: A diverse blend from Pete Townsend to Teddy Swims
- Favorite Book: 50 Years of Interior Design by Parrish Hadley
Notable Quote:
"I think Karl Lagerfeld said the next stop after trendy is trashy." — Jennifer Gracie [22:28]
Advice for Defining Your Own Interior Style
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of mood boards and tactile exploration in discovering personal style. She advises enthusiasts to engage with magazines, books, and real-life inspirations to identify recurring patterns and preferences, fostering a deeper understanding of what resonates with them individually.
Notable Quote:
"If you're looking to figure out what you want your dining room to look like... it will all help you hone in on your style." — Jennifer Gracie [37:47]
Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
Jennifer reveals exciting future endeavors, including collaborations with Stubbs & Wootton and Sarah Flint on luxurious scarves. Additionally, she hints at a second book diverging from the first’s focus, promising a fresh perspective on the Gracie legacy.
Notable Quote:
"We have another beautiful cashmere silk scarf coming out with Sarah Flint." — Jennifer Gracie [36:40]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt exchanges between Ariel and Jennifer, highlighting the seamless blend of professional expertise and personal warmth. Jennifer invites listeners to explore Gracie's offerings online and shares her enthusiasm for upcoming projects and the newly released book, The Art of Gracie.
Notable Quote:
"I'm very excited that no one warned me in advance." — Jennifer Gracie [15:06]
Where to Find More
Listeners can discover more about Jennifer Gracie and Gracie by visiting their website and following Jennifer on Instagram @jennifergracie. For those interested in her latest book, The Art of Gracie is available through Rizzoli.
This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the legacy and creative brilliance of Jennifer Gracie, making it a must-listen for design enthusiasts and aspiring interior decorators alike.