Southern Design with an Artful Soul by JF Gardemal
With over 25 years of experience, Jerad and his recently founded design firm JF Gardemal Designs are known for their traditional design with an artful soul. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, regionally attuned southern glamour radiates in Jerad’s work. Read on and be inspired!
Meet Jerad Gardemal of JF Gardemal Designs in the Lh Design Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being surrounded by the beautiful and inspirational art of The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I am at my most relaxed when I am visiting those museums.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My proudest movement and greatest achievement was making the leap into business for myself during the pandemic in 2020. I am sure that people questioned that decision not only because of my age but also because it was during such a challenging time in the world. For me, albeit scary, it was absolutely the right decision. I was able to connect with my clients during a time when everyone was stuck at home. We had no other option but to focus on our homes and the people in them, which gave me some incredible opportunities to build relationships with incredible clients. I developed very strong relationships with my clients to be a part of their lives when everyone was apart.
What profession does your alter ego have?
My alter ego is the curator of a gallery specializing in early 20th-century European art.
The project you will never forget.
I was able to do a project in the French Quarter of New Orleans that was in an early 19th-century building. The pied-à-terre we were able to create was breathtaking. It featured gorgeous 15-foot ceilings with many of the original architectural elements kept in place. This space highlighted the romance of New Orleans. It was respectful of the original architecture but also made the space livable for today. This client lives in NYC and needed a second residence close to family. The clients had a beautiful collection of fine antiques and an incredible collection of contemporary Southern art.
Your favorite business tool or resource.
My greatest resource and business tool is my clients. Taking the time to really listen to each and every client is the greatest way for me to ensure the finished product exceeds their expectations. It is so important to listen not only to conversation but also to be aware of non-verbal cues from my clients. This has been the single most important tool and has helped me to grow my business. I approach each project with a blank slate and build the vision around every client’s personal needs and style. Obviously, products and vendors are critically important, but learning from the people that I design for has been an invaluable tool.
The most timeless design.
Classic traditional or classic modern design styles are the most timeless as they refer back to historic originals. Although we may update pieces for a client, the original designs never get old or tired, they just live on in a new way with a facelift or new upholstery.
The biggest design faux pas.
Being too influenced by fleeting social media design trends. Unlike fashion, design trends are not a fast-paced industry, and social media design trends do not generally stand the test of time. No client wants to have to redecorate every six months, which is why avoiding trends is always my recommendation.
Your design motto.
Our homes are deeply personal, the places where we build memories with family and friends, in spaces that reflect how we truly live.
Our publisher KOKET makes statement décor; if you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?
It was hard to choose, but I adore statement wallpaper. The Misty Guinea Feathers wallpaper is incredible. It would be gorgeous in so many rooms but especially incredible in a powder bath, study, or library. It’s so rich and would lend itself to so many rich design options.
Love Happens when…
I am able to create homes that allow my clients to find joy and respite. I have also created a gorgeous home for my husband and precious cockapoo, Mr. Bates. Ensuring those most precious to me are surrounded by comfort and beauty means so much to me.
Explore more of Jerad Gardemal and JF Gardemal Designs at jfgardemaldesigns.com.
Feature Image: Interior by JF Gardemal Designs | Photo by James Peck
