“Time and again I have been impressed by the positive impact good interior design can have on quality of life.”
AT JS DESIGNS, we are dedicated to creating interiors that are tailored to our clients’ lifestyles, and that complement the architecture of the home and its landscape setting. Our studio, located in McLean, Virginia, serves as a base for residential and boutique commercial projects in and around Washington, DC, and nationwide. Our work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Nantucket Today, Old House Interiors, Good Housekeeping, and Stables: Beautiful Paddocks, Horse Barns, and Tack Rooms.
Our firm has the technical knowledge and design experience to manage residential projects of any style and size — whether collaborating with the client, architect and builder on new construction from the ground up, or simply rearranging a client’s furnishings to improve the comfort, flow and function of a space. We bring positive energy and a collaborative spirit to every job and take pride in delivering truly personal service. Whatever the style, scope and budget of a project, above all, we love designing homes suited to modern life that function beautifully over time and feel right for the client and place. Our long term and repeat clients attest to the success of our work.
Often, the hardest part for a client is taking the first step. Our experience has taught us the relevant questions to ask to elicit a client’s innermost wishes and needs. We listen — keenly. We guide clients through the design process from start to finish, providing comprehensive services along the way. We work closely with clients to refine the design making helpful suggestions, offering solutions and providing options both sensible and inspiring. We select building materials, finishes and furnishings, and help clients make informed decisions. Meanwhile, we are mindful of budget considerations and address that reality by combining experienced ways and means with professional and trade relationships that we have cultivated over time. We are as motivated as our clients to reach the finish line on time and within budget, having achieved an end result of lasting value that is a constant source of happiness and pride.
About Jennifer
JENNIFER SELL, principal and owner of JS Designs, has been involved in the field of interior design for over 25 years. A certified professional designer and longstanding member of ASID, she holds a degree in interior design from Virginia Tech and post graduate credits in architecture and decorative arts from Parsons School of Design and Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.
The daughter of a career military officer, Jennifer moved frequently growing up. As a result, she gained an appreciation for regional vernacular, geographical and cultural influences, and a deep respect for the process of making a house a home. Later travels abroad enhanced her design education by adding invaluable exposure to the decorative arts. Travel continues to inspire and inform her approach to design and further hone her skill for observation. Thus, Jennifer is uniquely qualified to create homes for her clients that tell their particular story.
Jennifer’s professionalism and attention to detail is evident both in her constructive focus on the job site and in the finished product. She finds pleasure in making the design process one of discovery for each client. “My life has been so enriched by my profession and all the clients, tradespeople and colleagues I’ve met along the way.”
Services
- Private Residence and Boutique Commercial Interior Design
- Collaboration with Architect, Builder, Tradespeople
- Space Planning
- Design and Draft Floor Plans and Furniture Layouts
- Custom Millwork Design and Drafting
- Reflected Ceiling Plans
- Material Selections: Stone and Tile, Plumbing Fixtures, Door Hardware
- Interior Finish Selections: Paint, Wallpaper, Decorative Painting
- Furnishing Selections and Procurement: Window Treatments, Carpeting, Furniture, Fabrics, Lighting, Antiques, Accessories
- Art Acquisition and Hanging
Collaborations
- We are pleased to work with distinguished architects and builders, including BarnesVanze Architects Inc.; Cliff Elmore Architects, PLLC; Outerbridge Horsey Associates, PLLC; Peterson and Collins Inc.; Wadia Associates; and Winchester Construction, Inc.
JENNIFER DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM MANY THINGS, including the frequent buying trips she takes with her husband Francis Farrell for his art and antique shop on Nantucket Island, The John Rugge Shop. They share a curiosity and love of discovering unique finds. On these trips, Jennifer is always on the lookout for special treasures for her clients. Back at the shop, she can often be found helping to arrange the diverse mix of objects into charming vignettes. When you find yourself on “the faraway island”, please stop in to say hello!
The John Rugge Shop is located at 5 India Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.