Journey into Design: Janie Molster’s Path to Interior Excellence

How did you get started as an interior designer?

It’s quite a story how I truly began my professional journey in interior design. Initially, it was a close friend who saw the path for me before I even recognized it myself. They took the initiative to have business cards printed, effectively launching my career with a simple yet profound gesture. Looking back, it seems everyone around me, including my family and friends, could clearly envision this trajectory for me, while I, perhaps, was too immersed in the passion itself to see it as a vocation.

Once I fully immersed myself in the world of design, everything clicked into place with crystal clarity. My obsession with my surroundings was not a new development; it had been a lifelong pursuit. I recall countless nights spent in rental apartments, meticulously painting walls until the color and finish were absolutely perfect, ensuring my environment felt just right. This deep-seated need to craft and curate my living spaces was always present.

The real turning point came when my husband and I purchased our first home. This new canvas allowed me to truly flex my design muscle and explore my aesthetic more freely. As I transformed our home, word began to spread, and I started receiving calls and requests for advice and help from others who admired my work. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, a collection of personal projects blossomed into a full-fledged interior design business. And here we are today, years later, still passionately creating beautiful and functional spaces for a diverse range of clients. It truly feels like I’ve found my calling, a path that was always there, waiting for me to step onto it.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

The question of inspiration is one I’m often asked, and my honest answer is that it’s a constantly evolving landscape. My sources of inspiration are as varied and dynamic as the projects I undertake. Just last night, I received a couple of new shelter magazines, and I immediately felt a surge of creative energy. I have to send a quick shout-out to my incredible design industry peers – you inspire me endlessly! Seeing what other talented individuals are creating, the innovative approaches they take, and the sheer beauty they bring into the world is a powerful motivator.

I am absolutely fascinated by trends, though I approach them with a discerning eye. While I may not jump on every fleeting trend, I believe that understanding the current zeitgeist in design is crucial. Creativity, after all, breeds more creativity. Observing the broader movements and specific innovations within the industry keeps my mind fresh and open to new possibilities. It allows me to interpret and adapt ideas in a way that feels authentic to my style and relevant to my clients’ needs.

Beyond magazines and industry peers, my inspiration truly stems from everywhere. Travel is a huge influence; exploring new cultures, architectures, and landscapes always sparks new ideas. The rich textures of an ancient city, the vibrant colors of a bustling market, or the serene minimalism of a natural vista – these experiences profoundly impact my aesthetic sensibilities. Art, in all its forms, is another deep well of inspiration. From classical paintings to modern sculptures, the interplay of color, form, and light in art often informs my spatial and decorative decisions.

And of course, my clients themselves are an immense source of inspiration. Each project is a unique collaboration, and their stories, personalities, and aspirations guide me. Understanding their lifestyle, their cherished possessions, and their vision for their home allows me to create spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal and reflective of who they are. Having a strong inspiration group – whether it’s fellow designers, artists, or even my discerning clients – to bounce ideas off of and engage in thoughtful dialogue is truly invaluable to me. It fosters a sense of community and pushes me to continually refine and elevate my craft.

Do you have a favorite project to date? Or a favorite type of project that tends to be your favorite?

It’s a common sentiment among designers, but often, my favorite project is the one I’ve just completed or the one I’m currently immersed in. There’s a particular bittersweet feeling that comes with wrapping up a project, a phenomenon we affectionately call “uncoupling.” It’s genuinely hard to say goodbye to clients with whom you’ve built such a strong rapport, having frequent talks and troubleshooting sessions that become a part of your daily rhythm. The intense collaboration and shared vision create a bond that makes the completion of a project a significant transition.

Right now, however, I am absolutely thrilled to be in the midst of something truly wonderful and exceptionally grand: a large lodge nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains. This project is particularly special because it sits adjacent to another property we’ve previously designed for the same clients. This marks our fifth project with them, which speaks volumes about the trust and deep understanding we’ve cultivated over the years. We share a harmonious understanding of each other’s vision and working styles, which means things are coming together seamlessly and with remarkable fluidity.

The Allegheny Mountains lodge is envisioned as a magnificent second home on their expansive property. It will boast several luxurious bedrooms, but its true highlight lies in its sophisticated entertaining spaces, meticulously designed for hosting large events and gatherings. Imagine a space that functions almost like a mini-conference center, yet is imbued with a warm, residential perspective – a place where grand events feel intimate and guests feel utterly at home. This duality of functionality and comfort is at the core of its design.

What makes this project even more extraordinary is the caliber of talent involved. We are collaborating with some truly amazing craftsmen, whose dedication to their artistry is evident in every detail. Their skilled hands are bringing our shared vision to life, ensuring that every element, from custom millwork to intricate finishes, is executed with unparalleled precision and beauty. The opportunity to work alongside such dedicated artisans, creating a space that is both monumental and deeply personal, is incredibly rewarding. We are pouring our hearts and expertise into this design, and I encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates – it’s going to be spectacular.

What is your favorite tip for making small spaces feel larger?

When it comes to transforming small spaces to feel more expansive and inviting, my go-to advice is remarkably simple yet incredibly effective: use fewer, bigger pieces of furniture and, perhaps most crucially, “edit, edit, edit.” This philosophy goes against a common misconception that in a compact room, one should opt for tiny furniture. In reality, filling a small space with numerous small items like teensy tables and chairs only creates visual clutter and makes the room feel even more cramped and disjointed.

Instead, select a few substantial, well-proportioned pieces that command attention and provide clear function. For example, a generously sized sofa can actually make a small living room feel larger than multiple small armchairs that chop up the visual flow. By reducing the number of individual elements, you allow the eye to travel freely across the room, creating an illusion of greater space. Each piece should be carefully chosen for its impact and utility, rather than simply adding to the volume of items.

The “edit, edit, edit” mantra extends beyond just furniture to all aspects of the room. This means decluttering ruthlessly, removing anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring joy. Every decorative item, every book, every accessory should earn its place. A minimalist approach, though not necessarily stark, helps to create a calm and uncluttered environment where the chosen pieces can truly shine. This also applies to wall art; rather than a gallery wall of many small frames, one large, impactful piece can make a stronger statement and define the space without overwhelming it.

Another incredibly important element for enhancing the perception of space is the strategic use of rugs. My tip is to use large, room-size rugs that practically “hug” the perimeter of the space. A rug that extends close to the walls, leaving only a narrow border of visible flooring, creates a unified and expansive foundation for the room. Conversely, a small rug floating in the middle of a room tends to break up the floor area, making the space feel choppy and smaller. A large rug anchors the furniture grouping, defines the functional zone, and creates a seamless visual plane, tricking the eye into perceiving the room as more generous than it actually is. These combined strategies – thoughtful furniture selection, meticulous editing, and intelligent rug placement – are powerful tools for transforming even the most modest of rooms into surprisingly spacious and elegant havens.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a designer today?

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of interior design, I’ve encountered numerous challenges over the years, but currently, the most significant hurdle I face is the scarcity of skilled labor, particularly within the traditional trades. The expert craftsmen and artisans whom I rely on daily to bring my intricate designs to life are becoming increasingly harder to find. This shortage poses a substantial challenge, impacting project timelines, budgets, and, most importantly, the ability to execute designs with the level of quality and detail that my clients and I expect.

The trades are the backbone of bespoke interior design. We’re talking about individuals who possess invaluable, often generational, skills that cannot be easily replicated by mass production or modern machinery. For instance, finding conservationists who can expertly repair antique furnishings and precious art pieces is crucial for maintaining the integrity and history of a home. Their meticulous work ensures that cherished heirlooms can continue to be part of a contemporary design narrative.

Similarly, the demand for seamstresses capable of producing couture-quality window dressings is incredibly high. Custom drapery, blinds, and other textile elements are essential for adding softness, texture, and a tailored finish to a room, and achieving that perfect drape and fit requires exceptional skill. Custom upholsterers are another vital group; they transform ordinary pieces into extraordinary works of art, meticulously rebuilding and re-covering furniture to exact specifications, ensuring both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Decorative painters, with their ability to create unique finishes, murals, and intricate patterns, add a layer of artistry that elevates a space from beautiful to truly exceptional.

The decline in these specialized skills is a broader issue, as younger generations are often not entering these traditional trades. This makes talent acquisition a constant priority for my firm. For your information, we are always actively seeking and hiring talented individuals in these critical areas: skilled conservationists who can breathe new life into antique furnishings and art, master seamstresses renowned for producing couture-quality window dressings, experienced custom upholsterers who understand the nuances of fabric and form, and visionary decorative painters who can bring unique artistic visions to walls and ceilings. Bridging this skill gap is essential for the future of high-end interior design, and we are committed to finding and supporting the artisans who make our work truly remarkable.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment to date?

Without a shadow of a doubt, my biggest accomplishment to date, more so than any design project or accolade, is raising my five children. It has been the most challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, endeavor of my life. If I could impart any wisdom to fellow designers, especially those navigating the demanding throes of parenting young children, it would be this: always choose family first. This philosophy has guided my career decisions and priorities, and I firmly believe it’s been key to my sustained success and personal well-being.

I am incredibly blessed that my career has not only survived but thrived, successfully weathering the storms of several years during which my attention to it was necessarily intermittent. There were periods when balancing the demands of a growing family with a burgeoning design practice felt like an impossible feat. Times when I was barely keeping my foot in the door of the design world, dedicating whatever precious spare moments I could to nurturing my passion and client relationships. It required immense dedication, strategic planning, and the understanding of clients who valued my work despite the occasional pauses.

So, when I truly reflect on it, the answer becomes crystal clear. My biggest accomplishment isn’t a particular award or a renowned project, but rather the resilience and steadfastness required to maintain my presence and relevance in such a competitive field while prioritizing my family above all else. Keeping my foot in the door, even when life’s other responsibilities felt overwhelming, allowed me to grow and flourish when the time was right. It’s a testament to the idea that passion, perseverance, and a strong sense of personal values can lead to success on both professional and personal fronts. It’s about building a life that truly reflects what you value most.

Are there any interior designers that particularly inspire you?

Absolutely, I am consistently inspired by the brilliance and unique visions of several iconic designers. One designer whose work truly captivates me is John Saladino. I am utterly in love with all of his upholstery designs. What makes his pieces so exceptional is their timeless quality. From day one, his creations were innovative, pushing the boundaries of traditional design, yet they possess an enduring elegance that ensures they never feel dated. His ability to blend classical elements with modern sensibilities results in furniture that is both sophisticated and incredibly comfortable, a true hallmark of masterful design. Saladino’s approach to scale, proportion, and texture is something I constantly admire and strive to emulate in my own work.

Another designer who deeply inspires me is Susan Ferrier, particularly through her work with McAlpine. Her aesthetic is distinct and powerful. While her designs often exude a moody edginess, creating spaces that feel dramatic and deeply atmospheric, she simultaneously embraces and celebrates femininity with remarkable artistry. Ferrier doesn’t shy away from “pretty” – in fact, she takes it and sets it on fire, transforming it into something compelling and utterly captivating. Her work is a beautiful juxtaposition of strength and softness, often incorporating rich textures, layered lighting, and a refined color palette that evokes a sense of quiet luxury and profound beauty. It’s this fearless approach to design, combining traditionally contrasting elements to create something uniquely powerful and yet inherently beautiful, that I find incredibly inspiring. She teaches us that true design comes from a place of authenticity and a willingness to explore the full spectrum of aesthetic expression.

Quick Takes: Janie Molster’s Personal Preferences

Ebooks or Hardbacks?

Hardbacks for sure. There’s nothing quite like the tactile experience of holding a beautifully bound book. Give me a rainy day, a cozy corner, and a stack of my dog-eared design books – that’s pure Nirvana for me. The ability to flip through pages, make notes, and feel the paper under my fingers is an irreplaceable part of my creative process and relaxation.

M&Ms or Skittles?

Definitely green peanut M&Ms. They’re not just delicious; I’ve always believed they bring good luck! A small superstition, perhaps, but a delightful one that adds a little sparkle to my day.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee, hands down. I literally cannot tie my shoes in the morning without that first cup. It’s an essential ritual that jumpstarts my day and fuels my creativity from the very first light.

Favorite Color?

Pink, every single shade. From the palest blush to the deepest fuchsia, pink embodies joy, sophistication, and a touch of whimsy. It’s a color that can be surprisingly versatile and powerful in design.

Accessory you couldn’t live without?