Designer's Corner - Ussery Group Real Estate

If you ask anyone in our company what makes J Banks successful, they would tell you that we are a relationship based business.  Our design philosophy follows this basic premise.

Timeless design that exudes casual sophistication – it is our trademark and why clients have trusted me, along with my company, J Banks Design Group, to provide visionary direction for their homes and commercial projects for the past 25 years.   

Because our clients are diverse, our interiors have differing looks and styles. However, there is consistently a level of elegance in each completed project. Clients have told us that they chose to work with my firm because other J Banks projects that they had experienced evoked a feeling of “life made better” through creative design. Our interiors are livable yet sophisticated; elegant yet casual; functional yet personally breath-taking. The end result always reflects the true character of our clients, but have an overall feel of being done well.

At J Banks, we take the time to understand how our clients live; what’s important to them; what aesthetics awaken their souls.  By doing so, we deliver interiors that make them feel welcome, calm and relaxed. Their visitors are always met by an appropriate element of surprise when they first see the interiors – or a “take home point”—something that stays with them long after they have said their goodbyes.

We believe good taste is not an abstract ideal, but a tangible concept personal to each client.  We always want to capture each of our client’s personal vision with the same passion as if it were our very own.  It is our job as the designer to deliver the best parts of that vision and personal style with an elevated presentation that they could not do themselves.  

This design philosophy has allowed us to flourish and evolve year after year, and is the reason why no two J Banks’ interiors are the same.  The only consistency is that all the projects exemplify the beauty of truly authentic creation.

About J Banks Design  -

J Banks Design, a full scale interior design firm of 30, is a relationship based business.  Our professionally degreed designers capture and deliver our client’s vision, make the complicated simple and deliver a finished product that is on-time and on-budget.  This approach has allowed us to cultivate lifelong relationships with clients, developers and contractors worldwide.

We specialize in new construction and renovation within resort communities and have completed residential and commercial projects throughout the United States, Ireland, Italy, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Our outstanding designs secured the 2010 Southeast Designer of the Year Award for Best Residential Living Room and the 2009 Southeast Contract Designer of the Year Award, both presented by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) in conjunction with Veranda magazine.  In addition, we are a regular fixture on Interior Design magazine’s lists of “Top 200 Interior Design Giants” and “Top 75 Hospitality Design Giants.”

The single project that represents us as a whole is the J Banks Building located at 35 Main Street on Hilton Head Island.  Our 18,000-square-foot structure is the first LEED-certified building in South Carolina’s Lowcountry and serves as home for our offices, design studio, warehouse and retail showroom.  The building is a visible testament of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our clients, employees and community.

Staying true to our southern roots, we love to visit the local antique stores or fairs of Savannah, Bluffton and Beaufort to source the “make it” pieces for each of our clients.  Mixing the old with the new is the key to capturing Lowcountry tradition.   This creates an overall transitional décor.  Don’t be afraid to accessorize an antique sofa table with a pair of funky mercury glass lamps or a hand-painted zebra patterned box.   It’s all about incorporating different styles to create an overall impact.   

Our current love includes refinishing old pieces in fresh color.  Painted or lacquered, using pops of orange, celedon or navy on traditional pieces of furniture can make the old and tired, new again.  Mix stained nightstands with a lacquered television chest in your bedroom, or replace the glass of a contemporary framed mirror with antique glass to add juxtaposing elements.

Outdoor living is also key to our charmed way of life so creating outdoor living spaces is a major focus for our designers.  Finding the latest and greatest outdoor furnishings and outdoor fabrics is always on our minds.  Synthetic woven furniture including wicker and canning are perfect for creating durable, weather withstanding style that is aesthetically appropriate for our area.  The new designs in the market place are ever inspiring and evoke thoughts of lazy afternoons sipping lemonade with the ocean breezes tussling our hair.  Wonderful sail clothes are attached to loungers for high-style sun protection, outdoor sofa beds are made with gauzy canopies, double chaises are available to share naps with loved ones, and outdoor transportable fire pits are now the norm. 

The charm and essence of our area is truly indefinable by those whom have not experienced it.  Understanding these elements is essential to designing the perfect Low Country retreat.  The plethora of talented local professionals brings benefit to Low Country home owners because of their innate understanding of the lifestyle.  These experts, including our 10 professionally degreed designers,  deliver the unique aesthetic details that allow our area to flourish while contributing to our enviable way of life.

“The Lowcountry.”  We often use this term so many times when talking to interviewers outside of our area about J. Banks Design’s interior design style, and almost always get an immediate, questioning response of “huh?”  Understandably so, as this term is more frequently used between those that are lucky enough to live in the Lowcountry, or have been fortunate enough to experience Lowcountry living.  Those that live or experience the Lowcountry will immediately tell you, that although definable, it’s more of a state of mind and way of life.  Lowcountry living is all about living life effortlessly.  And it’s hard for many people to believe that there is an interior design style that reflects this beautiful and easy way of life.

Simplistic.  Casual.  Comfortable.  Livable. Freshly sophisticated.  Understated, yet well done.  These are the words that come to mind whenever we are putting together low country interior design.   Start thinking oyster shell terrazzo instead of granite, and variations in finishes as opposed to a sea of beidermyer.   It’s all about capturing the outdoor elements inside and using colors and textures of the same origin.  When consulting on the overall design of new construction or structural renovation projects, we love using simplistic trim work, clean lines and natural materials.   White-washed wood planked ceilings; bright white beadboard; clean-lined moldings; painted mission style cabinetry; and great looking brushed metal hardware are staples.  Utilizing natural earth products such as soapstone; white Carrera marble; stained concrete; and Vetrastone infused with brightly colored sea glass in unexpected applications create interest and make our designs unique and memorable.

Our Low Country interior paint palettes are inspired by surrounding land and marshes and compliment, instead of compete with, the breathtaking views from outside.  Rich neutrals in hues such as taupe, khaki, ivory, and chocolate are lovely backdrops for infusions of rich color from artwork, pillows, rugs and accent pieces.  Other palettes frequently incorporated into Low Country design include sage, terracotta, sky blue, forest green, midnight, cloud white, ocean, and mustard.  And what would Low Country life be without the palest aqua painted ceiling somewhere in the house, preferably on a covered porch or veranda?   Upholstery fabric selections tend to include solid, nubby linens, dyed in a multitude of hues.  These textured fabrics are chicly timeless and allow for experimentation with decorative throw pillows as seasons and styles transition without a major financial investment. 

When I was first approached by Stanford Furniture to design the J Banks Collection, our line of casegood and upholstery pieces, I knew that I wanted my furniture to be ahead of the pendulum swing by offering something different and dramatic.
 
After traveling throughout Europe the year prior to the launch, I could see that it was only a matter of time before the décor trends changed in the United States.  The neutral, monochromatic interiors of the 90s were going to give way to a more dramatic and glamorous look for the new millennium.

Understanding this, I wanted to get ahead of the US market and design something that was not available elsewhere.  In order for my collection debut properly during the 2007 Fall High Point Market, I had to think of the entire picture, which meant thinking about each detail of the Stanford Showroom aesthetics- not just my furniture.  I needed the walls to reflect the elegance and scale of my furniture.

After searching through our vast design studio and library I realized that there was nothing in the current market that was capturing my true vision.  So as a creator, I made things more difficult and decided to debut, along with the furniture collection, a collection of J Banks Wallcoverings that would be totally customizable and printed to any scale.   I sketched out 4 different designs and today there are over 12 patterns in the collection. 

As, predicted, after seasons of minimalist-chic and the rejection of any wall treatment other than paint, wallpaper is back with a vengeance. The same designers that were shocked at my showroom application are using it in their most favorite projects. 

Today's wallpapers feature new textures, modern colors and designer patterns, making them an exciting way to decorate spaces. This resurgence is a budget-friendly way to inject style into any room in your home. Today’s papers come in an infinite array of colors and styles, are easy to clean and maintain and are a lot less cumbersome to remove should you change your mind down the road.

Popular styles include dramatic fleur-de-lis and damasks patterns, re-worked floral and botanical prints, and over-scaled retro geometrics reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Shiny gold and silver metallics and flocked looks are leading the trend in terms of texture. You can even find wallpapers that mimic the look of leather, linen or grasscloth.

If you’re afraid to take such a bold leap, start out with a more subtle approach. We use it in bold colors in unexpected materials in powder rooms.    The small spaces are the perfect spot to test your love quotient for the application. 

You can also introduce wallpaper into your home by highlighting a feature wall, door panels or even on cabinets.   It’s also fun to use it on a ceiling to add an unexpected twist to a room without overwhelming it.

Once you’ve decided on the color and pattern of wallpaper that you want, ask for samples that you can take home and test out at home. The look of the wallpaper can change depending on the time of day and the direction of your light exposure.

With more and more sophisticated colour and pattern choices being produced, it’s easy to find a style or look to suit your personal aesthetic and your home’s design.  This is the perfect way to express your inner creativity while updating a home that needs a bit of pizzazz.

Looking to overhaul your boudoir? Picking a headboard doesn’t have to equate to a headache. Don’t feel as though you have to conform to tradition when creating visual interest above your bed. While hefty wooden headboards certainly make a statement, they can be difficult to move and difficult to refreshen after a few seasons. For a more flexible alternative, consider hanging an ornate tapestry or fabric panel above a bed.  The panels are easy to hang, easy to remove, and inexpensive to switch out when trends change.

Ready to commit? Consider making your headboard an architectural statement. If you’re renovating or planning new construction and are strong of heart, building your headboard right into the wall creates a bold effect. Just be sure that the architectural element you choose to don your bedroom wall is timeless and has the ability to adapt to different styles, should you choose to redecorate later on. This stone wall is timelessly Tuscan…

Another idea is to turn your bedroom walls into a gallery of sorts. By placing canvases or large picture frames above a bed, you can create visual interest that is more dynamic than a boring wooden headboard. Again, this option will afford you flexibility in the future – swap artwork from another area in your house when it’s time for an update. See how the addition of these two canvases adds a splash of fun and color to this bedroom?

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Second-hand finds like reclaimed barn doors or vintage Japanese silk screens make great headboards as well.

A Color Story

“What’s your favorite color?” It’s the question we’ve all been asked dozens of times. From the playground in elementary school to the bar on an awkward first date, classifying favorite colors has long been a way to break the ice. Seemingly arbitrary, our favorite colors can actually serve as the keys to unlock our deepest senses of self. By surrounding yourself with colors that speak to your personality, you’ll be more productive, more at peace, and more “you”!

If you’ve ever stood at your local hardware store mesmerized by the endless selection of paint samples, you won’t be surprised to learn that certain colors evoke certain moods. And while these moods can vary by individual, there is an overarching theory as to how certain colors affect certain personality types. Additionally, there are theories surrounding the use of color in certain environments in the home – dining space, sleeping space, working space, etc. By understanding how certain colors in specific settings appeal to your personality, you can use color in the most effective way. 

When choosing color palettes for interior design, be sure to consider the following effects that color may have on mood:

White: While to some people the color white can have a positive and soothing     effect, it can also lead to a lack of stimulation. Traditionally, white has been considered an uninspiring color but when offset with colorful accents, it can be quite striking. White should be used in warm climates to create cooler temperatures and a crisp finish. Try it in a bedroom for the most powerful effect.

Brown: Brown tends to be associated with thoughts of family, friends, and loved ones. It also creates a warm atmosphere appropriate for family rooms and common areas.

Yellow: This high-energy hue has long been associated with happiness and livelihood. However, long term exposure to deeply saturated yellows can cause hunger and irritation. Yellow, especially bright yellow, is best used as an accent color in all areas of the home. Additionally, yellow has been known to spark creativity – use it in as an accent in a home office or studio.

Blue: This oceanic color evokes serene emotions and creates a calming effect. Shades of blue are commonly found in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces used for relaxation. This hue has also been said to calm cravings and suppress appetite – depending on your needs, steer clear of cerulean, navy, and powder blues in the kitchen.

Red: A color of passion, red evokes emotions of love, heat, indulgence and danger – this is why you will always find it in casinos.  This hot hue grabs your attention and does not let go. In addition, red stimulates appetite and speeds metabolism. Use it in the kitchen or dining room to promote healthy appetites or in the bedroom to spark sensuality.

Due to the complexity and overwhelming qualities associated with color, consumers often experience feelings of intimidation and uneasiness when make decisions regarding its use. However, this intimidation can easily turn to love and appreciation when color is used properly and successfully.

At J Banks Design, we are known for a sophisticated use of color, and when I need inspiration, I often look to fashion. As we all know, color innovation usually originates in the European fashion houses, which tend to be less influenced by the current trends. The colors then make their way into “U.S. couture,” followed by ready-to-wear and finally, home furnishings.

As a designer, I believe it is important to be aware of color forecasts so that our client’s projects do not become dated shortly after an installation is completed. And, when a project has a two- to three-year lead time for planning and construction, the ability to stay on top of color trends becomes especially important.

In my own business, I find that traveling is crucial to maintaining a high level of inspiration when choosing specific colors and color combinations. Having had the opportunity to travel extensively, it still seems to me that Americans are much more hesitant to broaden their color horizons than our European counterparts. Italian designers are a great example: they tend to understand color and are not afraid to use its powers to create scenes ranging from the dramatic to the whimsical.

In addition to traveling for inspiration, the environment is another wonderful resource when it comes to choosing a color palette. When I decided to launch our latest furniture line, I wanted to use a natural hue of green that was an up-and-coming color in fashion, but which had not yet made the transition into home decor. I will admit the decision to use this deep, clear green developed into quite a challenge due to the difficulty I would face in finding the specific green threads I needed to complete my vision. The fabric houses offered threads of celadon, olive and other “now” colors of green, but not the specific hue or tone I was searching for. To achieve it, I worked with the fabric houses directly and eventually had yarns custom-dyed to my specifications.

As a designer, it should be quite obvious whether or not you are staying current with color trends, and whether or not the choices you’ve made coincide with what’s happening in the rest of the design world. At the same time, it is very rewarding when your hard work and informed decisions are acknowledged in multiple areas of fashion and design. I’m happy to report that this year I’ve found our deep, clear green to be very prevalent. Clothing stores are full of it, and when I visited the Sicis showroom in Milan (known for its colorful mosaics) my beloved green was everywhere!

Having just designed, built, and moved into our new LEED certified building, my company, J Banks Design Group, is all about “green” as a concept, as well as a color. Our new building is one of the ways in which we honor the importance of the wellbeing of our community, our employees, and our environment—a philosophy that we have seen rightfully make its way into the design industry as surely as any worthy color palette.

Of course, understanding color theory and staying abreast of current color trends does not necessarily lead to a trouble-free design experience. In fact, color can still be a major contributor to the vast list of problems associated with design. We as designers have to constantly assure our clients that our choices are right, and keep them on track until the installation is complete and they see the entire vision come to fruition. Since it is difficult for most people to visualize a finished product prior to its completion, this involves putting a plethora of samples up for approval and making multiple trips to the client’s site to reassure them that the colors being used are going to be successful. The final result can often take a great deal of time and money, but in the end it is always well worth it.

About Joni Vanderslice, ASID:

Designer Joni Vanderslice founded J. Banks Design Group in 1986. Since the company’s inception, Vanderslice has served as the owner and president, growing the company into an internationally recognized design firm. Joni’s projects take her from Mexico to Italy, and these travels continue to serve as inspiration for her interior design projects as well as her transitional furniture line, the J Banks Collection by Stanford Furniture.  Joni is a member of ASID and Who’s Who of Interior Designers, and is NCIDQ certified.