To know Style at Home design editor Jessica Waks is to witness a harmonious marriage between bold graphics and vintage glamour. With a striking palette of black, white and gold, Jessica's design aesthetic is the perfect projection of her own personality and style. 


Jessica's dining room reinforces her favourite colour palette. To see more of Jessica's apartment interior, check out Interior: Old Hollywood decor. Photography by Stacey Brandford.

1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
Jessica Waks Right now it would be a three-way tie between Miles Redd, Mary McDonald and Kelly Wearstler.

2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
JW A walk outside. Mother Nature knows what she’s doing when it comes to colour combos.

3 Favourite restaurant?
JW North 44 - great food and great presentation. It’s also sentimental because I had both my bat-mitzvah party and engagement party there.

4 What’s your favourite room to decorate?
JW The living room - I love to get fancy! Silks, velvets and passementrie all the way.

5 What’s your current paint colour obsession?
JW Really into greeny-blues right now, but I always have love for my purples. From aubergine to lilac - they always appeal to me.

6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
JW What Ever Happened by The Strokes.

7 What’s the one store you could spend hours browsing?
JW 507 antiques.

8 London, Paris or New York?
JW The glamour and history of Paris certainly appeal to my decorating senses, but I love the immediacy and ease of decorating in NYC. It’s all there for you!

9 If money were no object, what's one thing would you buy?
JW Right now it would be the Lobmeyr Metropolitan chandelier. It’s bananas how nice it is.

10 What do you consider to be the most iconic design piece of the past century?
JW The Saarinen tulip table seems to have bridged the gap between hardcore modernists and traditionalists seeking that unexpected touch of contemporary in their space. I think the fact that both styles take to it so easily makes it truly successful.
Among all the styles and patterns, Jessica creates harmony in her living room by repeating the same colours throughout the space. To see more of Jessica's interior, check out Interior: Old Hollywood Decor. Photography by Stacey Brandford.

11 Favourite movie?
JW Is it bad to say The Little Mermaid? Can’t go wrong!

12 What’s your favourite movie interior?
JW Marie Antoinette.

13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?
JW Paint is cheapest, but if you’re lazy and don’t want the mess, buy some new toss cushions and a vase of fresh flowers.

14 Best coffee table book?
JW Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers. Never mind the content (as fab as it is) - that leopard hardcover is perfection!

15 What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday?
JW Brunch, antiquing, nap with my kittens and Chinese food. In that order.

16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?
JW A little bit of both.

17 What do you think is the best renovation you can do to your home?
JW Kitchen and bathroom renovations are what everyone looks for when it comes to buying. Pick something neutral that appeals to a broad range of tastes, such as white cabinets and a Carrara marble backsplash.

18 What is your favourite space that you’ve designed?
JW My current living room in my apartment. It’s just so me.

19 What’s the biggest design faux pas?
JW Buying an entire matching furniture set off the floor and transplanting it in your home.

20 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
JW I’d don Jackie’s pearls while wearing Marilyn’s dress with Audrey’s quirky grin on my face.