LBS Chic Designer Feature: Justina White

From an executive role with one of America’s leading healthcare providers to handling passion projects, Justina White made the switch to transforming client’s “sterile spaces into chic contemporary” rather seamlessly. White is an East Bay Area designer that started her firm, J.G.W. DÉCOR, in 2011 after deciding to leave the corporate sphere and try her hand in interior design. White is proof that word of mouth is a major key in growing a small business, and her stunningly chic designs make her an interior designer to watch.

Read more about the talented Justina White below.

LoveBrownSugar: When did you begin your design career?

Justina White: It’ll be five years in August. But I can remember always loving architecture and decorating before I knew that being an interior designer was what I wanted to do.

LBS: Was design your first career choice? Did you go to school for design?

JW: I was actually in school for business and at the time I was working at Kaiser as an executive assistant. When I learned my school had an interior design program I had just finished reading Strengths Finder. The book really emphasized working at what you’re passionate about and how you produce better work that way. At that point I decided I needed to sacrifice and I quit my job and went on to start my design career.

LBS: And how was it first starting out?

JW: Well, I realized I wanted to be a designer full-time in my mid-twenties so, I basically started working for free, just the homes of family and friends. My client base really kind of grew from there, through word of mouth and client referrals.

LBS: Who’s your biggest inspiration?

JW: My biggest inspiration is my friend Justin Williams, whom I met via Instagram. He’s doing amazing work in Atlanta and I’m so proud of him. He encourages me. We call each other design brother and sister. He’s somewhat of a mentor even.

LBS: What’s your favorite room to decorate and why?

JW: I’m split between the living room and the bedroom. I love residential design and a nicely furnished, comfortable home. With living spaces, there’s the couch and rugs and lamps and so many layers. But when I think about designing a sexy bedroom for a guy I get just as excited. I can’t choose.

LBS: Vintage or new?

JW: For myself, I shop whatever! Vintage. New. It doesn’t matter. But it’s all new for clients, even the pieces that appear vintage are new.

LBS: You’re one of those designer that’s very transparent about what brands she shops. Has tagging your resources helped you snag more design clients?

JW: It’s helped me gain exposure and made it easier for my followers to shop what it is they might find in an Instagram post of mine. It also lets potential clients know what they can expect when they hire me

LBS: One item that instantly makes a home chic?

JW: I would have to say, in terms of décor, it would be art. Art can make a room scream fashion and tell a story of the person whose room it is. Whether she’s hardworking or fashion forward, or it’s just something that adds a “wow” factor to the room. Art is and essential chic piece.

LBS: What’s the most important thing to remember when designing or decorating?

JW: Lighting! Lighting can really make a room. A space can look one way and lighting can completely transform it. It creates mood and ambiance.

LBS: What new projects are you excited to take on this year?

JW: I’m excited to do more large scale projects. I’ll be sharing a lot more of my work in bathrooms and stuff. And tables cape tutorials! Be on the look out for tablescape tutorials.

 

Photos courtesy of Justina White