James Thomas Interiors
photo by Trevor Tondro
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? South of France.
What are three words to describe your style? Tailored, Joyful, Layered
Tell us about your childhood bedroom?
Tom – Mine was ridiculous. My bedroom looked as if it was designed by someone from the Victorian age. I had an antique sleigh bed that belonged to my great-grandfather, Persian rugs, vintage art and a mahogany writing desk. There was nothing “little boy” about.
James – Of course I took the lead with my mother and worked with her to install Ralph Lauren striped wallcovering in burgundy and hunter green, complete with balloon shades. Ugh. I immediately ruined the look by insisting on a papasan rattan chair (hello, 80’s calling!).
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? Our first home together was in a loft building and splurged on huge, oriental rugs to make the space feel cozy and eclectic. We went through a Ligne Roset furniture phase and thought the look was cool as a mix (those chairs were expensive!) but quickly realized, we are traditionalists as heart.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Dorothy Draper for her unapologetic use of color and pattern. The original maximalist.
No room is complete without: Family heirlooms and custom lampshades.
People think of me as ________, but I am really _____________
James – “People think of my as extroverted, but I’m really a homebody at heart”.
Tom – “People think of me as aloof, but I’m actually quite shy”.
Things you omit from
A flower arrangement: Filler greenery.
An hors d’oeuvre platter: We are over the charcuterie boards. Who likes to graze on warm meat and cheese?! Give us a good shrimp cocktail.
A bar cabinet: Godiva chocolate liquor. Gross.
A song for
Dinner at home: Frank Sinatra.
Working at your desk: Classical music.
Going for a run: 80’s alternative music.
Biggest Vice?
James – Travel.
Tom – Candles and soap. You can never have enough!
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
James – Broadway tickets.
Tom – Good china and anything cashmere.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Without question. Classic, good quality and tailored.
Who is your star crush?
James - Jodi Foster. She is smart, accomplished, talented and just seems like a cool person.
Tom - Robert Redford’s rugged all-American looks and his environmental activism always captivated me.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Seventies era furniture. We just can’t pull the trigger on the look, but love seeing other designers make these pieces feel fresh and relevant.
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? Anything Ralph Lauren.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? We tell our team all the time, “you select the bed that our clients wake up in every day”. That responsibility weighs heavily on us as designers so ultimately, we want our work to be known for bringing joy and comfort to our clients.
photo by nick johnson
Your Favorite:
Movie:
Tom – Born Free. had such an impact on me as a child. I cannot watch it to this day without balling.
James – The Talented Mr. Ripley. The clothes, the setting, the attitude – perfection!
Book:
For Tom who is an avid reader, this question is almost impossible! Ok well, if on an island and had just one book to read over and over again, it would be Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.
James – as of late, Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. It’s a beautifully written book and one that forces us to ask what it means to be human.
Scent: Ernesto candles by Trudon.
The fabric you always come back to: Mohair and printed linens
Project: A yacht.
Meal:
James - Roast chicken, green salad with Champagne vinaigrette and fries.
Tom - Thin crust pizza and French fries – ok, maybe not at the same time!
Drink:
James – dry martini with olives.
Tom – Manhattan
Hotel: Ballyfin in Ireland. Regency perfection.
Travel Destination: There are so many that we love – hard to choose! If you forced us, we’d say pretty much anywhere in France, the Cotswolds and St. Barths.
Artist: John Singer Sargent.
A cause near and dear to me:
Tom – anything having to do with animals, especially Best Friends Animal Society.
James – we have a second home near Saugatuck, MI and I am a fierce supporter of our local performing arts center, Saugatuck Center for Performing Arts. It is much more than a performing arts center; it is a community outreach mission that specializes in teaching children about the arts.
Thing to collect obsessively: Candles and silver.
Era in the history of design: Right now. We are living in a moment where anything feels possible. Clients are embracing color, originality, and craftsmanship, and the world of interior design has never been more alive.
Museum: Victoria & Albert in London. We could spend days in that museum and there is always a great exhibition to discover.
Benjamin Moore Paint Color: Hale Navy. Never gets old or goes out of style.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram:
James – Paul Wontorek. He is everything Broadway, spreading joy with the stars, shows and history that he loves.
Tom – Heather Cox Richardson. She is an historian and scholar, who provides perspective on our political system and current events.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Of course! We are a dog and cat house and basically live to be butlers to our pets.
