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Interior Design

California Girl Style – Interior Designer Joan Tesauro

October 6, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

I met designer and California girl, Joan Tesauro when she started playing tennis where I do. I remember distinctly her long hair, flower tennis bag, and unique style and instantly knew she was a cool chick. We later found ourselves on a tennis team together, and became friends. I discovered this East Coast transplant is funny, down-to-earth, and no-nonsense, (as you would expect from a Long Island girl), but is also a very talented and successful interior decorator.

Joan and Cedric.

When Joan helped me finish my pool bath remodel, I got to visit her at her office/studio which is attached her gorgeous home she shares with her husband and two darling persians, Smudge and Cedric. When I saw her studio, I was instantly envious. Here is the glamorous life I would have wished for myself growing up. Joan lives the girls’ dream! I knew I had to share it and have her on the blog.
Get Back JoJo is the name of her design firm and I love that. This girl doesn’t fit any stereotype. She’s chic, eclectic and marches to her own drummer. Her office is a mix of treasures from her travels, like lanterns from Morocco, as well as a wall of her Barbie doll collection that she begun at age 3. (I had a blast finding all the Barbie’s I once owned!) 
As unconventional she appears, this designer knows her stuff. She’s a lover of gorgeous high-end fabrics and some of the finest furnishings out there. She knows what works,what’s worth spending your hard earned money on and what’s not. Yes, she’s a believer in investing in quality pieces. 
As busy as Joan is helping Silicon Valley entrepreneurs furnish multiple homes, or shopping for clients, she kindly took some time out to chat over a fun girl’s lunch and revealed some of her style secrets and decor advice. as well as her dream project! I think you’ll have fun reading her take on design and life!

Joan, you are a California girl, but came here 14 years ago from the East Coast. How does that make you different from other California designers? Do you feel like you have embraced the California lifestyle and has it influenced your design choices?

Well…I always find the East Coast, especially NYC, work ethic or sensibility, is different in the form of time and urgency factor.  I started working right out of college in the fashion industry, a very fast-paced environment, where late or absence was not accepted. These principles are ingrained in how I conduct business.  I have a huge respect for time, not that California bred designers don’t; but I find a more casual approach to business out here in general.
I love California. As a kid traveling here many times and just visiting throughout my life there was always this draw to be here.  I have always been intoxicated by the scenery, history and people. I have embraced my California. I take full advantage of the weather, which I must say, really is incredible especially growing up in NY where we had hurricanes, snow storms, thunderstorms and hailstorms! I just find that I get out more, I walk to places, I take in the environment and spend more time getting around because the weather is so wonderful. When you explore you see new things and find more inspiration, and more treasures!

Joan with her Barbie collection behind her. 

What made you choose interior design and what do you most like about being a designer? 

I transitioned really. Growing up I immersed myself in fashion and design and wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Immediately following my graduation from Syracuse University, (where I studied all the principles of design) I started designing fabrics for swimwear, active wear and lingerie in NYC.  BUT a sudden move to Northern California, I had to switch gears.  I landed  an incredible job with a fabulous renowned interior designer as his assistant I quickly learned the ropes! 
I absolutely love what I do! There are so many incredible products out there, from fabrics, to wall coverings, to carpets, you name it- it is made and I just can’t get enough. I see so many wonderful things that I can place in someone’s home, I love the process of change and making things happen and really making the most of one’s personal space.

But #1 reason why I love what I do is the people I have met along the way; from my clients, to the vendors I work with.   I am nothing without these people in my life. They all inspire me and make things happen!


Biggest pet peeve?

 I just hate when people waste hard earned money on poor design choices! 
 What’s your favorite room to design/remodel? 

I love working on children’s bedrooms. 
I’m dying over these wall sconces with the gold branches! Smudge overseeing some work here.
Current favorite paint color and brand?

 I love Farrow & Ball paints. I can’t say I have a favorite color it depends on the room and the light-HOWEVER I am prone to dirty yellows

If someone has a limited budget what one change would you say will make the most impact on their home?  

There are many quick fixes that actually don’t cost any money. Editing one’s home is great. If someone feels they don’t have enough space I always tell them to go through their closets,, get rid of the unwanted stuff. They are always amazed by how much space they really have!  Donating clothing and old furniture is really rewarding and cleansing.  It is a win-win.  DECLUTTER!

You’ve traveled to a lot of exotic locals. Has that influenced the way you see the world and what appeals to you? Do you try to incorporate that into your aesthetic? 

There is no question, travel has been very inspiring to me.  My personal style is definitely influenced by Hollywood and Morocco, but only for me, I would not push that look on to my clients unless they wanted that look. Many times a client will stay at a resort or visit a great place and they get inspired and want that feeling again and we can make that happen and that is always fun. One of my clients travels to Japan quite often and we recently recreated the bathroom he loved where he was staying in Tokyo…just give me a visual and I can put it in your home

Is there a famous designer you admire working today?

 I have to say I really have a respect for Ralph Lauren, Mary McDonald and Barbara Barry all designers like me, that started in the NY fashion industry, with no formal interior design degree!


Do you find art and museums a source of inspiration? What about films and movie sets, like the kitchen from Something’s Got to Give, which has spawned a million imitations? 

Well my Willow Glen conservatory was influenced by the original Great Gatsby movie……and I also did a “Gone with the Wind” drapery design.  When I come up with a theme, I give my clients’ a point of reference, movies help!

Joan’s Gatsby-inspired room for a client’s conservatory!
 Love that chandelier. How fabulous must this room be at night as well?




This glam powder room was created for one of Joan’s clients who missed her Koi pond!
You have a lot of personal style as do most interior designers. Does that always go hand in hand? I have seen a few that aren’t so fashionable, but that’s not the norm. 

Well thank you. I try to wear flattering clothes that work well for comfort but that have a flair. For me I enjoy putting looks together and so I guess translating it to what I wear is par for the course. I like good design in everything and QUALITY. If something is made well it will last a long time. This for me is so important not only in home design, but fashion design! 
Meeting a client for lunch.
Favorite place to shop for yourself? Are you an online shopper at all? What’s on your wardrobe radar for fall? 
WOW….I love shopping in boutiques. I only shop in clothing boutiques for myself. The service of having someone know what is between those racks of clothes and what would work for me and my budget-saves me time and aggravation. And no, for clothes absolutely no online shopping I need to feel the material. Huge fan of Simply Smashing in Campbell. Deb the owner knows my size, what I like and always gives me the heads up on what is new. Gosh! Radar Alert! Saw some cool studded motorcycle boots that I want…..As far  as interior design shopping…..all of my vendors have online catalogues so I do a lot of virtual shopping, request samples and can really find everything I need right from my computer. 
  
I have a niece who is interested in design. Can you give any advice to young people hoping to get into this field? 
 This is what I tell everyone: you must be a good waitress first in foremost in your life at some point: you will learn people skills, math, sales, moving fast and taking direction. If you can master that then definitely study design. I you can’t, then you probably should go into another field!

Another of Joan’s projects…I love the mix of colors and shades here.

Dream project? 


An empty Kasbah in Morrocco, owned by Robert Plant, (lead singer of Led Zeppelin), who leaves me a key and his check book. Or Paul McCartrney needing his new NYC penthouse designed and furnished, let’s me stay there while I do it, and he gives me his keys and credit card!

Oh my gosh! Wouldn’t that be awesome? Don’t forget me when that happens Joan! 😀

I adore this girl. Thanks Joan for letting us have a little peak into your life and style!

How cute is her logo?

For more information on Joan’s work, you can check out her website, Get Back JoJo, also find her on Houzz, and Pinterest.

Kim

Filed Under: California Interior Designers, Get Back JoJo, Interior Design, Joan Tesauro, Northern California Designers

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It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet It’s weekend meandering time with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth..

I am finally sharing my packing list from the UK trip. The last part of our Edinburgh stop is also on the post along with a lovely Tahoe remodel.

If you need the post messaged to you comment links!

Pop in by our blogs for more good things..links in bios:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
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If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doin If you missed it, Juliet, Elizabeth and I are doing a virtual holiday sparkle party !✨ 

Tomorrow is December and we would love to see your beautiful holiday pins and brooches. If you have some lovelies that you’d like to wear, we’d love if you’d tag us and also use the tag with #ShowUsYourBling or #christmaspin and  we will share your pretties on our stories.

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I have more ideas on my blog on how to style them and also some pretty vintage pieces  and others if you need to start your own little collection!! They are little pieces of art. 

Tag us and #showusyourbling  #christmaspin 

More on our blogs .. Links in bio
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#broochthesubject #holidaysparkle #vintagebling #vintagechristmas #weissbrooch
I’m super excited because today Juliet and Eliza I’m super excited because today Juliet and Elizabeth and I are starting a virtual brooch/holiday pin party for December and we want you to join us! ✨

I know many of you probably have some lovely little sparkles that are sitting in a drawer or box from your mom or grandma, or perhaps just ones that you haven’t worn for a long time.  Get those lovelies out and let’s see them. 

During the month of December, tag us with #showusyourbling or #christmaspin  and we will share your pretty pins on our stories.

This is another way to get creative with your outfits during this festive month ! It also sparks so many nice comments and conversations. I’ve been chatted up by so many people wearing my mom or grandma’s brooches and I  enjoyed hearing about theirs as well. 

It’s a way to keep those who we inherited them from, close to our hearts at this time of the year . 🥰 I always think my mom or grandma would be so thrilled to know I’m wearing their special brooches. 

Men are wearing brooches now too! So we’d love for the guys to join in as well.

Stop by our blogs today for more ways to wear your pins and links to some good ones if you’re wanting to start your own little collection like I have!

Use the hashtags #showusyourbling #christmaspin 

Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@pineconesandacorns 
@makemineaspritzer 

#broochthesubject #christmaspin #vintagechristmaspin #vintagechristmas #holidaydressing #holidaysparkle
I just had to put this out as I’ve already had s I just had to put this out as I’ve already had several friends saying they are stressed about not doing anything for the holidays yet -and  it’s not even December!!

Then yesterday my dad said he felt some anxiety because all his neighbors had their Christmas lights up and he hasn’t done his. 
That really made me upset. My 84 year old dad! 

This is not a race. 

The person with the most things done is not the winner in fact, that person may not be enjoying the season as much as somebody else who’s taking it slowly and going at their own pace, and doing less.

Remind yourself to enjoy the little things this season that matter to you. Also say no to things . You don’t need to do all you think you do. Let things go that aren’t bringing you joy. 

This holiday season shouldn’t be about stress! 

That’s the end of this PSA from a person who has bought two gifts and still has Thanksgiving decor up! 

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

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Do you know people used to shop and decorate the tree in the days before Christmas just a few decades ago?? 

#holidaymadness #simplechristmas #holidayzen
Hope you’ve had a great long weekend! If you mi Hope you’ve had a great long weekend!  If you missed the Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Elizabeth pop on by for some good holiday ideas!
On my weekend post…
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Including Holyrood Palace and @thebalmoral hotel, in Edinburgh.

It’s all on the our blogs -links in bio:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#weekend #edinburgh #edinburghtravel #holyroodpalace #balmoralhotel #roccofortehotels #scotland_insta #scotland
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I have my mom’s tureen and my grandma’s platter out and the recipe binder is open to my mom’s beautifully written instructions on how to cook a turkey made for me and other tips. 💛

It will be me and all my guys including dad, but I’ll be thinking of mom and grandma and all the Thanksgivings they did. I am missing them especially at this time of year. I know a lot of you feel the same. 

I’m thankful to all of you sweet friends here on Instagram too.  It’s been a joy to connect with so many kind people. 

Now I am off to trim Brussels sprouts!😅

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingtablescape #thanksgivingtableideas  #californiathanksgiving
It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the fourth part of our travel to the UK with our visits to Chatsworth House, Bakewell and the medieval walled city of York! I loved this area and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you know 500 year old Chatsworth was her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley and in many of the films. It’s amazing it’s been in the same family for 16 generations and you can have the best day there walking the house and grounds and lunch..

October was a magical time to visit these places with foggy days and fall weather! We absolutely loved it and York has to be one of my favorite cities now. The walls were so fun to walk and we stayed at the most charming hotel..@grayscourtyork 

More on the blog ! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs too! 
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#uktravel #visitbritain #york #chatsworthhouse #bakewell #falltravel #prideandprejudice #pemberley #grayscourtyork
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I snapped a few pictures of people in the UK in their coats, and I’m sharing a little inspiration from the trip..

Stop on by our blogs if you need a fresh look or maybe a new coat for this year! We are finally getting some real weather, and I love it! 

You can comment LINKS to be sent the post by DM or find the posts in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#winterstyle #coatinspo #coatseason
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All three are places of incredible history and charm! We even did a little side trip to the teeny village of Lower Slaughter.. More about all of it, and the sweet shops and restaurants and our cute hotel on the weekend post..

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds save this reel..
On this clip-
@oxford_uni 
@thesheepstow 
@cutterbrooksshop 
@lucystearoomstow 

Link to my full blog on this in bio
@northerncalstyle 

#stowonthewold #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #oxforduniversity #stratforduponavon #uktravel 

@lambsrestaurant
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All of us have unique bedroom ideas for this collaboration, so stop on by our blogs!

@northerncalstyle 
@classiccasualhome 
@cindyhattersley 
@most_lovely_things 
@mysweetsavannah 

#cozybedroom #cozyroom #wintervibes #holidayhouse
If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet a If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared my favorite things to do in London in fall and winter! 

I’m breaking my UK/Scotland trip into regions, and this week is all about London, where we stayed, some good spots to eat, my favorite museums, and shops. I also shared a few good things I bought, and the boots I wore everywhere that were fairly inexpensive and very comfortable .

The link to this post is in my bio or you can comment below for it and I’ll DM you. 

On this Reel:
-Our beautiful hotel @hamyard_hotel in Soho
- My favorite museum the @vamuseum which is having the Chanel exhibit until Feb. and don’t miss the gift shop totes! 
- The best place for tea and beautiful tins of it to take home @fortnums 
- The historic and coolest department store in the world, @libertylondon. Must do!
- Max’s favorite museum @thebritishmuseum 
- I always find something at @hmhome 
- Two Italian spots we love @circolopopolare and @_boccadilupo &gelato @gelupogelato 
MORE on the blog!

Save this post if you’re planning a trip.

More on the blog! 
@northerncalstyle 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun too:
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#london #londontips #londontravel #londoninthefall #prettycitylondon
I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in th I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in the UK! 🇬🇧❤️ 

I’ve been trying to share everything on my stories, and saving some of them in my highlights in case any of you are planning a trip! 

I’ve been so overwhelmed with the pictures,  I actually let Instagram make this Reel from the highlights of London and Oxford.. 

I just did a little postcard post on the weekend blog with a few fun pics and details, especially about our stop to visit my friend Rosie who lives in Stratford Upon Avon,  which was so lovely.

You can follow along on my stories, or if you’ve missed any, look at the highlights ! I’m trying to categorize by area.

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs too. I know they had a great weekend posts!!

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#uktravel #uktraveltips #londontravel #oxfordtravel #visitbritain

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