J.P. Horton

When it comes to Southern style, few interior designers land the layered, chintzy, and textured look quite like J.P. Horton. A Virginia native with projects across the South and East Coast, J.P. brings his roots to the table with every interior he takes on, merging traditional with modern and functional design elements. We sat down with J.P. to learn more about his process, his residential design experience, and how interior design can impact our lives as a whole.

DS: JP, thank you for chatting with us. Let’s jump right in. How long have you been an interior designer and what prompted you to open your own design firm?

JP: I’ve been an interior designer for over ten years. I had a couple of projects come my way and had just been laid off from the firm I was working for, so I took the leap and started J.P. Horton Interiors in 2017, and launched J.P. Horton fabrics in 2019.

DS: It’s so interesting how our life takes us on journeys and bumps us on certain paths. Did you always know you wanted to do this type of work?

JP: No, but I always loved houses and decorating. I was often redoing my childhood bedroom or designing homes on the SIMS computer game, but originally thought I wanted to major in filmmaking. When I started working on designing the sets for my films, I knew I needed to switch majors! So, I went to SCAD for art foundation studies and then transferred to VCUarts and received my BFA in interior design.

DS: Amazing. Over the course of your career, where have you looked to for inspiration?

JP: Nature is a constant source of inspiration for patterns and color schemes. Art is another. The composition of a painting can be transposed onto a floor plan, or spark a unique color combination. I also like to reference past designer’s work especially when looking at historical precedents. So many talented and influential designers before me have laid the groundwork for beautiful rooms, that can be adapted to modern living.

Interior designed by JP

DS: I can see a lot of nature influence in your design and your fabrics, I love that. How would you describe your interior design style?

JP: Traditional with a whimsical twist. Everything is rooted in tradition and precedent. I love to start there and add to it, mixing time periods and styles.

DS: What project you worked on that you are the most proud of, and why?

JP: A full house project I did several years ago that recently got me the cover of the Cottage Journal magazine. It is a historic Charleston-single style house in the south-of-broad district of Charleston. I designed everything including the kitchen and bathroom remodels and was my first “big project.” It has been sold a few times since I completed work but the interiors very much remain the same as I originally designed them. In fact the current owners have become friends!

DS: What do you love most about your job?

JP: I love seeing how a finished space affects a client in a positive way. The process of designing a room or home is a long and non-linear path and getting to the finish line is very fulfilling to both me and the client. Their environment also begins to benefit them in visible ways. They may start dressing better, having dinner parties, hosting book clubs or game nights, etc.

Bathroom design by JP

DS: Design definitely impacts our confidence and how we feel about ourselves. It must be fulfilling to see your design inspire them so tangibly. Who are some people that inspire you?

JP: Some creative people that I find interesting would be Charlotte Moss, Thomas Jefferson, Harrison Cultra, Roger Banks-Pye, and Bunny Williams

DS: What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers?

JP: Work for someone you admire and want to learn from and find mentors in already established designers. The industry is ever changing and a lot of it is not taught at universities. Learning the trade and business side of the design profession is key, but also how to communicate with clients and vendors.

DS: What are some of your favorite cities?

JP: Charlottesville, Virginia, my hometown and notably know for being “God’s country.” The landscape is breathtaking & the town cultures so many creatives and innovators. It is an exciting place to be and grow as a designer. Charleston, South Carolina is obviously beautiful and draws such inspiration from its historic buildings and houses. All of my extended family is from there. I lived there for 5+ years, when I first launched my design business. Bridgton, Maine is a picturesque small New England town in south central Maine. We used to vacation there every summer growing up and reminds me of my father.

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Find JP: www.jphorton.com