To mark the 10th anniversary and re-release of his book, The Business of Design, Studio Designer CEO Keith Granet is proud to lead The Business of Design Interview Series that has him interviewing notable interior designers who represent the very best of the profession. Watch the interview with designer extraordinaire Jan Showers here.
The supremely elegant Jan Showers has been a leading light in the trade for her impeccable taste and aura of glamour she imparts in all her design work. Based in Dallas, Jan learned early on from her mother the hallmarks of great design and she has always been inspired by stylish references from mid-century pop culture, French antiques, and such famous beauties like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly.
Jan has a way of layering items and mixing styles that makes her rooms both cozy and aspirational. She shared, “Design should relate to the way we live—it also should be beautiful, glamorous, comfortable and luxurious, even when very casual.” With her career spanning three decades, Jan shows no signs of slowing down as she was named to the AD100 list this year, served as the co-chair for the inaugural Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas in 2020, and will chair again in 2021.
Jan’s clients treasure the signature glamour and grace of her rooms often featured in top shelter and fashion magazines from Architectural Digest to Elle Décor to Veranda to InStyle. Her trio of books document the details of her exquisite work over the past decade—Glamorous Rooms (in its 12th printing), Glamorous Retreats, and most recently, Glamorous Living.
In advance of this webinar interview, we asked Jan to share just a few details about herself.
How would you describe your own design aesthetic?
Classic, glamorous, timeless, and a mix of vintage and new.
What are your favorite sources for inspiration?
I am inspired by travel, antiques, nature, Paris, David Hicks, and simply art. I have been a pioneer of French antiques for over 25 years both for my Dallas showroom and for the specific needs of my clients.
How long have you used Studio Designer?
Our firm has used the platform since August of 2003—so 18 years!
What inspired the design of your wonderful Lady’s Study for Dallas’s first Kip’s Bay Decorator Showhouse?
Imagine an elegant lady—picture Babe Paley —the lady of the house with a personal study that was livable, elegant and original just as she is. You can envision her wearing comfortable Valentino palazzo pants as she sits at her Karl Springer desk to write personal notes to friends surrounded by contemporary art, a mix of antiques and chic vintage pieces.
Do you have other exciting news to share?
This year we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our showroom opening in the Dallas Design District as we opened our showroom on Slocum Street in September 1996. We are also excited about a new line of fabrics for Kravet in the fall. Lastly, you can order a signed copy of Glamorous Living from our website.
Jan’s Remarkable Product Lines and Collections
- To-the-trade furniture and lighting collection, the Jan Showers Collection, created over 20 years ago and is only available at the showroom in the Dallas Design District; line with more than 150 pieces spanning cigarette tables and Murano glass chandeliers to commodes to bar carts
- Complete lifestyle collection for Kravet Couture that includes fabrics, wall coverings, rugs, furniture, and lighting
- Hand-knotted rug series for Moattar, Inc
- Lighting series with L.A. based designer Joe Cariati
- Cowhide rug collection for Kyle Bunting
