Style Warrior Secrets: Jasmine Edwards

I’m so excited to introduce the first post of the new ‘Style Warrior Secrets’ series where I’ll be talking to  inspirational people who express a unique style and individuality within their home using art and creativity in imaginative ways. It’s not about one look or style, it focuses on people who are brave and  experimental, those who are not afraid to show off their personality as well as those who make beautiful spaces on a budget. All of these things require a creative approach to making a home and that’s what Curious Egg is all about!
So without further ado, I’m absolutely bursting to share images from one of my favorite homes on  Instagram belonging to the very lovely Jasmine Edwards – well known to many of us as @jazzierere. For those of you not yet following her on instagram, you’re missing out so get on it here!

Each room in her home is a wonderful dramatic mix of colours, textures, theatrical furniture and lighting but most of all, adventurous artworks all curated into beautiful unexpected compositions. She was one of three founders of the #styleitdark hashtag ( inspired by Abigail Ahern’s dark interiors) circulating instagram that had home interiors around the country change overnight from ‘Magnolia’ to beautiful sultry blacks, inky blues and velvety browns! She is a true style warrior and art lover and I’m delighted that she agreed to share some secrets with us about herself and her home. So if your sitting comfortably here we go…. 

“I’m Jasmine, I live in Surrey with my husband Mark who is passionate about all things car related; he is a total petrol head whilst I am consumed by all things art and interior related.
I am happiest when I am reinventing rooms in my home by constantly moving things around to create a different vibe. Interestingly I have always done this from as long as I can recall and it’s amazing how different things can look within another context. Other than this, chilling at home with my feet up flicking through a pile of interior magazines when I have time is also pretty much a blissful state for me.
My home is very far removed from perfect but it is work in progress that provides endless fulfilment.” 

1. How would you describe your interiors style and how has this changed over the years?
My style, if I have a single one, is a complete fusion of global influences comprised of different genres and eras. I would like to think it’s artistically portrayed in an edgy, glam way that is seemingly difficult to categorise and fully encapsulate.

2. Can you describe for us what role art plays within your home?
Art plays a massive role in my home and always has done. It creates immersive feel good emotions for me.  I love figurative art in particular and I have always wanted to own a gallery. I’m also a bit of a social anthropologist, not in the scholastic sense but I love arts ability to polarise opinion as it’s so inherently subjective and people have an innate reaction to it that I find fascinating. I can paint and draw but wouldn’t ever describe myself as an artist nor do I display my work in my home.

3. What’s your favourite piece of art in your home and why?
Oh, this is a difficult one as I have so many favourites however the large figurative piece by the incredibly talented artist Nigel Cox is probably it. I love the painting’s stark beauty and photorealistic life like qualities. The solitary figure walking through the scene, lost within thought I find captivating. The detail with in the painting is incredible and I love the way the bright red DM’s are the only shot of bright colour.

4. How do you go about sourcing art for your home?
I source art predominantly from art fairs and art galleries or when I have travelled for holidays. For original artwork, I like to see it in the flesh so that you can assess the quality however I have also sourced art online and I’m also more than happy to buy prints online where the choice is inestimable. I’m always mindful that purchasing art can be expensive and it is always done at the sacrifice of not having something else; it is about striking a balance and remaining grounded.

5. What’s your creative process for coming up with interior décor ideas?
I’m laughing at this question as I would love to say that I am structured and considered but, I have many ideas all held at once that is translated in a very instinctive and organic way. I wouldn’t say I have style icons per se however we are all influenced by the interactions we forge and commercial outlets that we naturally gravitate to. Funnily enough the dark aesthetics that is conveyed throughout my home was first stimulated by an old Farrow and Ball catalogue cover. It had deep dark grey walls and a mustard velvet chair which really resonated with me.

6. Tell us about your favourite room that you have decorated within your home…..and to make us all feel better, what was your biggest interiors mistake?
I suppose my favourite room is the main bedroom which is quite large so lends itself to drama and complete freedom of expression. Although on consideration the kitchen is the one that’s probably had the biggest style transformation. When we first moved in I had forgotten how ghastly it was i.e. multi-coloured glossy tiles, blonde wood cupboards and trust me I could go on and on. It literally made me want to scream and I to change it immediately.

Oh, my worst decorating mistake is an easy one it was the study that I painted an unusual shade of green but it looked putrid & I had to re-paint it. Jeepers what on earth was I thinking?!

7. What’s your best Style Warrior ‘secret’ tip from your experience of styling your home? 
I suppose I have always combined a mix of more expensive and cheaper pieces to create multi-dimensional looks. I think you should always go with your gut instinct as you will end up creating something that makes you happy and is wholeheartedly liveable.

8. Can you give any gems of advice for those looking to create an individual look with art in their homes?
Personally, speaking I think to always be on the lookout for art as you can source from some unusual places. Years ago I can remember being on holiday in Cornwall in a restaurant with really cool art and I bought a piece. Not quite what I was expecting when I went in but c’est la vie! It was a tiny piece and it still makes me laugh when I think of them wrapping it in kitchen paper and popping it into a Tupperware container as they didn’t have any other suitable packaging material.
Try to buy original pieces or limited edition pieces however if this is not possible try to be as original as possible about decorating with art that you have so that it is displayed in a unique way and conveys your own personal aesthetic.

9. If you threw the ultimate house party who would be your surprise star guest (dead or alive!) and what would you ask them to bring?
Well I have to be greedy and name two people I’m afraid. One would be the style icon that is Idris Elba – ok so he’s easy on the eye but he’s also a DJ so could get the party started in a big way. The other is Picasso who’s my favourite artist of all time. I reckon both of them would bring the right amount of craziness to the proceedings!

10. What’s your best trait and worst vice that we should know about before we move in?
I suppose I have been called ridiculously kind on many an occasion by many people, I’m not sure what to make of this as I think compassion and decency should be basic human qualities. However my worst trait is my impatience when it comes to interior decorating. I literally act on ideas straightway. For example I’m the kind of person who will be prising a tin of paint open the minute I get home and want to start slapping up paint straightway!

Well I think we can live with that – we’re packing our bags now! Thanks so much Jasmine for letting us peek into your gorgeous home and sharing a few Style Warrior Secrets with us. Tune in for the next one in a fortnight and if you’re not already following us on Instagram you can head over there now by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!