Category: Features

In the Hot Seat with Jen

Jen Devaney

Colour Consultant 
Title

Tell us your Frenchic story... 

About 10 years ago, I started upcycling, collaborating with schools and councils, encouraging them all to upcycle. Back then, I was very active on Twitter, and I ran an "upcycled hour" every week, during which a group of us got together and showed things we'd created. It was then that I discovered Frenchic paint and absolutely loved it!

 

At the time, there were only two stockists in Scotland, and I had just opened a workshop/studio, so I became a stockist too. When I started, there were only around 15 colours! A few years ago, I closed down my shop and worked on the welcome and training calls for the new stockists. I stepped back and am currently working on a super exciting project, transforming a chateau in the South of France. 

How would you describe your signature style? How has it evolved?

I studied theatre, costume and set design, and used to be a costume designer, so my style has always been a bit dramatic and theatrical. But I've also always kept a symmetrical, classical style, then added pattern and colour in – a merging of the two. 

 

When I went into interiors, I brought storytelling and excitement into my design, so I would say my style is pretty eclectic. I started with upcycling, then got bigger and bolder. I am especially inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau style. 

My style has always been dramatic and theatrical.

What does an average day look like to you?

I generally spend my mornings online, looking for inspiration. I’ll also look at books and research new techniques, like Lippan art, an amazing rolled plaster technique used to decorate and insulate the walls of mud huts. It is often adorned with tiny mirrors. I do my thinking time in the morning when my brain works better. 

 

Then, as I live in the South of France, I’ll meet friends for a nice, big lunch. The afternoons are always for experimenting and playing around with techniques. For example, when I lived in Scotland, I upholstered the sitting room ceiling with a massive velvet mural.

What about weekends?

I love meeting friends and chilling or getting into a good Netflix series. Much of my time at the moment, even at the weekends, is spent researching, designing and looking at different things. I play four instruments and sing, and I’m starting to play more in the evenings, especially the Spanish guitar. I also eat very well here in France, it’s a lovely way of life, there’s a big emphasis on relaxation. 

What is your favourite room in the house?

Well, it’s got to be the grotto bathroom in my house in Scotland. When we bought the house 10 years ago, we looked at the drawings, and I said, “There's a little bit extra on these!" So I had to find out more. We took down some bookshelves and discovered a hidden door. I went in with a head torch; I was so excited! There was a cupboard in front, which I went through to reveal a whole room, an old bathroom, containing a half-demolished lime green suite.

 

It was a gem of a find, and I turned it into the most fabulous bathroom. I plastered it myself and covered it in riverbed pebbles  to make a wet room. The bathroom is based on Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, who had a swan grotto beneath his castle. So, the bath tap is a swan, there’s a huge picture of King Ludwig sitting on a throne, and I’ve got incredible Julie Kuyath wallpaper framed with upholstery tassels. Julie creates collages and photographs them to turn into wallpaper and fabric.

What’s the most memorable project you’ve done? 

About seven years ago, I was asked to redesign a restaurant in Scotland, in an old jute mill. They wanted something different, so I created coffee tables out of old antique doors, a butcher's block with brown paper for the menu, and huge pillars with a copper paint on them to make it look industrial. People came in and loved it, and it gave the staff a boost too. 

If you don't like it, change it. 

What advice would you give to first-time painters or upcyclers?

My biggest advice is don’t be scared, it’s not forever. After all, it’s the doing it that counts, far more than getting it right at the end. The best thing is action, and by getting started you're going through the process. Don't forget that you can always change it, if you don't like it. 

 

If you don't like the paint colour, you'll feel it within the first few strokes. Your eyes will tell you because we're all designed to look for things that we like. If anyone is feeling confused about what colours they like, I tell them to walk out in nature with their phone. It's a great trick to take pictures of all the things you like, then analyse them. 

 

You’ll find out if you like spiky things rather than soft things, or if you prefer the colour yellow to the colour pink, because your eyes will guide you. Most importantly, don't forget to just enjoy it.

When it comes to new projects, where do you find your inspiration?

I look a lot at artists, and that helps me decide a style. It's a great way of finding something a little bit quirky and different. The theatre is another wonderful place for inspiration, as are cathedrals and churches because they really knew how to decorate, just look at all the dramatic patterns and geometry. 

 

When I was little. we would pack a picnic as a family on a Sunday, and we'd visit a stately home, and that tradition has stayed with me. I like looking to the past because they were eras when we had time, and craft was celebrated.

What are your top tips for adding individuality to your home?

Two of the first questions I ask my interior design clients are: What type of artists you like? And What’s your favourite era? We then start to build a picture. 

 

Another one is what vista do you like? Do you like the forest or the beach? Or the mountains or the sea? These clues tell us where our style sits and how to gain individuality. 

 

For example, you’re going to like fresh or brighter colours if you're drawn to the beach. Whereas, you’ll likely prefer greens, browns, taupes, and earthy shades if you prefer the forest. That's going to help you start choosing your colours. 

Who would be on your guest list for a dream dinner party? 

First, would be Cesar Manrique. He was a Spanish artist (and sculptor and activist) from Lanzarote, who painted in bright swirls of primary colours. Then David Bowie, because I love David Bowie. 

 

And I'd love to chat with Elise de Wolfe, who the New York Times heralded as the "first female interior designer". She had her own interior design studio in the 1900s and hated the dark, oppressive Victorian style — she had a lighter, simpler style. Elise started the beautiful light green and white stripes that we still see today.

What are your top three can't live without Frenchic shades?

Kiss me Sloely

Riad Red

Sundowner

What’s your favourite film, your favourite meal, and your favourite book? 

My favourite film is The NeverEnding Story, which is all about the magical dream world and a boy who is on a quest to prevent children from losing their dreams. Labyrinth is up there as another of my favourites. 

 

My favourite book would be The Mists of Avalon, it’s an incredible female-led story about the Arthurian legend, told by Morgana, the witch. 

 

My favourite meal is eggs benedict. I love anything will hollandaise sauce — I always get it on my birthday and Mother’s Day. 

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