31 Oct 2024

Ask the Expert: Chloe Jonason

Ask the Expert: Chloe Jonason
With an interiors business founded on the principles of sustainability, artistry and a love for vintage textiles, we’ve wanted to sit down and chat with Chloe Jonason for a while! From her background in upholstery and interior styling to taking the leap and turning her passion into a business, get to know fellow fabric fanatic Chloe in our latest interview. Scroll down for her tips on sourcing vintage pieces for the home, styling unique homewares and more…
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Chloe at her studio
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Tell us more about Chloe Jonason Interiors - where did it all begin?

Chloe Jonason Interiors is founded on a passion for making things. It all started with soft-furnishings and upholstery: when we renovated our house, I found myself captivated by vintage finds and the quality of craftsmanship and fabric that outlasts any of the textiles manufactured today. This captured my imagination and made me want to create unique pieces for the home that could be passed down from generation to generation. This is sadly lacking in interiors currently; we live in a world of mass production and trends (which I tend to avoid). I am especially drawn to working with materials and items that are meaningful and rich in history, which led me to source and sell vintage textiles and artisanal pieces.

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Where did you develop your eye for great vintage?

My mother is an avid collector of antiques and vintage. Growing up, I was surrounded by beautiful objects, which really captured my imagination. From visits to museums and galleries, I became fascinated by the culturally rich textiles I encountered along the way. Every piece feels like a fragment of a larger story, handcrafted with intention and skill that’s often rare to find in modern mass production. Vintage textiles, especially those like suzanis and saris, feel alive with tradition, artistry and the essence of the places they come from. They bring depth and character to any space that I find incredibly inspiring. The colours can be bold, but they have a faded elegance that’s not found in modern fabrics.

 

Chloe's collection of Suzani's and vintage textiles in her studio

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What would be your three essential tips when sourcing textiles and homewares? Is there anything in particular you look out for or avoid?

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  1. Look for quality and craftsmanship: I always prioritise items that have been handmade with care and attention to detail. You can often feel the difference in the texture and durability of high-quality materials. Online vintage shopping is great, but you can't beat buying vintage in person. So get out and about to local auctions and markets - you never know where you will uncover your next vintage find.
  1. Embrace imperfections: vintage and handmade items will often have small imperfections, which is what makes them unique. I love pieces with small signs of wear or little quirks—they show that the item has a history.
  1. Trust your instincts: if a piece really speaks to you, trust that feeling. A true passion for a piece can override trends and seasons, ensuring it will find its place in your home. I tend to stay away from items that feel too "perfect" or mass-produced, as these can lack the character and charm that I seek for my clients and my own collection.

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You place a big focus on sustainability within your work. Tell us more.

Sustainability is at the core of my practice because I believe in creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also have minimal impact on the environment. My focus on vintage and artisanal pieces means I’m often using items that have been upcycled and repurposed, which inherently minimises waste and supports sustainable practices. I’m also a big believer in investing in timeless, high-quality pieces that last, rather than cycling through fast, disposable decor. Every choice I make - from the materials I use to the fabrics I source to the brands we partner with - reflects a commitment to creating stylish and sustainable interiors.

 

With your experience in interior styling, do you have a favourite homeware item to design with?

It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, I’d say lampshades hold a special place in my heart. They can completely transform a space with their shape, colour and the way they diffuse light. They quite literally light up the room! A lampshade can be a bold focal point or a subtle touch that ties a room together. I love that they’re both functional and artistic, allowing for endless creativity in design.

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We love your new Handsewn Lampshade Masterclass with Create Academy. Any quick tips for creating the perfect shade?

Thank you! The Handsewn Lampshade Masterclass was such a joy to create. My insider tip for creating the perfect shade is to get creative - why not repurpose that silk scarf that you haven't worn for years into a lampshade for a unique treasure for your home? It is important to consider the shape and size of lampshade that best compliments the room and the lamp base of your choice.