Meet the Designer: Jennifer Verruto

As Founder and Designer-In-Chief of Blythe Interiors, Jennifer Verruto has spearheaded projects of all styles including modern, traditional, coastal, mid-century and more. Jennifer was initially with a model home design firm and taking on side projects at the time. Eventually, the designer decided to set up her own interior design firm, finally putting her name where it rightly belongs — amongst those who are impacting the world of design in both San Diego and Spokane.

We caught up with Jennifer in between her new projects, which include being featured in San Diego Magazine, and designing the ultimate Farmhouse Luxe. Read for more about Jennifer's design tips and Blythe Interiors.

jennifers'S FAVORITe collection

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR OWN BUSINESS AFTER WORKING AT A HIGH-PROFILE MODEL HOME DESIGN FIRM?

A: I saw a need for a niche in this prestigious industry - design for the people! Everything seemed so high end and fancy - and I wanted to work with everyone. The idea just took foot, proving that there was a real need for approachable designers who will take on any project, no matter the budget.

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: DID MOVING TO ITALY AND SUBMERGING YOURSELF IN ITALIAN CULTURAL ARTS INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU APPROACH INTERIOR DESIGN TODAY?

A: I believe it changed my world perspective. There's so much more than what's right in front of us every day. I'm not out here painting frescoes on ceilings and sourcing fine Italian leathers every day, but I believe my experience abroad widened my global view and made me more open as a designer.

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR STYLING A SMALL BATHROOM?

A: Absolutely! It's so easy to freshen a space by adding simple touches, such as plants, fresh towels, a patterned bath mat. Adding open shelves instead of artwork over the toilet makes the space more functional and adds layering to an otherwise boring space. If it's in the budget to do a bigger refresh but not a total remodel, painting the cabinets and replacing the hardwire, faucet, mirror, and lighting can go a long way!

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE STEER CLEAR OF WHEN IT COMES TO DECORATING A BATHROOM?

A: Playing it safe. Bathrooms are small, but can make a big impact and show that you really thought about every element in your home. Do something fun and don't forget to add patterns.

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT FEATURES AND QUALITIES FOR A MIRROR IN THE BATHROOM?

A: There are so many cheap options out here - don't fall down the rabbit hole of cheap swirly dated iron from the cheap retailers, or painted plastic that's supposed to look like wood. It's worth it to spend a little extra to get a mirror that has some kind of statement - a beautiful shape or a finish that ties the rest of the bathroom together.

Image Credit: Jennifer Verruto

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING NEW PROJECTS LINED UP FOR THIS YEAR?

A: We have soooo many projects in the works! We're about to be featured in San Diego Magazine for our project, Farmhouse Luxe, and we have some fabulous new projects lined up. One in the works is an old Victorian home that the owner wants to really modernize. He's a bachelor so we're using really clean, masculine, modern finishes and redesigning the whole home.

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE COLLECTION FROM MODERN MIRRORS AND WHY?

A: I like your round collection. It's unexpected for a frameless illuminated mirror. Using a round mirror also helps break up all of the square boxy lines in a bathroom.