PLAYING FAVORITES: NATURAL ELEGANCE WITH RUSH JENKINS
I have always adored alpine style. While I’ve long dreamt of donning a dirndl and decamping to a chalet deep in the Alps, an overall lack of… ahem, assets, suggests that the dream should and will remain just that! But when it comes to high-altitude dwellings, WRJ Design of my hometown of Jackson Hole, Wyoming has established a reputation for world-class mountain design right here at the base of the Tetons and beyond. WRJ has been one of my favorite interiors firms to follow over the years, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to catch up with founder Rush Jenkins ahead of the upcoming release of his new book, Natural Elegance. An exquisite addition to any design-devotee’s coffee table or library, the book, co-authored by Jenkins’ partner in life and business, Klaus Baer, illuminates WRJ’s award-winning alpine interiors that I have come to admire.
Rush approached our conversation with both a warmth and thoughtfulness that is also apparent in his design style. He brushed casually over no detail, but tended to each layer of our discussion with an authenticity and approachability that is both engaging and irresistible — much like the cashmere that he loves to weave into his interiors. Far be it from him to be too erudite about design and life, though… we covered everything from chocolate-covered almonds to Carrie Bradshaw, and after spending time Playing Favorites with Rush and learning more about his design philosophy and Natural Elegance, it quickly became clear that to know him is to love him. I’m sure you will, too.
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
Rush, how did you know that you wanted to be an interior designer?
I grew up on a farm in Idaho in the early 1980s in a very conservative culture. Although I knew who I was and that I wanted to be an interior designer from a very young age, in every sense of the word, it wasn’t the time or the place for me to come out. Instead I pursued a degree in landscape architecture at Cal Poly, and later began selling antiques, which really opened up the world of interiors for me, starting with an amazing trip to High Point. I realized that I did not have the full understanding of interior design, fine art, and architecture that I wanted, so I applied to Sotheby’s London and invested in my education for a few years. This was the catalyst for the next chapter…
How did you and Klaus (COO of WRJ) meet?
At a bar! I was living in London in 2000, and interviewing for jobs in New York to start the next chapter. On my last night in town I was out with friends in Chelsea. One of my friends asked if I had a “type,” and as I glanced around I saw Klaus and said “HE’s my type!” Of course I didn’t want to approach him... but as fate would have it, we ended up bumping into each other at the end of the bar… and hit it off!
WRJ DESIGN
The rest is history — you were in New York for a while before coming to Jackson Hole. Why Jackson and what drew you here to start an interior design business?
I worked at Sotheby’s in business development for European furniture and became the Director of Design for Exhibitions and single owner sales, and experienced the homes of luminaries like Laurence Rockefeller, the Mellon Family, and more. It was great exposure to the best interiors by the best designers in the world.
When I met Klaus in 2000, we had so much in common. He grew up splitting time in the Georgia mountains and Austria, and we both wanted to find a place to settle in the mountains. I had visited Jackson as a child and it left an impact somewhere in my soul. Maybe it was our family history of ranching and farming in addition to milking 50 head of cows every night and morning, but I felt like Jackson would be a wonderful place to cultivate interior design. Klaus and I decided we didn’t want to retire in Jackson Hole, we wanted to live and thrive here. We made a pivotal decision to pick up from New York and move our lives to Jackson — we didn’t have a client, we didn’t know a soul! But we believed that what we could bring to the valley would perhaps resonate with future clients and homeowners who love this place as much as we do.
WRJ DESIGN
You became leader in the design world by bringing the concept of elevated contemporary design to the mountains. What were the influences that led to you pursuing a different and unexpected design approach?
First my education, but also when I was London, on weekends I would fly all over Europe to Rome, Geneva, Florence, and Amsterdam. The best thing a designer can do is expose yourself to as much of the world as possible, especially in design, architecture, interiors, and gardens. Learn how to understand the collector and why and what they collect. You are only as good as what you expose yourself to and how you choose to continue learning. My design is much richer because of that.
And we live in the most incredible part of the country. There is so much inspiration in nature… streams, rivers, wildflowers, and jagged rocks unfold into reclaimed wood, stone finishes, surfaces, cashmere linens, and the things we touch daily in our interior design and ultimately our clients’ daily lives.
WRJ DESIGN
Congratulations on Natural Elegance — I am so thrilled for it to grace my coffee table and become part of my library in both Jackson and Dallas! Do elements of your design philosophy translate to homes and interiors outside of a mountain context as well?
I believe we are inspired by nature and informed by the rest of it. Bringing that concept to our immediate environment — whether in Jackson or Dallas or anywhere else — is so important. It can be as simple as the textures you choose to weave into your life, like natural wools and cashmeres. There are so many options at various price points… choose what is beautiful! And explore your passions. If you love to cook, grow some herbs on the windowsill. Nurture nature and nature will nurture you. An interior should unfold chapter by chapter like a really great book. Done well, I think a home can have those same discoveries, aha moments, and a sense of wonder.
As a skier, there will always be something so glamorous and authentic to me about traditional alpine style. Did the mountain chalets of Europe at all influence your work, and can traditional elements work together with contemporary design?
At WRJ, we definitely are influenced by a European mountain aesthetic. Some of our fabrics are sourced from Chamonix. Italy’s Loro Piana is one of our favorites. Klaus and I went to the Dolomites on our honeymoon, where we saw window boxes of geraniums on Tirolean houses in front of a backdrop of the most majestic mountains. We draw huge inspiration from the chalets of the Alps, and incorporate these elements into our interiors when it’s right for the client. It comes through in subtle ways and that sets us apart.
WRJ DESIGN
WRJ DESIGN
What has it been it like working together (and on this book)? Any secrets to keeping the harmony at home when you also share the workplace?
Secrets? A stiff drink (just kidding… kind of!). Klaus is wonderful to work with all of the time, not just on the book. One of our most memorable projects together was working with Nancy Reagan on her life, legacy, and couture exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. We have similar points of view to world… we both love the outdoors in different ways, we are passionate about Jackson Hole, we love to travel, and love to travel together. Klaus is extremely good at what he does, and we have clear roles in the company, which works well. Most importantly, we respect each other’s talents, and give each other both the space and support that we need.
Let’s play favorites…
go-to outfit/uniform
My favorite clothes to wear are jeans, a tailored dress shirt, an Italian sport coat, a stylish pair of shoes (usually European) and a great pair of glasses.
film
I love sci-fi. Klaus and I love watching movies together. I’m also a huge fan of iconic romantic movies and a sucker for watching My Fair Lady, Sound of Music, Somewhere in Time and the Notebook. So sappy. I also love great wit and humor like Auntie Mame, the Birdcage, and Mrs. Doubtfire. I’m a sucker for Sex in the City. Currently I’m watching a German series called Dark. Really cool.
texture to use in a room
Loro Piana cashmere and wools. I mean, really, can one have too much?! Ha. I really love textures whether it’s stone, walnut or plaster. I do love faux and real fur. I also love the depth and feel of crystalo quartzite and petrified woods.
architectural masterpiece
The Pantheon in Rome. It’s breathtaking. Also the ruins in Ephesus from Ancient Greek and I recently visited Pompeii. Truly inspiring.
thing to rip out of a house you’re re-designing
Usually it’s the kitchens and bathrooms that need updating… glass block could be the first to go… all you need is to grab a hammer and start a party!
meal in Jackson Hole
Snake River Grill. Start with truffle fries, then a Caesar salad, halibut and molten chocolate cake!
guilty pleasure
Dark chocolate almonds. I could eat them nonstop but rarely indulge… I once ate an entire container of them with a bottle of red wine. Needless to say I had to call in sick the next day! Ha! (NOTE: I can’t say I’ve never been there…)
host/hostess gift to give (or receive)
Chocolates from Jackson’s famous chocolatier, Ortega Chocolates. Fabulous!
album to play at a dinner party
Depends on the party. For softer atmosphere I like romantic songs, Sinatra, Harry Coninck Junior, Michael Buble and classical instrumental. I also love John Denver and the Carpenters. For a fun party you can’t go wrong with Queen and Elton John, made even greater by the recent movies.
winter activity
Skiing, snowshoeing, and wrestling with our Newfoundlands, Dutchie and Wolfie. They’re the greatest winter activity!
escape (of any kind!)
Relaxing at home with classical music blaring! Klaus is usually hiking during that indulgence! I also love musuems and musicals.
impulse decision/purchase you ever made
Land overlooking the Tetons.
piece of advice you’ve ever received
Trust your first impressions and follow your passions.
If you could…
be an apprentice to anyone, who?
Leonardo Davinci
raid someone’s closet, whose?
The closets of Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper. Very well dressed and dapper men.
design a home anywhere in the world, where?
We are extraordinarily lucky to design great homes in and around Jackson, including the Yellowstone Club, Telluride, and Deer Valley. The mountains always call, and I would love to design a chalet in the Alps.
find the one and only amazing piece you’ve been seeking an antique/estate sale, what?
This is hard one. I love so many periods and antiques. If I could find a little Lioness carved 5000 years ago that would be amazing. We designed an exhibit for the 5000 year old Guennol Lioness from Mesopotamian that was just over 3” ht. and sold at Sotheby’s for $57.2 million. Quite extraordinary.
Extraordinary, indeed! A huge thanks to Rush, Klaus, and the whole team at WRJ for your generosity and good humor for this feature.
Order your copy of Natural Elegance here or pick one up at WRJ’s showroom in Jackson.
