Meet Jeanne Collins, the New Canaan mom behind JerMar Designs. Jeanne, who grew up in Greenwich, settled here for the “small-town vibe and friendly atmosphere” as well as the “sophistication and culture.” She started her company in 2020 after leaving her job in advertising sales. Inspired by the local architecture, her aesthetic can be described as “modern casual with a New England flare.” Read more about Jeanne and all her go-to spots in the area.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
One 16-year-old daughter who is a junior at New Canaan High School and dances at New England Academy of Dance.
What brought you and your family to town?
The schools and a small downtown community. I also grew up in Greenwich and knew firsthand that Fairfield County offers a lot to families.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
I love that New Canaan has a small-town vibe and friendly atmosphere, while still having the sophistication, culture and resources of a larger community.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
Having an active teenager means our time together needs to be maximized, so spending time going out to eat allows us to catch up and also enjoy the incredible food available in our area.
Tell us about your interior design firm and how you decided to launch it?
I started my interior design firm in 2020 after leaving my executive sales job in advertising. My background in management and finance allows JerMar Designs to take a unique approach to project management. My clients appreciate my understanding of budgets and spreadsheets, as well as my excellent organizational skills. My favorite design style is modern casual with a New England flare. Each project and client is unique, as I want all my designs to represent my clients and their lifestyle. The common thread is that all JerMar Designs projects feel sophisticated and calm, yet livable. It has been amazing to earn awards and critical acclaim in the two years since starting JerMar Designs, but the most rewarding part is getting to work with so many wonderful families here in town.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part about your job?
Helping people fall in love with their homes. It is so rewarding to see a house get built and the interior design come together. Nothing beats giving my clients the homes of their dreams.
Where do you find inspiration? Are there any places locally?
The local architecture provides great inspiration for me. There are so many beautiful homes in our neighborhoods that I can always find new ideas and things to love about a property. Taking a walk around my neighborhood or in town always results in my most profound design and business development plans.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
You will never do it all, so just try to do what you can really well.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
Exercise. I include it 5-6 days a week as my time to focus on myself. I also meditate and find cooking to be relaxing when I have the time to cook.
Any words of wisdom?
Find something you are passionate about and spend your days doing that. Life is short so make the most of the time you have.
Anything to add?
Making the interior design process fun and family friendly is something I am passionate about. I believe that an investment in one’s home should be managed like a well-run business, with projects on time, on budget and with a beautiful, final result that exceeds your expectations. As a mother, I am also a big believer in designing spaces that function for the realities of life with kids. Every project I create includes performance fabrics for worry-free living and supports the unique lifestyle of the family.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Sole
Grab a drink with friends: Elm
Have a date night: Grey Barns
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: We are big foodies so any restaurant in town.
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: Togs, Shoes ’n More, Consider the Cook
Spa/salon (or anywhere you go to treat yourself): The Vault
Grab coffee: Chai latte from Dolce
Any hidden treasures or other favorites you want to share? No 299 is a great place to stop in for a gift or an easy update to a room décor.
Follow Jeanne on Instagram @jermar_designs