FRANK & EILEEN: Can you share the story behind how you developed your design philosophy and what influences have shaped your approach to interior design?

ALEX: I grew up in a very small town in New Jersey with many historic homes and buildings. My parents were very interested in furniture; being around historic buildings and antiques had a tremendous impact on my design sensibility. Our house was always very put-together, but nothing was off-limits to us as kids—something that I try to achieve with my own projects. I want every space we design to feel warm and inviting—never too precious.
FRANK & EILEEN: Can you share the story behind how you developed your design philosophy and what influences have shaped your approach to interior design?

ALEX: I grew up in a very small town in New Jersey with many historic homes and buildings. My parents were very interested in furniture; being around historic buildings and antiques had a tremendous impact on my design sensibility. Our house was always very put-together, but nothing was off-limits to us as kids—something that I try to achieve with my own projects. I want every space we design to feel warm and inviting—never too precious.
F&E: Who are some of the women who have inspired you most throughout your journey, both personally and professionally?

ALEX: There are so many! I worked in the fashion industry in New York before I pivoted to interiors and I worked with so many incredibly talented women. Not only for their creativity and leadership, but also for how they balanced work and their families.

I worked at Madewell for five years during Jenna Lyons’ time and her leadership left a big impact on me. Her style was, of course, endlessly inspiring, but also her dedication to achieving a creative vision influenced me.

I also spent some time at Loeffler Randall, where Jessie is constantly exploring new interests and hobbies, finding ways to bring them into her work. I love how she continuously pushes herself and learns new things. I always joke that I have “hobbies in waiting” because I have too many interests!

I interned in Brooklyn for Michelle R. Smith Interiors/Studio MRS, and her personal style and interiors greatly influenced my design sensibility. I love the way she combines both antique and contemporary pieces, and her color palettes are impeccable.
F&E: Who are some of the women who have inspired you most throughout your journey, both personally and professionally?

ALEX: There are so many! I worked in the fashion industry in New York before I pivoted to interiors and I worked with so many incredibly talented women. Not only for their creativity and leadership, but also for how they balanced work and their families.

I worked at Madewell for five years during Jenna Lyons’ time and her leadership left a big impact on me. Her style was, of course, endlessly inspiring, but also her dedication to achieving a creative vision influenced me.

I also spent some time at Loeffler Randall, where Jessie is constantly exploring new interests and hobbies, finding ways to bring them into her work. I love how she continuously pushes herself and learns new things. I always joke that I have “hobbies in waiting” because I have too many interests!

I interned in Brooklyn for Michelle R. Smith Interiors/Studio MRS, and her personal style and interiors greatly influenced my design sensibility. I love the way she combines both antique and contemporary pieces, and her color palettes are impeccable.
F&E: Frank & Eileen’s series celebrates timeless, classic styles with a personal touch. Your design style is similar. What are some ways people can honor traditional design elements while embracing their own personal style in their space?

ALEX: I love when homes truly feel like a reflection of the people who live in them. We like to create a classic, timeless foundation for our clients that they can add to, layering their own objects and artwork over time.

I find that the best way to bring your personal style into your home is to lean into what you love and are drawn to. Take your time collecting furniture, art, and accessories that really speak to you and make you happy. Having a more classic foundation allows those special pieces to really shine through.
F&E: Frank & Eileen’s series celebrates timeless, classic styles with a personal touch. Your design style is similar. What are some ways people can honor traditional design elements while embracing their own personal style in their space?

ALEX: I love when homes truly feel like a reflection of the people who live in them. We like to create a classic, timeless foundation for our clients that they can add to, layering their own objects and artwork over time.

I find that the best way to bring your personal style into your home is to lean into what you love and are drawn to. Take your time collecting furniture, art, and accessories that really speak to you and make you happy. Having a more classic foundation allows those special pieces to really shine through.
F&E: How does your personal space reflect your design sensibilities and daily life? Are there any specific elements or design choices in your home that you feel are particularly meaningful or representative of your style?

ALEX: Our home feels very unique to us because we have so many antiques and vintage pieces, some of which belonged to family members. We have a lot of artwork that is meaningful to us, including pieces we've collected from our travels. I do a ton of antiquing, visiting estate sales and flea markets, which really shows through the curation of objects and pieces throughout our home. I’m always rearranging things and experimenting with new vignettes.

I like to think our home shows that we obviously care deeply about design, but also our own history and creating a welcoming environment. There are so many elements in our home that make me really happy when I look at them.
F&E: How does your personal space reflect your design sensibilities and daily life? Are there any specific elements or design choices in your home that you feel are particularly meaningful or representative of your style?

ALEX: Our home feels very unique to us because we have so many antiques and vintage pieces, some of which belonged to family members. We have a lot of artwork that is meaningful to us, including pieces we've collected from our travels. I do a ton of antiquing, visiting estate sales and flea markets, which really shows through the curation of objects and pieces throughout our home. I’m always rearranging things and experimenting with new vignettes.

I like to think our home shows that we obviously care deeply about design, but also our own history and creating a welcoming environment. There are so many elements in our home that make me really happy when I look at them.

F&E: What role does sustainability play in your work, and what tips would you give to those looking to make their own homes more sustainable?

ALEX: We seek to create sustainable designs that are long-lasting and stand the test of time. Even if the clients move, we hope they can reuse the pieces in new ways, or we often repurpose existing pieces of theirs. We style with antiques and vintage as much as possible, often achieving a 50/50 split (or higher) between vintage and new pieces.

If you’re looking to make your home more sustainable, I would recommend investing in the highest quality furniture you can so that it doesn’t fall apart or get thrown out after a few years. That’s a big reason we use so much vintage and custom furniture—it’s often of much higher quality than what you find at retailers today. Many clients with kids feel intimidated by having antiques around them, but I find them to be much more forgiving because they already have a patina and are worn in. You won’t notice a scratch on an antique solid wood dresser nearly as much as you would on a brand-new, wood-veneer piece from a chain store.

F&E: Are there any current design trends that you’re particularly excited about or inspired by?

ALEX: I try to stay away from trends and keep my work as timeless and unique as I can. That being said, I have been seeing a lot more hand-crafted work gaining popularity, whether it’s hand-painted ceramics, such as tiles, artwork, wall murals, and painted floors. It’s so fun to see all the creativity emerging from these talented artists!

F&E: How would you describe your personal style, and what are some of the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe you reach for again and again?

ALEX: Not surprisingly, I would describe my style as classic and minimal! I stick to a neutral foundation and focus on building a wardrobe with pieces I wear on repeat and truly love.

Denim makes up a large part of my wardrobe and my favorites are from Levi’s (both old and new) and Buck Mason. It’s been a summer of button-ups for me, and I’ve been wearing my Shirley shirts constantly. I love how versatile they are! I have them in three colors and patterns and always feel great when I wear them.

I also adore my collection of vintage Celine Macadam bags. I have three different styles and love how classic and durable they are.
F&E: How would you describe your personal style, and what are some of the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe you reach for again and again?

ALEX: Not surprisingly, I would describe my style as classic and minimal! I stick to a neutral foundation and focus on building a wardrobe with pieces I wear on repeat and truly love.

Denim makes up a large part of my wardrobe and my favorites are from Levi’s (both old and new) and Buck Mason. It’s been a summer of button-ups for me, and I’ve been wearing my Shirley shirts constantly. I love how versatile they are! I have them in three colors and patterns and always feel great when I wear them.

I also adore my collection of vintage Celine Macadam bags. I have three different styles and love how classic and durable they are.

Thanks for cozying up for 'a cuppa with' Alex!

To keep up with Alex and her work:

alexyeske.com
@alexyeske

MORE 'A CUPPA WITH'

LIZ EICHHOLZ AND LINDSEY JOHNSON

Co-Founders of Weezie Towels

"I often feel inspired to create things I wish existed or solve problems I encounter myself, like the attached tie on our robe or buttons on the sleeves."

READ MORE

CAROLINE HARPER KNAPP

Interior Designer, Content Creator, Founder of HOUSE of Harper

"I discovered immense joy from sharing my passion for beautiful antiques, art, and fabrics, bringing them together in an approachable way to create livable spaces for families to better enjoy their homes."

READ MORE

ARTIERA HICKMAN

Founder and CEO of Curl of Art

"My main goal when creating Curl of Art was to encourage women and children to embrace their natural textures."

READ MORE