Rip & Tan

Weekly inspiration for thoughtful living.

Inside an Organic Brooklyn Brownstone by Jessica Gersten

Translation missing: en.blogs.article.author_on_date_html

Living

Inside an Organic Brooklyn Brownstone by Jessica Gersten

March 26, 2024

With an eye for modernity and a natural penchant for organic shapes, textures, and tones, Jessica Gersten creates earthy and beautifully unexpected spaces that redefine timelessness as something found within. Whether it’s a piece of art or the tactile elements of a furniture find, her ability to curate spaces that emblematize each client is awe-inspiring to say the least— and this Brooklyn Brownstone is no exception. For the inspiration, process, and exclusive designer commentary, keep reading.

jessica-gersten-home-tour-portrait-grey-couch

Inside an Organic Brooklyn Brownstone by Jessica Gersten

Rip & Tan: What are some of the signature characteristics of a Jessica Gersten interior?

Jessica Gersten: Soulful, sculptural and textural.

Rip & Tan: For this home in particular, what do you view as the throughline? What inspired or guided its process?

Jessica Gersten: My client has been a prominent figure in the home furnishings world and has great knowledge of design, and he had a few distinct elements he wanted to incorporate. He admired the soft, deconstructed upholstery pieces from Studio Oliver Gustav and the minimalist craftsmanship of Christophe Delcourt.

My challenge was to make the two come together and complete the space in a way that also introduced an artisanal flair, another element the couple wanted to see. I accomplished this by bringing in a Cocobolo green glaze ceramic cabinet and Felix Muhrhofer terrazzo coffee table.

jessica-gersten-home-tour-hallway-entrance-table
jessica-gersten-home-tour-dining-room-wood-dining-table-upholstered-dining-chairs

Rip & Tan: In terms of the feeling the space elicits, how would you describe the end result?

Jessica Gersten: Subtle but dynamic, natural but cohesive.

Rip & Tan: As someone who seems to have mastered the balance between earthy and modern, what’s the secret to a well-edited interior?

Jessica Gersten: Earthy isn’t something I need to work at. I grew up in Maine where rich nature and texture were inherent. It’s in my soul. While that is the underlying essence of my work, it gets incorporated into each project a little differently. The earth can come in the form of a silhouette or a material but it’s always there. Balancing it with enough contrast is key—smooth against fibrous, linear against sculptural, soft against hard. It’s almost like merchandising a space.

Rip & Tan: Let’s talk texture. Can you walk us through a few of these incredible tactile pieces and elements?

Jessica Gersten: Each space is a play on texture. In the sitting area off the kitchen, I paired the Emmanuel Simon Nativ sofa on top of a heavily textured tweed rug from Woven, and then very carefully added on the Felix Muhrhofer terrazzo table. Then a commissioned piece by textile artist Molly Haynes adds further dimension.

jessica-gersten-home-tour-living-room-couch-accent-chairs

Rip & Tan: You draw many parallels between fashion and interior design. What’s something each industry could learn from the other?

Jessica Gersten: Fashion from interior design—don’t sacrifice comfort for looks. If it’s not comfortable, you will not use or wear it. There is a fine line between form and function, but it simply must function to make someone feel good and ultimately be happy and confident in what they’re wearing.

Interior design from fashion—so many of the symbols of fashion are used in interiors. Volume is characteristic of fashion and certainly, something I’ve taken when it comes to a home.

Accentuating spaces with pronounced areas of volume is something I love to play with. Also, drape. Draping lighting and trim is also a characteristic I took from fashion just like a patternmaker drapes fabric.

jessica-gersten-home-tour-family-room-wooden-couch

Shop the Story

Rip & Tan: Much like fashion, interior trends come and go. What solidifies something as timeless to you?

Jessica Gersten: We all know what “timeless” typically means. To me, timeless is in the eye of the beholder. I designed my NYC apartment 20 years ago. I loved and adored each piece I bought, and therefore, they are timeless in my mind. When your heart is in something, it can be forever.

Rip & Tan: Interior design or otherwise, what are you most excited for in the coming year?

Jessica Gersten: I am launching two furniture collections which I am very excited about. Both were created with my heart and soul. I’m excited to be expanding my brand in this lifestyle way. The designs are a true reflection of my aesthetic.

jessica-gersten-home-tour-sherpa-accent-chair-floor-lamp
jessica-gersten-home-tour-primary-bedroom-floating-nightstand
jessica-gersten-home-tour-primary-bathroom-sink

"Earthy isn’t something I need to work at. I grew up in Maine where rich nature and texture were inherent. It’s in my soul."

jessica-gersten-home-tour-designer-edit-graphic

Shop the Story

Photos by Max B.

More Stories