How I Curate My Space: Jessica McCormack’s London Townhouse
Following a major refurbishment of JESSICA McCORMACK’s six-story, 19th-century townhouse, the designer reflects on collecting, color and why she always wanted her jewelry brand to feel more like a home than a store. By NATASHA BIRD
Jessica McCormack’s jewelry is not designed to exist in isolation. The New Zealand-born jeweler has spent a career creating pieces that feel as comfortable with an effortless white T-shirt as they do with an impressive black-tie dress. She approaches interiors in much the same way. Since opening her Carlos Place townhouse in Mayfair in 2013, McCormack has built an immersive world, where diamonds sit effortlessly alongside antique furniture, contemporary art and treasured objects that she has acquired over time.
“When I opened, I literally had one floor and not even enough jewelry to fill that,” McCormack says with a laugh. “I probably wasn’t ready to have thousands of square feet in Mayfair. But I saw it as a home and a space that we could grow into.”
Thirteen years later, the business has gradually evolved into every corner of the townhouse. Her original philosophy, however, remains unchanged. Long before experiential retail became something of an industry standard, McCormack was imagining a space that was a little more intriguing and definitely more personal than the traditional jewelry store.
“I’ve always thought people should collect jewelry in the same way they collect art and furniture,” she says. “You inherit pieces, you’re given pieces, you buy pieces over time. Your collection grows. I wanted to show that way of living.”
TOTEMEOrganic cotton and Lyocell-blend shirt
SAINT LAURENTLace-trimmed ribbed silk-jersey tank top€850.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeXS - low stockS - out of stockM - low stockLXL - out of stock
AGOLDE90s in the 32” inseam mid-rise straight-leg jeans
ALAÏATong 30 patent-leather wedge sandals€1,190.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3637 - low stock3839 - low stock40 - low stock4142 - out of stock
“Everyone is in such a hurry. I think luxury is somewhere you actually want to stay”
It is an idea that harks back to her upbringing. McCormack’s father was an antiques dealer, and she grew up surrounded by objects with stories attached to them. That influence wended its way into her design principles.
“I love beautifully made old things,” she says. “They don’t have to be expensive or grand. I just love things that have been made well. Then I want them to feel modern and fresh.”
The recent refurbishment, the first substantial redesign since she did the space for its opening, offered an opportunity to refine everything all over again. Entire floors were reconfigured, cabinetry replaced, artworks rehung and lots of new soft furnishings introduced. The challenge, she says, was preserving the character of the house while giving it renewed energy: “It feels very familiar, but fresh.”
LA DOUBLEJFloral-printed fringed-trimmed cushion
FOURTH STREETDancing Duo set of two iron candlesticks
LOEWE PERFUMESTomato Leaves small scented candle, 170g
L'OBJETPrism set of four glass wine glasses
Among the carefully considered changes is a newly completed private viewing room on the third story. Wrapped in Augustin wallpaper by Nicole Fabre & Company, with cream moldings, vintage lighting and lovingly selected artworks, it has swiftly become her favorite space in the building.
For years, McCormack carried around a sample of the wallpaper, waiting for the perfect place to use it. “When something feels really right, you know it,” she says. “I had this sample for two years.”
The room has already acquired an unofficial nickname. When McCormack’s children visited during the renovation, her daughter wandered inside, looked around and declared it a “thinking room”.
“I thought that was perfect,” she says. “The light comes in beautifully. You could just sit and think there all day.”
The space is intended for private appointments, bespoke commissions and discussions ahead of significant purchases, but she has aspirations for it beyond this. Like so much of the Carlos Place residence, she designed it to encourage people to pause and stay a while. “Everyone is in such a hurry,” says McCormack. “I think luxury is somewhere you actually want to stay.”
KHAITERory ruched silk-satin top
LA DOUBLEJSet of eight Murano wine glasses
AGOLDE+ NET SUSTAIN 90's Pinch Waist Long high-rise straight-leg organic jeans
JIL SANDERCage satin sandals€790.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3636.537 - low stock37.538 - low stock38.539 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock41
“I really believe in beautiful craftsmanship, but I don’t want jewelry to feel old-fashioned. I want it to feel modern and wearable and relevant”
Throughout the townhouse, art plays a pivotal role in creating that ‘stay a while’ feeling. Works by Sally Mann, Stanley Whitney and Louise Bourgeois sit alongside more modest finds, reflecting McCormack’s democratic approach to collecting. One of her most treasured pieces is Bourgeois’ sculpture Figure Qui Apporte du Pain, which currently stands on the bridal floor.
“I love things that make people curious,” she says. “When somebody asks, ‘What’s that?’ or wants to know the story behind something, that’s wonderful.”
Her curiosity also explains her fearless use of color. Visitors move between rooms painted in rich blues and teals; towards a striking, emerald-green staircase at the rear that she says was lacquered in multiple coats of gloss paint during the refurbishment.
“It’s the juxtaposition I love,” she says. “Things that feel like they shouldn’t work together but somehow do.”
JIA JIA HOMESet of two onyx vases
FOURTH STREETHeart Dish with lid in oak wood
SOPHIE LOU JACOBSENCoco set of two glass egg cups
LOBMEYRCrystal glass vase
Much like the interiors, her jewelry designs draw heavily from the past, but she takes great pains to ensure they feel fresh and modern too. Historical settings, antique references and traditional craftsmanship, through a singular contemporary lens.
“I really believe in beautiful craftsmanship, but I don’t want jewelry to feel old-fashioned,” she says. “I want it to feel modern and wearable and relevant.”
Looking back, she sees how both the townhouse and the brand have matured together. Her aesthetic has become more refined, her collections more sophisticated, but the core ideas have remained consistent.
“I think you get more confident in your choices,” she reflects. “But I’ve always loved mixing old and new, masculine and feminine.”
LA DOUBLEJPrinted woven cushion
L'OBJETEvoca set of two gold-plated candlesticks
MISSONI HOMEBelfast striped terry cushion
RALPH LAUREN HOMEGarrett canvas, leather and gold-tone tray
That confidence has certainly paid off. Over the past decade, McCormack has transformed her business from a small independent brand into one of the most respected new names in fine jewelry, with New York established and a California opening on the horizon.
She credits an instinctive optimism and relative lack of risk aversion for much of this success. “If I’d thought about it too much, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” she laughs.
Today, what excites her most isn’t a single collection or opening, but something more ambitious. “I love the idea of creating a modern legacy brand,” she says. “Something that will still be here in 100 years. The jewelry will be here, but I’d love the business to be here as well.”
Standing in a house filled with beautiful antiques, heirlooms, artworks and objects chosen deliberately to outlast trends, it feels like a very realizable dream.
To shop Jessica McCormack at NET-A-PORTER, contact your Personal Shopper or Customer Care
LAGUNA~BGoto large Murano glass
CHRISTOFLEMyriade large stainless steel, gold-tone, oak and glass candle holder
LOUISE ROEVinci 02 ceramic vase
L'OBJETPrism set of four champagne flutes
