Dining room furniture needn’t stay seated in pure function. Jenny Jorgensen’s choices to include vintage brass barrel chairs recovered in leather and a vintage Murano chandelier lean into an art form all their own. Photos: Chris Emeott
An interior designer shares how art can transform a house into a deeply personal, story-driven home.
For interior designer Jenny Jorgensen, art is far more than a finishing touch—it is the foundation of a home’s identity. As the co-owner of She She wallpaper and director of design at Design & Décor by Ispiri, Jorgensen has built a career around the idea that interiors should tell a story—one that is deeply personal and constantly evolving.
Jorgensen’s path into interior design began in architecture, working on civic buildings across the country. Over time, she found herself drawn to a more personal, human-centered approach. “As I realized the architectural career I had been sold was indeed not reality, I leaned into the softer, more client-focused side of design,” she says. After becoming licensed in interior design, Jorgensen spent eight years in the design-build industry before launching her own residential design business.
Jenny Jorgensen embraces the way art develops its own narrative within home décor.
That shift shaped her philosophy—one rooted in authenticity. “The most comforting and authentic spaces reflect the homeowner’s personality,” she says. “Family antiques mixed with the latest travel souvenirs make a space interesting.” For Jorgensen, the magic lies in identifying those personal threads and weaving them into a cohesive narrative.
Her work with She She wallpaper has further deepened that storytelling approach. “Understanding what goes into one wallpaper sample has made my selection process very different,” she says. “I see the story as much as the object.” This perspective reinforces the importance of thoughtful curation and responsible sourcing of custom wallpaper.
Custom wallpaper by She She allows homeowners to share their décor vision.
In Jorgensen’s view, art plays a powerful role beyond aesthetics. “Art should make you feel something,” she says. “Good art should deliver a reaction in your heart or soul.” It also introduces the homeowner without words. “The art in a home can tell your visitors something about the homeowner without saying anything out loud,” she says.
Helping clients express that identity is a personal process. “I just get to know them,” Jorgensen says. “I listen to their stories and what they like and dislike.” She often encourages commissioning artwork to create a deeper connection. “This tends to catapult their desire to find more pieces with meaning,” she says.
This bedroom is awash in wallpaper and pillows by She She, a stoneware glaze lamp by Jeremy Anderson and ample style to create a welcoming sanctuary.
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is the urge to rush. “The desire to purchase something to get the project done is very real,” Jorgensen says. Instead, she emphasizes patience. “A home is often a journey, especially for artwork. If the décor doesn’t feel just right, it is OK to have a blank wall for a few months until we find something that ‘sings.’”
In her home, Jorgensen takes an intuitive approach. “I buy art that I can’t live without,” she says, rarely worrying about placement upfront. Over time, each piece finds its place. She also tests artwork in different rooms before committing, living with it for
a week before hanging it permanently.
A child’s bedroom offers an opportunity for whimsy, as illustrated in this charming vignette, combining unique furniture with children’s elements.
Jorgensen is also known for challenging traditional ideas about where art belongs. “Art in the form of a chair or a light fixture is something that I am very comfortable with,” she says. This philosophy turns everyday objects into sculptural elements and makes homes more dynamic. That mindset extends to wallpaper, textiles and furniture, which she treats as artistic statements. “A perfectly formed vintage chair is not just a chair; it is art,” she says. Even subtle additions, like textured grass cloth or layered patterns, can elevate a space. “I see the whole home as the statement,” she says.
A drawing by Henri Matisse and Sapporo, Japan by Alec Soth are joined by a vase by Annika Schneider, an alum of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
For those looking to elevate their spaces, Jorgensen offers simple advice: Identify what resonates, explore galleries and antique stores, and invest in proper framing. “Framing is worth every penny,” she says.
Ultimately, her work is a reminder that great design is not about perfection—it is about meaning. By embracing art in all its forms and allowing spaces to evolve, homeowners can create environments that feel both beautiful and deeply personal.
The top painting was created by Jenny Jorgensen’s father, Dick Jorgensen. The piece features a scene in Florence, Italy, where Jenny studied abroad. The bottom painting, Balloon + Airplane, was done by Baris Saribas, a friend of Jenny’s.
Inside Design & Décor by Ispiri
Design & Décor by Ispiri was created to deliver a more seamless design experience, integrating furnishings and décor from the start rather than treating them as an afterthought.
As director of design, Jenny Jorgensen leads and collaborates with her team. “I am responsible for making sure the team knows everything I know, and they do the same for me,” she says. She also brings furnishings and décor services in-house for existing clients. “We keep it in-house and collaborate on the design from the beginning,” she says, ensuring more functional outcomes.
Art in a home can be personal. The top left painting reflects a favorite London pub of Jenny Jorgensen’s husband. The remaining grouping was passed down from family members.
What sets Design & Décor apart is its flexibility. The team offers design-only services tailored to a range of needs and works with Ispiri on a daily basis, assisting with interior elements for its clients. “There is no need to commit to a full remodel,” Jorgensen says. “Our white glove design services can be full-service—from your architectural design down to your books and dishes—or we can focus on the paint on your main floor and nothing else.”
Design & Décor by Ispiri
Instagram: @designdecorbyispiri
