Designer Spotlight: Jennifer Jenkins of Bummer Lamb Designs

First, can you tell us a little about your design firm?

We’re a full service design firm specializing in new builds and home renovations. I’ve always enjoyed decorating. After my husband and I built our 2nd personal home in 1999, I knew I had to figure out how to do design for a living. I was working in corporate America at the time, where I had gathered some helpful skills and saved up a little money. I wrote a business plan for a home decor coffee shop, and woke up January of 2005 self-employed. The first 5 years were a challenge, with the recession and falling home values. Although it was a difficult season for everyone, it lead to a wonderful transformation for my business. We shed the fully staffed, open 6 days a week shops, an morphed into an interior design firm with an appointment only studio.

Rustic Chic Family Retreat using the Antique Doors Coffee Table

We are talking about how to choose the perfect coffee table.. So what factors do you consider when looking for a coffee table?

What do we need the coffee table to do in the space… if the room is feeling too traditional or lacking clean lines, then we’ll opt for a modern piece. For spaces begging for warmth and a character piece, we’ll opt for warmer woods and vintage styled tables. We absolutely love the Sarreid reproduction pieces!

A look inside the Bummer Lamb Design studio space. The Kaffee Coffee Table.

How do you decide which shape and size?

The room size and furniture components lead us to size and shape. We love a good sized great room, allowing for an oversized coffee table. We’re obsessed with the Chinese and Kaffee Cocktail tables. We only use round when the space includes a set of 2 or 4 chairs, we rarely use round in furniture groupings that include a sofa.

Does Material Matter?

Very much so. Warm woods and bronze materials for rustic spaces. Brass and marble for modern, formal spaces. The Shagreen tables bring a rich, handsome texture to contemporary spaces with dramatic, contrasting colors.

Close up of the Antique Doors Coffee Table

Any tips on styling a coffee table?

This may not be the best styling tips but this is what I like on my coffee table. Neat stacks of home decor and cooking magazines, a tray to hold your favorite plant (I recommend a Pilea Peperomioides), a glorious smelling candle (my favorite is Neroli Eucalyptus), stylish reading glasses and coasters.