‘What I’m Doing Now Is Actually a Vacation from the First Part of My Career’
Jana Rosenblatt is the founder of Jana Design Interiors, which offers both commercial and residential services.
With projects across the Southland, New England and Mexico, Jana’s aesthetic is informed by the traditional, yet influenced by the sunshine, colors and materials of the multi-cultural West Coast.
Jana earned a Master’s in Design for Stage and Screen from New York University. As a production, costume and interior designer for the entertainment industry, Jana won HGTV’s “Designers Challenge” and was featured in episodes of “Design for the Sexes.”
We spoke with the Boston-born interior designer about her favorite L.A. neighborhood and what makes the city a special place to live, among other topics.
What are you working on right now?
It’s a perfect time to ask because, in addition to residential renovations and commercial projects, I’m working with three different builders on seven new houses from the ground up in Studio City and Sherman Oaks. They’re variations of traditional two-story homes.
How do you handle so many projects at the same time and ensure each aesthetic is unique?
I try to focus on each one at a time. I kind of come up with themes for a specific house. There’s something in each house that gives you something unique in terms of feeling comfortable and see yourself living there. It is challenging, but I’m used to balancing seven-to-12 projects at the same time. It’s my goal that every client thinks that they’re my only client.
How did you get into the interior design business?
I was a theatrical designer — film and television design. I did theater and dance, and then I segued into film and television. What I’m doing now is actually a vacation from the first part of my career.
Being born and raised in Boston, what makes L.A. special to you?
What’s great about L.A., and what makes a difference coming from the East Coast, is how eclectic it is. I love how I can be working on a Spanish- or Tuscan-style interior, and then 15 minutes later I’m on a location that is contemporary modern or post-modern in terms of a retro-style home.
Where do you most enjoy working in L.A.?
I enjoy working in Pacific Palisades and along the Pacific Ocean. Oceanfront and view properties are my favorite because I like to be able to take advantage of the exteriors and bring them into the homes.
What’s your message to aspiring interior designers?
You can create your own rules as an interior designer, so the key is to really focus on what you’re best at and have fun with it. I’m still waiting for that moment, however.
Finish the sentence: You know you’re an interior designer when __________.
You’re walking around design stores and people ask you a question because you look like you know where everything is.
L.A. Home Beautiful, presented by Westside Tile and Stone, is a digital publication about the people, places and trends that make up Los Angeles home design.
Get our content in your News Feed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and sign up to receive our weekly email “Best of L.A. Home Beautiful.”
If you’re a home design professional who works in the Los Angeles area, join our content contributor’s program!
More from L.A. Home Beautiful:
