An interview with interior designer Jean Stoffer.
For 40 years, Jean Stoffer has been curating family homes with character, personality and warmth. What started as a kitchen design business has since transformed into a design empire: a cabinetry business, a home store, a cafe, and a full-service interior design firm that Jean now leads with her daughter, Grace. Jean may be based in Michigan, in the U.S., but her passion for English-inspired kitchens has led to her using Armac Martin hardware in many of her projects, including a Greek Revival-inspired home in East Grand Rapids, and a custom coffee-meets-cocktail bar.
Below, we speak to Jean about her approach to design, working in a multi-generational family business, and what it is about English design that makes her tick.
Design by Jean Stoffer Design | Photography by John Stoffer | Features our Queslett Cup Pulls and Longbridge Curved Pull Handles both in our aged brass (BEL) finish.
In your own words, how would you describe Jean Stoffer Design?
Jean Stoffer Design is a full service interior design firm that specialises in kitchen design and cabinetry. We have been in business for 40 years and are now a multi-generational firm.
Why do your clients choose to work with you?
Our clients choose to work with us because of our approachable, classic interiors as well as experiential knowledge of how families live.
How do you approach cabinetry design?
We first learn what elements our clients desire in their space. How they want it to function for their circumstances. Then we gather their aesthetic inspiration (we love it when their images are our projects!). Then using classic proportions and detailing as well as our knowledge of appliance integration and efficient work patterns, we combine all our inputs to create their unique design.
And how do you approach your interior design projects?
We approach interior design projects in a very similar way. This is a far more subjective set of selections as there is no right or wrong way to select materials for a home. We always seek to make spaces we are involved in beautiful, comfortable and able to stand the test of time in both wear and style.
Are there any projects that you’ve enjoyed working on the most?
We have had the privilege to work on so many wonderful projects, both big and small. I think some of the most gratifying have been remodel projects of old homes that appear to be way past their expiration date. Bringing them back to life is a special joy for us. One example is our Woodward project in West Michigan. The home had not been touched in any way since about 1936. It was once a beautiful home that had become derelict. We modernised all the systems and adapted the floor plan and finishes in a stunning way that should last its current owners another several decades.
Design by Jean Stoffer Design | Photography by John Stoffer | Features our MIX and our Leebank collections, both in our aged brass (BEL) finish.
You have a passion for English-inspired kitchens. What do you like most about this style?
It is the restrained cabinetry lines with such attractive proportions. The addition of freestanding pieces like dish dressers, the willingness to use multiple finishes in a space,
the range alcoves, and the general cosiness that we love.
You have a lot of family involvement, with your daughter Grace being your key design partner. What’s it like working so closely together?
Working together as a family is one of the greatest joys of our job. We have similar ways of operating, similar, but not the same aesthetic, and different areas of talent and expertise.
We also really enjoy each other, so we have a lot of fun.
What are your top tips for a client working with an interior designer for the first time?
We always ask clients what they would value most in their relationship with us. It helps us understand their needs and it also gives us an opportunity to educate them on the process. We lay out the order in which we layer on the design, our process of selection, feedback and revision, how we will bill, and what the timeline is. We’ve discovered the more communication we provide, the better the whole process is. Clients rarely complain that we inform them of too much.
We’ve worked with you many times over the years. Why do you choose Armac Martin for your projects?
We feel Armac Martin has the perfect combination of beautifully designed pieces, lovely finishes, plentiful sizing options, and the highest quality. When a client holds a piece of Armac Martin hardware in their hand, it is easy for them to understand why we choose to specify it.
What are your top tips for a client working with an interior designer for the first time?
We always ask clients what they would value most in their relationship with us. It helps us understand their needs and it also gives us an opportunity to educate them on the process. We lay out the order in which we layer on the design, our process of selection, feedback and revision, how we will bill, and what the timeline is. We’ve discovered the more communication we provide, the better the whole process is. Clients rarely complain that we inform them of too much.
What is one design secret you would be happy to share with our community?
Less is more. Edit. Edit.. Edit..
What are your favourite Armac Martin collections and finishes and why?
Our favourite collections are Bromwich, Bakes, and Cotswold. Our favourite finishes are BEL, DAB and polished nickel.
Design by Jean Stoffer Design | Photography by John Stoffer | Features our MIX and our Leebank collections, both in our aged brass (BEL) finish.