Profile: Jan Showers

Dallas designer Jan Showers is gifted when it comes to creating glamorous interiors—pale silks, glass, books, mirrors and other elegant elements are all trademarks of this talented woman.

Sculptural table lamps, another signature mark, reveal her penchant for obelisks, Murano glass, crystal finials and horizontal shades. Once you have seen her lamps you will recognize them almost immediately.

Rebecca Sherman, executive editor of DHome Magazine, hit the nail on the head when she wrote, “A serene Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief might have been Showers’ perfect client.” Understated glamour, a combination of periods and the creation of inviting rooms are the foundation of Jan’s style. I have long been in love with her use of lamps, Venetian glass, and magnificent mirrors. Simply sensational.

What inspires your designs?
Travel, my family, books and art.

What are your favorite indulgences?
Naps, a great glass of wine with good food, talking on the phone with friends (which I do not do often enough). My husband would tell you that jewelry, watches and certain handbags are right up there.

How would you describe your personal style?
Timeless. I detest trendy and hate to look last year the following year. I like to buy nice things that will last.

Thinking about your own home what is your favorite room and why?
This is a difficult one to select. I would have to say that I adore the library in our country house….it’s so warm, intimate and has a great fireplace. I am surrounded by books and a big screen tv to watch my DVDs (it is built into the bookcase and surrounded by books). I have spent the happiest hours there with my family and husband Jim on family holidays.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you send the day?
I hate to sound corny, but have already met him….my husband. I would spend the day walking in Central Park or in Paris or just sitting by the fire at our house.

If I had to choose a famous person, past or present, I would chose Alfred Hitchcock or Katherine Hepburn. I think they were both terribly talented and had interesting philosophies on life and the arts. I would just spend the day talking and asking questions.

Western Interiors, October/November 2007, photography by Dominque Vorillon

What book is on your bedside table?
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Lincoln really did outsmart them all!! I wanted to read about a true statesman (and a very intelligent one!).

Who are your style icons?
Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Babe Paley and Cary Grant. Cary Grant, without a doubt, was the most amazing of all of these and had the most style!

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
Other than the most important people in my life, I would have to say it is a tie between books and movies….I just cannot chose.

Profile by Ronda Carman