The Vision of Denine Jackson Interiors
A MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION
Denine Jackson still remembers the moment that changed everything. A long-time client had just walked into her newly redesigned living room—a once dark, cluttered, and uninspired space. The client gasped as sunlight streamed through the sheer drapes, illuminating soft textures and thoughtfully curated décor. Tears welled in her eyes.“I finally feel at peace in my own home,” she whispered.
For Denine, this wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about transformation. Spaces have the power to shape emotions, and she knew then that her work wasn’t just about furniture and color palettes. It was about crafting environments where people could truly thrive.
AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR LIFESTYLE
With years of experience in design, Denine Jackson Interiors has built a reputation for seamlessly blending beauty with functionality. Whether working with a young family needing a practical, stylish home or a professional seeking a serene retreat, Denine believes every space should reflect the people who inhabit it.
Her approach is deeply personal. She doesn’t just ask about color preferences or furniture styles—she asks about routines, stressors, and dreams. “A home should be your safe place,” she explains. “It should support and inspire you.”
THE JOURNEY TO INTERIOR DESIGN
Denine’s path to design wasn’t linear. With a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University, her career started in a very technical space. “At first, I thought I would work as an engineer in food science or pharmaceuticals. I enjoyed problem-solving and optimizing systems, and those fields seemed like a natural fit,” Denine shares.
After working in technical fields, Denine came to an important realization: “I’ve always been a creative—I just hadn’t given myself permission to explore that side fully.” But her chemical engineering background, emphasizing analysis and problem-solving, would influence her design work, as she explains, “Research and design have something in common—both require seeing beyond the surface, identifying the root of a problem, and developing a strategic solution.”
Eventually, she took the leap, immersing herself in the industry, and finally founded Denine Jackson Interiors. She honed her craft through hands-on experience, learning that the best spaces aren’t just visually stunning but deeply intentional.
As my business grows, I’m focused on renovating Buffalo’s older homes to suit modern families, while integrating sustainable design. It’s not just about pretty spaces—it’s about creating homes that make people feel happy, comfortable, and truly themselves.
THE SIGNATURE STYLE
Denine describes her style as “classic with a contemporary twist.” She gravitates toward timeless elements—neutral palettes, elegant textures, and high-quality materials—but loves to infuse them with modern touches.
“It’s about balance,” she says. “You want a home that feels fresh and current but won’t feel dated five years from now.”
This philosophy resonates with her clients, who appreciate her ability to create sophisticated yet livable spaces. Whether incorporating cues from earthly elements like wood, plants, and neutral stone, or adding accents for warmth or a modern edge, she ensures every design is uniquely tailored.
THE CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
One of Denine’s hallmarks is her profound collaborative process. She believes good design isn’t dictated—it’s discovered together. “I’m not here to impose my style on anyone,” she says. “My job is to listen, understand, and bring my clients’ visions to life in a way that exceeds their expectations.”
Her process involves detailed consultations, mood boards, and interactive discussions. She encourages clients to be open about their needs and preferences, ensuring the final result is both functional and personal.
Photography by avalonmohns.com
THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR YOUR DESIGN JOURNEY
A home should be beautiful, practical, and connected to the people who live in it. Denine helps her clients achieve this with less stress, fewer regrets, and better results. She brings both an analytical and creative perspective, guiding clients to make confident, informed choices about layout, materials, and design. Denine ensures the home is optimized for their lifestyle and feels intentional and personal, not just trendy.
COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES AND NAVIGATING EXPECTATIONS
Like any industry, interior design has its challenges. From managing budgets to aligning with a client’s vision, Denine has learned the art of navigating expectations. One of the biggest design mistakes she sees, especially in renovating older homes, is trying to force a new-build aesthetic into a historic structure without respecting its original charm.
"Many people come in with Pinterest boards filled with beautiful spaces, but they don’t always consider the unique qualities of an older home," Denine explains. "Instead of stripping away character, I believe in enhancing it—using colors, textures, and layouts that feel fresh but still honor the home’s history."
This respect for history shapes Denine’s approach to design, especially when modernizing Buffalo’s charming older homes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing functionality with character, ensuring the home’s essence is preserved while making it more suited to today’s lifestyle.
"A lot of people are so eager to make everything look new that they forget about the warmth and authenticity these homes bring," she says. "My job is to listen, understand, and help clients find ways to live better in spaces that have their own stories to tell."
This challenge—blending old with new—often involves rethinking how spaces function, from storage to layout to lighting. "I start by listening to how my clients live," Denine explains. "Once I understand their pain points, whether they’re redesigning their current space or looking to purchase and renovate an older home, I develop a plan to help them fall back in love with the space without compromising its original charm."
PRACTICAL DESIGN TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR SPACE
Repurpose Unused Rooms: Consider how you use your space. If a room is collecting dust, repurpose it. It doesn’t have to stay as the room it was originally designed for.
Layer Your Lighting: Lighting is crucial. Older homes often lack proper lighting, so Denine recommends adding overhead, task, and accent lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Stylish Storage: Clutter can make even the most beautiful spaces feel chaotic. Maximize storage with built-ins, hidden compartments, or well-organized cabinets. A well-placed basket can be a lifesaver!
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