Jessie Schuster's SoHo Loft Is an Art Lover's Dream

PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Duffin

Jessie Schuster still remembers the very first time that a work of art caught her eye. In fact, she’s reminded of it often, seeing as that very same piece is currently on display in the New York City-based interior designer’s SoHo loft. 

The artwork in question is a painting by musician-turned-artist Larry Rivers, who is largely considered to be the Grandfather of Pop Art. It’s been in Schuster’s family for decades, having been first acquired by her grandmother. “The painting depicts a young girl with a rebellious attitude, who reminded my grandmother of me as a teenager,” she tells L’OFFICIEL. “It was one of the earliest pieces to captivate me, and I inherited it after my grandmother passed away. It’s one of the most meaningful pieces in my collection, with a connection between the art and my own personal history. It brings so much joy and sadness when I see it.”

Today, the painting is layered on top of a metallic Paco Rabanne tapestry on one of Schuster’s walls. The striking combination adds yet “another layer of intrigue” to her vast collection, which also includes eye-catching works by prominent artists like Alex Katz, Yoshimoto Nara, Daniel Buren, and Ted Lawson, as well as surrealist paintings and antiques that date back to 800 BCE. Schuster’s broad interest in the arts—and her curatorial eye that spans different eras and mediums—can also be traced back to her roots. “I grew up surrounded by art, and was deeply influenced by my grandmother, who was a bold and eclectic tastemaker,” she says. “Her adventurous spirit and love for design left a lasting impression on me.”

So much so, Schuster ultimately decided to pursue a career in the field herself. While studying communications at New York University, she interned for interior designer Tui Pranich. “He recognized my natural talent and encouraged me to pursue design,” explains Schuster. She pivoted her career path and went on to study at Parsons School of Design. In 2013, she opened her eponymous studio, Jessica Schuster Design, where the goal of her work continues to be “to create spaces that balance the unusual and the familiar.”

That mission certainly keeps Schuster busy these days. But as she designs innovative and personality-fueled spaces for others in locations like Palm Beach and the Hamptons, she still finds the time to add to her own impressively curated collection. Ahead, we discuss how creating her own “sanctuary” compares to bringing a client’s vision to life, her approach to juxtaposing vintage and contemporary pieces, and the artists who inspire her most. 

L’OFFICIEL: You’ve been collecting art for quite some time now. How do you feel when you look at a piece that you simply must have?

JESSIE SCHUSTER: It's often an instinctual reaction—a piece either speaks to me or it doesn't. I believe in the power of art to evoke emotion and tell a story, and when a piece resonates, it's an immediate connection.

L’O: Which artists or types of art do you gravitate toward most?

JS: I draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists, from old masters [European painters who worked between the Renaissance and 1800], to blue chip artists [with recognizable work that shows consistent market demand], to contemporary young artists. That includes—but is not limited to—the likes of Le Corbusier, Magritte, Matisse, Picasso, and Dali; De Chirico, Prince, Warhol, Carmen Herrera, Pierre Soulages, Rauschenberg, and Irving Penn; Tina Barney, Peter Shear, Anna Weyant, and Yu Nishimura. The list goes on and on. Their works influence my designs, bringing a blend of modernist and surrealist elements into the spaces I create. 

L’O: How would you describe the overarching style of your loft?

JS: My loft embodies a harmonious balance between the unusual and the familiar, blending vintage and contemporary elements to create a space that's both personal and timeless. My signature style is about storytelling through design, where each piece contributes to a cohesive narrative.

L’O: When you were designing your loft and selecting pieces to display, what aesthetic were you going for? How did you want to feel when you were at home?

JS: I aimed to create a sanctuary that reflects where I am in life—a peaceful escape that combines classical influences with modern sensibilities. The design is more classical than I initially envisioned, inspired by French classic designers and timeless materials.

L’O: Speaking of things that are timeless, what’s your approach when it comes to mixing vintage and modern pieces? 

JS: I love juxtaposing contemporary pieces with antique elements, such as Italian and French mid-century designs, as well as art deco. That mix makes a space feel dynamic and layered, and it also allows each piece to have its moment while contributing to the overall harmony.

L’O: How did choosing pieces for your loft differ from bringing a client’s vision to life in their own space?

JS: Designing my own space was both liberating and challenging. Without a client's directive, every decision felt high-stakes, leading to a slower, more introspective process. In contrast, client projects have clearer parameters, which can streamline decision-making.

L’O: What’s been the most surprising piece you’ve scored for your collection? Is there one item that stands out in particular?

JS: I love the Mattia Bonnetti blue glass coffee table that I have in the living room. It was such a fun and unexpected find in my journey of putting this space together. 

L’O: It’s not easy to keep adding to your collection without things becoming cluttered. How do you avoid overdoing it, and are you always on the hunt for that next new piece? 

JS: I'm constantly seeking pieces that resonate, but I believe in allowing each item to breathe within a space. It's about curating thoughtfully, ensuring that every addition enhances the overall narrative without overwhelming it.

L’O: Is there one specific work of art that you still dream of acquiring? 

JS: I'm continually inspired by the works of Gio Ponti and Max Ingrand. Their pieces embody timeless joy and would be dream acquisitions for my collection. I’m also currently obsessing over Yu Nushimura’s paintings. 

L’O: Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are considering a redesign or looking to expand their art collection?

JS: The best advice I've received is to trust my instincts and embrace bold choices. For those looking to add eclecticism through art, I recommend mixing pieces from different eras and styles, allowing each to contribute to a cohesive yet dynamic environment.