How Jessie McLaughlin of Jessie Lane Interiors Designed Her Dream Log Cabin

Jessie McLaughlin is not just a designer, she’s a storyteller. When stepping into one of her spaces, you are instantly aware of the joy and passion she puts into every single design choice.

Rich colors, whimsical details and vintage touches have become staples in her work, expertly combining elements from past eras and styles into one artful and dynamic space. Her work has been featured in top publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Martha Stewart Living.

We spoke with her about the process of designing her fairytale log cabin in her home state of North Carolina. 

A Fairytale Inspiration

HVLG: What atmosphere were you hoping to create in this project, and how did lighting help bring that vision to life?

Jessie: I knew the traditional “rustic” log cabin decor was not the direction I wanted to go. The oversized logs in the cabin were so dramatic they almost led me to believe they must contain a little magic, and I found myself being drawn to the idea of log cabins as a setting for fairytales or storybooks. I wanted to go in a direction that could play with the other-worldliness of myth while incorporating natural elements. Art Nouveau fit that bill so perfectly, and I knew lighting would play a huge role in bringing that vision to life. The lighting needed to feel both historic and whimsical, as if they were enchanted. I adore pieces that ride the line between old and new, and Hudson Valley Lighting Group does that so masterfully.

Photo: Locke McLaughlin

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Finding The Light

HVLG: At what stage did lighting become a key consideration, and how did it inform the overall concept of the space?

Jessie: The process of design is rarely linear, especially when working on a whole house build or reno. There were some lights, like the Thornwood Chandelier, that I fell in love with years ago at market and knew I wanted to incorporate. There were other pieces I chose once we had a solid plan for the furnishings and decor in a room. I was overjoyed when I discovered the Elsa pendants and chandelier, Rosewood sconce, and Westwood Pendant, since they incorporated a nod to Art Nouveau with their nature-inspired shapes, while still feeling fresh.

Photo: Locke McLaughlin

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Style and Function

HVLG: How do you strike a balance between visual impact and everyday functionality in your designs?

Jessie: As a designer, I believe visual impact and functionality are 2 sides of the same coin. I confess that I usually start with visual impact, because I don't ever want to miss an opportunity for a showstopper, and lighting is one of the easiest ways to add the wow factor to any space! On the functional side, it is key to consider size and scale, as well as the amount of light any particular fixture is emitting. Also, it's important to note what the light is being used to illuminate. Is this a task light that needs to be directional for a specific kind of work or is this a fixture meant to give off more diffused light to brighten the whole room?

Photo: Locke McLaughlin

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A Perfect Match

HVLG: What made Hudson Valley Lighting Group the right partner for this project, and how did their design language and values align with your aesthetic?

Jessie: Hudson Valley Lighting Group is my go-to source for lighting. They cover a wide range of styles and prices, and somehow always have the perfect unique piece for my studio's unique jobs. We needed a lot of lighting for the various rooms in the cabin, and I still had a tough time narrowing it down! I've used their lighting in both commercial and residential spaces for years, and they always end up being the pieces people can't stop talking about."

Photo: Locke McLaughlin

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A Vintage Charm

HVLG: What design trends are you personally drawn to right now, and how were you able to incorporate them into this project?

Jessie: I’m loving the return to design rooted in tradition and unique collections. We’re also seeing softer, more feminine touches like skirt sinks and canopy beds, which I incorporated in a few of the bedrooms and bathrooms. I’ve always been drawn to eclectic interiors, but this project felt like coming home. Not only was it in my home state of NC, but it gave me the opportunity to use some very old pieces, whether they were antiques I sourced or family heirlooms. I was raised in a soulful home full of antiques lovingly found by my mom, and I like to think my kids, family, and friends will feel that same love when they stay in this home.

Photo: Locke McLaughlin

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