Q&A: Morrison Design House
Jennifer Morrison, the founder of interior design firm, Morrison Design House, has a refreshingly honest perspective in the world of design. She is able to articulate - both thoughtfully and accurately - how the natural world inspires her aesthetic and the designs she creates for the clients of Morrison Design House. Her design work aims to honor a home’s sense of place and speaks for itself visually, but through her writing, Jennifer always manages to dig a little deeper and shine a brighter light on an aspect of her work you were drawn to, but perhaps didn’t quite know why.
Through her work as a designer, Jennifer also happens to be an incredibly outspoken champion of art and artists. When she finds someone she believes in, she is generous and gracious with her praise and support.
I’m so grateful she was on board with me swinging by the home she shares with her husband, their two kids, and their dogs to photograph her amongst her constantly evolving art collection.
Jennifer Morrison photographed in her kitchen; An abstract by gallery artist, Laurie Fisher, anchors her family’s dining room.
Tell us a bit about yourself + Morrison Design House.
My name is Jennifer Morrison and I am 37 years old. I have two kids (Emma 15, Miles, 10) and two dogs (Herbie 9 months, Billi 6). Interior Design was actually not my chosen profession and I kind of landed here accidentally. I have worked in the design business for 5 years, launching Morrison Design House (MDH) officially in the fall of 2019 with the help of Deciduous Studio but have been in construction for 10 years. I have a more construction oriented mind when it comes to design because of my relationship to our partner company, R.P. Morrison Builders, so while we are holistic and whimsy; our firm is meticulous when it comes to drawings; specifically millwork. MDH is comprised of three women, myself, Markie and Lauren. We are a smaller firm but between the three of us we have an insane number of degrees at various levels, an NCIDQ certification and a variety of project backgrounds. Therefore, we are able to tackle interior architecture and millwork drawings at the same scale as a much larger firm. I don't see MDH getting any bigger. We want to stay true to our core values and continue to do work that enriches our souls with clients we love.
Billi & Herbie cozy up on the family sectional in front of a painting by Maine artist, Sarah Madeira Day.
How do you describe your aesthetic?
I create interiors inspired by nature which is a coy way of saying I don't really believe in style as every site requires a different design perspective. More than anything, I try to root every design in a specific feeling whether it be a memory of a place or something that my client holds dear to them. My designs are usually textured, layered and incorporate all of my signature colors: black, blue and green.
One of a few photographs the Morrison family own by Australian photographer, Kara Rosenlund.
What was your first memorable art purchase?
My very first memorable art purchase was with Janice Dunwoody, a local stylist who I love. She took me to the Corey Daniels Gallery because he had a piece there she wanted to look at and hopefully purchase. We arrived to find two almost identical pieces but she only wanted one. I instantly fell in love with the other and agreed to buy it for $900 which at the time, Was A LOT for Josh and I considering we were just starting out. I remember being incredibly anxious about such a big purchase but some months later, when I finally had the money to frame it, I was just overjoyed at the result. The piece feels like organized chaos (story of my life). It is beautiful in its inability to be defined. And every day I look at it and smile.
A trio of Matthew Fox Rosler’s works in Jennifer’s office; The Corey Daniels work that Jennifer remembers as one of her most significant acquisitions.
Describe your most prized piece of art.
My absolute favorite piece of art is my Eric Stefanski painting that says: "Stop fuckin' around and get serious" While his pieces are rooted in strong messages; he has an incredibly gentle demeanor and in all my dealings with him, it feels like he genuinely cares about who the art is for and where its going. The quote itself has a powerful impact on my daily life. I tend to get very wrapped up in the smallest of details; fixating on an element at work I want to get just right. This piece reminds me that not everything has to be perfect and that sometimes, imperfections can be beautiful and quite freeing. It is hanging above my coffee bar at home so I see it every single day. I actually found him through Laurie Fisher's Instagram. She is a brilliant artist but also shares other brilliant artists, which I love.
Eric Stefanski’s painting hangs over the family’s coffee bar.
Tell us about an artist who should be on our radar.
Matthew Fox Rosler is one of my favorite local artists. I'm not even sure he has a website. I stumbled on his work one day while getting something framed at Casco Bay Frames in Portland. I don't usually gravitate towards geometric shapes but there is something very gentle about his work. Each piece celebrates a different shape and together they make something very special. I have 9 of his pieces.
A photograph of the Cornish sea by Sam Scales greets visitors as they enter the Morrison home.
What are some of your favorite sources for unique art and items for the home?
To find unique art takes time and effort. Digging through the internet is how I have found most of the art I love as well as going to local shops and chatting with shop owners. I never have any criteria, I just go with my gut. Art shouldn't be about the price tag or the hype surrounding it but rather how it makes you feel and the effect it has on your everyday life. I'm not really a "stuff" person so my home is mostly filled with art and books. Anything outside of that on a shelf is probably a family heirloom or something one of a kind. I love Print: A Bookstore because they have the BEST photography books from around the world which I feel has a big impact on the storytelling of an interior. My kitchen hutch is filled with Campfire Pottery, pieces from Tyler Hays of BDDW, and items passed down pieces from my Nana.
And one more photograph each of sweet Herbie & Billi on their sectional.