7 Questions with Jessica McKay from Birdhouse Interior Design

Friends of Image Made is 7 questions with people who have made us think, caused us to reflect, and helped us grow.

Jessica McKay is the owner of Birdhouse Interior Design and Birdhouse Collectible, which is Jessica’s beautifully designed showroom located in the Mastercraft Building. Jessica’s distinct style and love for one of a kind pieces and original art allows her to infuse each space she designs with the unique personality of each client. Birdhouse Collectible is an excellent place to find truly individual pieces for your home or office, and a great place to shop for gifts.

IM: What is your favorite object in your home?

Jessica: Probably the commissioned painting by Rebecca Herskovitz that hangs in my dining room. It is of a striking (and nude) woman, staring directly at the viewer. She is so strong and confident that you hardly notice she is so vulnerable. Unless you are my dad and say, “Jessica, that lady in your painting is naked”. Needless to say, he isn’t a huge art buff.

IM: What is your favorite place to eat in Omaha for under $20?

Jessica: Whole Foods! I really like their sushi. Sgt. Peffer’s is a close second. Their Italian tuna salad is pretty delish and Christopher always gets the puttanesca.

IM: What place in the world most inspires you to design and why?

Jessica: That’s a tough one. I would say Paris is pretty amazing. I’ve only been there once, but it was beautiful and so very chic. I love that everything is stylish and has so much life to it. The food, the drinks, the outdoor patios where you sip your espresso, the red lipstick – I love it all. Plus, nothing is bare there. It’s not ultra clean and modern. It has a ton of character and an indulgent feel.

IM: What is your favorite handmade gift to give?

Jessica: Original art. A small painting, drawing, or ceramic piece. Or, cooking someone a really fancy meal. I’m talking 4 courses, the table is set, and you are drinking plenty of wine or champagne.

IM: If you had to change professions, what would you choose?

Jessica: That’s tough too. Everything I love in life, I sort of already do. If I could somehow figure out how to get someone to pay me to travel all around the world, that would be fantastic.

IM: Who is your creative role model and why?

Jessica: I sort of adore Kate and Andy Spade. I just like the way they approach business, design, and life. Everything around them is super chic (and some is expensive), but is seems very accessible. Plus, if I could move into either their Hamptons house or their Manhattan apartment, my life would be complete.

IM: What is one creative thing you want to learn how to do in 2011?

Jessica: Learn to sew. Though, I know I won’t now because I have an assistant that is great at it. I have said I was going to learn for the last 3 years. Clearly, I am not that motivated.

Next week we will feature Megan Hunt a.ka. Princess Lasertron!