Massachusetts-based interior designer Jess Cooney has built her reputation on a simple but powerful philosophy: creating tranquil spaces that can seamlessly adapt to the chaos of real life. Working primarily with historic homes in the Berkshires, Cooney has developed a unique approach that merges timeless architecture with relaxed, modern living, all while prioritizing functionality for busy families.
Cooney's design philosophy stems from personal experience. As a mother of three children with countless visiting relatives and a home that always seems full, she understands firsthand how design can help life feel calmer and more intentional. "I grew up in a chaotic life and my goal is to create a tranquil place for my clients to live in so that maybe their lives won't be so chaotic," she explains.
The cornerstone of Cooney's approach is storage – but not just any storage. She designs homes that can expand to accommodate large family gatherings and then contract back to intimate retreats for two without losing their sense of tranquility. Her clients, typically empty nesters planning second homes, need spaces that function as cozy apartments for daily life yet can handle 30 people for Thanksgiving dinner.
"The number one factor is storage, always," Cooney emphasizes. "I'm always thinking about how the home will expand when they're there, and contract when they've left." This philosophy extends to every detail, from plotting routes from the pool through laundry and mudrooms to designating specific places for children's belongings. "I like to include ways to hold children accountable. If they have a designated place to put things, they will – if they don't, they'll just throw it on the floor."
Cooney's aesthetic centers on what she calls "grounded and intentional" design, achieved through carefully selected base materials. Working with older homes, she sources reclaimed materials like barn wood and limestone pavers from the UK that already carry a sense of history and patina. "That historic feeling, layering with a bit of playfulness, definitely helps to ground the space, and helps people feel like it's money well spent," she notes.
Unlike many American clients who prefer everything shiny and new, Cooney educates her clients to embrace imperfection. She advocates for plaster walls and materials that age gracefully, teaching clients that "scratches and dings are okay, it's just the first ones that are hard." Her advice: let surfaces continue to develop patina rather than constantly buffing them back to perfection.
The designer's furniture choices reflect her philosophy of mixing old and new. While she works primarily with historic architecture, she gravitates toward mid-century modern furnishings that bring freshness to traditional spaces. "You can get a beautifully worn leather chair that still feels modern and unexpected but comfy and inviting," she explains. She particularly favors 100-year-old rugs, calling them "indestructible" and perfect for withstanding family life.
The harsh New England climate influences Cooney's material choices significantly. The Berkshires' dramatic seasonal changes – from hot summers to sub-zero winters – require materials built to withstand extreme weather. Reclaimed wood beams and handcrafted tiles not only provide durability but also bring what Cooney describes as "personality of their own, with so much soul."
A key aspect of Cooney's client education involves teaching restraint. "I'm always advising clients that not everything needs to be a showpiece," she says. "We have an opportunity to decide what will remain quiet, and what will be the showpiece. If every decision becomes a large, interesting decision – and trust me, not every decision should be – then it becomes too much. Pull back sometimes. Look for smaller moments in each room."
Cooney's work demonstrates that true luxury lies not in precious materials or perfect finishes, but in creating spaces that support real life while maintaining beauty and tranquility. Her approach proves that homes can be both functional family gathering places and serene personal retreats, adapting gracefully to whatever life throws at them.
