JP and Erin Hossley are a married design team and also shop owners, art curators, gallery owners, exclusive retailers, stylists, and a home staging team. They’re wonderful in every way and above all else they’re talented, humble and so much fun to work with. If you’re up for a story with twists and turns and a whole lotta pivots, settle in for the story of {neighborhood} because here we go.
About 10 years ago, JP, an architect, and Erin, an interior designer, said to each other, “But what if we did something different?” But still, kind of the same? As in, what if they used their skills but worked for themselves and created a space that filled a very obvious void in the marketplace?
It was at that moment, the idea of a store with a “design bar” was born. They opened {neighborhood} store in the Bishop Arts District. They were the exclusive retailer for one of their favorite furniture brands and in the back of the shop, there was a la carte menu of design services. Erin would help you do everything from designing your whole house to helping you pick paint colors for, like, $50.
I remember the launch. I was so jealous. It was such a fantastic idea. It made interior design accessible to everyone and removed the idea that it was only for the very, very wealthy with super traditional taste.
JP said the name {neighborhood} was very intentional. Even in the beginning, they had local artists stop by and they started stocking their art and designs. It really was a community effort and it was super well-received. Eventually, the design bar went away, and using part of the store as an art gallery with opening nights became the next thing.
Now they’ve moved {neighborhood} to the Design District and opened a larger space. Art shows are still a regular thing, but there’s a new thing, too — staging. At one point JP and Erin realized they have a literal warehouse of floor models and a store filled with accessories. Hey, what if we start staging? “Okay!” Currently, their phone is ringing off the hook because they’re just that good.
What do they love about staging? They get to design spaces they like. After all, Realtors are hiring them for their aesthetic. Added bonus for future homeowners — everything is for sale. And it fits the space perfectly.
What Makes {neighborhood} Style Work?
There are so many things I want to say about these two, I’m just going to have to break it down into bullet points.
Style: Erin said they don’t really have a style. She said growing up she loved blues and never thought pink would be her preferred palette, but I’ll be danged, it is now. And while it’s not Barbie pink, it is a soft, terracotta pink and earthy red. Colors inspired by the desert.
Inspiration: JP said their style is largely influenced by their travels. And JP said they seek out destinations they want to be inspired by. It’s cyclical, baby. When you step inside a home, they want you to be transported to that place.
Design Rules: Erin doesn’t believe in design rules. She mixes metals, puts things where she wants, and does what makes her happy. She said good design should feel like a hug. She did say she always takes the jackets off books, but aside from that, if you like it, go for it. “Do what makes you happy. Sometimes it just needs a little editing.”
Organize: On editing, Erin said the way to make “more” work is organization. It’s that simple.
Guidelines: JP said his only rules are really guidelines. Ditch the sofa skirt, lift things off the ground, minimize furniture. It makes the room feel bigger. Lighter colors do, too. When they stage a room, they think in a series of vignettes and design for the photos that best highlight the space. They think it through.
Shops and Shows: {neighborhood} is located at 2532 Converse Street and open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday by appointment only. Their next art show at Lone Gallery is on July 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s a solo exhibition by Kyle Steed, “Pure Land: Paradise of Forms and Color.”
