- Be true to your style—even if you have more than one. Sue’s love of antique and vintage decor goes back to her childhood and even prompted her to open an antiques market. However, born and raised in California, her love of laid-back tropical interiors is close to her heart. Thus, her home is a mix of the two: cool California hues and retro beach style along with rustic vintage collectibles.
- Take your time renovating and decorating. Sue took the time to settle in the house and get in touch with what would work. “I tackled first what I could stand the least,” she says. “When you have a chance to live in the house and feel what you want to do, all of your work becomes more thoughtful, and it will reflect in your home.”
- Decorate with your heart. You don’t want to feel like you are walking into someone else’s house at the end of the day. Avoid the trends and rules if they don’t truly apply to you, and make sure you are passionate about everything that goes into your home.
- Cost-efficiency can lead to creativity. Many of the components in the Jackson house were results of having to improvise for the sake of keeping in budget. The rough-hewn plaster in the kitchen was a temporary fix for the back splash when Sue couldn’t afford beadboard. The mix and match tin tiles were a logical solution for a patchy ceiling when there’s an abundance of tin salvage pieces at Sue’s own shop. Both have made her home special and one-of-a-kind.
Design ideas
Tips for Achieving the Vintage Country Look
In her house tour, you saw how Sue Jackson mixes country primitive style with unique vintage elements for a truly signature style. If you loved the look, you'll want to follow her tips to getting the look in your own home:
Written by Jickie Torres
Photography by Jaimee Itagaki
The romantic bathroom in Sue’s home perfectly showcases her unique style. The bath is composed of painted beadboard, an antique claw-foot tub and a vintage chandelier. The shelf above is made from a plank from the old Laguna Beach boardwalk when it was torn down. Sue uses it to display vintage cream pitchers.
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