Melinda and John James founded M. James Design Group in 2007, after individually achieving success in the interior design sector. Melinda, a native of a small French community, graduated from South Texas College of Law in 2004 and began her design business while in law school. She is known for her ability to develop relationships with clients and create unique, personal designs. John, who grew up surrounded by nature, studied environmental design and art education, and has a career background in furniture merchandising and retail. He excels at blending interior and outdoor spaces in his designs. Both Melinda and John work and reside in Texas and design throughout the country. Learn more about them in today’s Designer Friday.
This modern farmhouse living room puts the emphasis on living. With wildlife photography artwork and lots of natural light throughout the open plan layout, this home gives a focus on the need for a connection between indoors and outdoors.
Andrew Joseph: If you weren’t a Designer you would be a …
John James: I would be an architect. I really enjoy planning spaces, sight lines, and blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The idea of planning uses and functionality in spaces is very interesting to me because it allows for creative thinking as well as a logical process of developing the project.
AJ: If you had a superpower what would it be?
Melinda James: Well, I believe if I had a superpower it would be to make sure that everyone had a happy and healthy home in which to live. Each and every home would have unique interiors to reflect their dreams and passions in the same way we design for our clients.
This dining room takes a modern spin on King Louis XVI-style furniture with spindle-legged chairs painted white with accented gold. At the head of the table, you get front-row views of the gallery wall featuring abstract artwork and an antique 2-tiered chandelier in crystal and brass.
AJ: What was your first job?
JJ: My first job after finishing college was teaching art. My favorite thing was teaching students how to draw. And, also training their eyes to observe shapes and forms as they really are instead of the way they perceive them to be. My longest career after teaching art was in the furniture business as a buyer and a merchandiser and shop owner.
AJ: If you could guest star on any TV show on or off air what show would you guest star in?
MJ: This is an easy one for me, I Love Lucy for several reasons. She was always planning and plotting an adventure and always persuading others into getting involved which is a similar process as sharing conversations with clients about our design ideas. I find people are so interesting and fun and I’ve always said it is the people inside the home that makes our projects so exciting and a new adventure every time. And, of course it helps to have a lot of courage, fearlessness, and a bit of humor as we create a sense of place and home for our clients.
In this garden terrace, foliage surrounds you as you become consumed with nature.
AJ: Where is the first place you want to travel now that everything is opening up?
JJ: After binge-watching BritBox and Escape to the Country during lockdown I would love to travel all over the UK…
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client ever asked you?
MJ: This particular client is a repeat client/friend with whom I have decorated 4 homes. While working on his fourth home he mentioned he had bought something late at night from an online auction and it had been delivered to his garage. I went to see if it was something we would be able to use outdoors. So, when I opened the garage doors there was a large wooden box that was shaped like a coffin. Of course, being my curious self I opened the wooden crate and there was a totem pole sold from the set of Survivor he had gotten into a bidding war online. Challenge accepted…we landscaped around his pool area with palms and tropical plants and the totem pole still stands today.
About the Designers | Melinda James is a native of a small Acadian French community. Melinda’s innate ability to develop relationships with her clients helps her to interpret their dreams in ways that are uniquely personal and yet unexpected. Her heartfelt approach to creating a mood specific to each client’s vision allow her to breathe extraordinary life into each project.
John Thomas James, Principal, and Interior Designer, was raised in the Big Thicket of Southeast Texas surrounded by the beauty of nature which led to his interest in horticulture and landscaping. After studying environmental design at the University of Houston and Art Education at Lamar University, John started his career in the furniture business as a visual merchandiser, soon becoming the buyer and vice president of a large retail operation. He is now a partner and merchandises a small high-end furniture and design boutique. His scope of knowledge and long-term relationships within the industry provides access to an unlimited number of furniture, lighting, art and antiques vendors.
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