How Jewel Marlowe Blends Bold Design with Historical Detail

Rather than leaving history in the past, today’s design world finds inspiration in its details. That’s the heart of historical adaptation, honoring the architectural character of a space while layering in modern expression and personal narrative. Whether it’s reinterpreting classic motifs, using unexpected color, or amplifying legacy through contrast, this approach brings new life to familiar bones. In residential, commercial, and luxury hospitality spaces alike, this mindset fuels a new kind of storytelling—one rooted in place, history, and purpose.

Interior designer Jewel Marlowe does exactly that in one of her recent residential projects—a French Colonial inspired home where vibrant jewel tones meet ornate architectural flourishes and a custom Milliken carpet ties it all together.

What Is Historical Adaption?

This trend celebrates the art of blending past and present. It’s about keeping what makes a place feel rooted—arched doorways, crown molding, plaster medallions—and layering in bold gestures that speak to today. For hospitality environments and adaptive reuse projects, this can mean preserving original facades or ornamental staircases while introducing bespoke lighting, rich textiles, or tone‑on‑tone detailing. From site‑specific details to heritage‑inspired prints in unexpected palettes, Historical Adaption invites creativity within context.

Expect to see:

• Period‑inspired flourishes mixed with expressive color
• Contrast of antique and modern elements
• Custom patterns that feel both nostalgic and new
• A focus on storytelling and sense of place
• Design that bridges legacy and lifestyle across residential, boutique, and commercial spaces

Inside Jewel Marlowe’s French Colonial Revival

When a young couple finally snagged their dream home—a French Colonial they had admired for years—Jewel was brought on to transform it. The goal: preserve its character while injecting energy and personality. That meant leaning into the home’s original architectural details, like French fretwork and authentic plaster medallions, but also introducing bold, jewel‑toned colors and unexpected pairings.

“They didn’t want the house to feel stuffy,” Jewel explained. “They wanted it to feel soulful, glamorous, and most of all—personal.”

From Slipper Chairs to Statement Floors

The living room’s design began with a striking set of citron velvet art deco chairs. From there, Jewel layered in a fringe‑trimmed hot pink sofa, bold striped drapes, and a custom‑bound Milliken carpet that brought cohesion to the space.

“We needed something with punch that wouldn’t compete with anything else,” she said. “The Milliken carpet was the perfect mix of geometry and elegance. It grounded the room while still holding its own.”

Custom cut to fit around the fireplace, the carpet provided more than visual balance. It was also a practical choice: “They have four dogs, so durability was key,” Jewel shared. “It looked like a million bucks but was within budget—a rare combo.”

Modern Meets Antique, With Purpose

Every design decision Jewel made walked the line between contrast and complement. Art deco silhouettes echoed the home’s historic angles. Rich, saturated tones created a vibrant counterpoint to the traditional architecture. The result? A space that feels layered, personal, and timeless.

“If you use older elements consistently and blend them well, it doesn’t feel forced,” she said. “It just feels like it evolved over time—even if you designed it all at once.”

This approach also mirrors the ethos of adaptive reuse, where original materials—like flagstone floors or decorative molding—are celebrated, while new interventions are carefully integrated to serve today’s expectations.

Why Milliken Embraces Historical Adaption

We believe in empowering designers to honor the past while imagining the future. That’s why we offer custom solutions that allow heritage‑inspired patterns to take on new forms—from modified scales and fresh palettes to custom‑bound rugs that fit the architecture of a space perfectly.

Historical Adaption isn’t about preservation alone—it’s about storytelling. And we’re here to help you tell yours.