Mood Board: 5 Things That Inspire Interior Designer Jocelyn Ross

1. My Clients’ Storytelling

A family heirloom, a cherished memory or even a favourite travel destination can spark ideas that set the tone for their entire palette: from the custom stair runner from Salari in riotous pink and red hues for an art collector to the bathroom tile floor featuring an Ann Sacks bunny mosaic, selected because the client loved rabbits.

2. Architectural Photography

Before architecture school, I was a (not very adept) architectural  photographer hobbyist and was always striving to capture the essence of a space—hence my appreciation for this art form! Through the lens of skilled photographers, I am reminded of the powerful, dynamic relationship between light, shadow, form and perspective. Architectural imagery opens my mind to new approaches in how spaces can be experienced, influencing everything from layout  to lighting in my own work.

3. Making

When I was practicing architecture, I struggled to figure out if it was for me after 20 years. I really longed to be creating things differently, and I started making jewellery and took a pottery class. Working with stone and clay taught me to see the subtle variations in colour, veining and texture that made each piece one of a kind. These details often inspire the palettes and materials I choose.

4. Brent Comber’s Work

I love Brent’s ability to tell stories with his art. These pieces are so compelling—the perfection of the spheres, the tactility of the natural wood, which is inherently the opposite of perfect form in its natural state—this push and pull is deeply resonant and consistent with the human condition. That’s what I love about art in all its shapes and forms—it reminds me of the importance of keeping emotion in design.

5. Travel and Cultural Exploration

Whether it’s the minimalism of Scandinavian design, the  kaleidoscopic colours of sari  fabric or the feel of handmade Moroccan tiles, vast and varied experiences have broadened my design vocabulary and helped me infuse global influences into my work. The Louvre in Abu Dhabi  was an unbelievably inspiring space: the iconic architecture is by one of my favourite architects, Jean Nouvel, whose vision to play with light through the intricate lattice dome is mesmerizing.