A Q&A with Ryan & Christina Wikman

Photo courtesy of Chestnut Grove Design Group

Notes from the Set is all about celebrating interiors through storytelling and collaboration with the incredible designers who shape our industry. Today, I’m spotlighting Ryan & Christina Wikman of Chestnut Grove Design Group—the designers behind this month’s featured project—to hear their perspective on the design of the Pine Knoll project.

JD: What was your original design vision for this project, and how did it evolve along the way?

RW/CW: The original vision for the home was one that would feel cohesive, calming, and accessible. Our goal was to blend the natural elements of the surrounding oceanfront shoreline into the interior of the house and create a cohesive environment that felt one with nature. We also included some features for accessibility that would allow for aging in place, such as an elevator, and thoughtful planning for the landscape with a hidden built-in ramp to the patio and minimal stairs for ease of indoor/outdoor flow.

JD: Were there any design risks or bold choices in this space that you weren’t sure about at first — but now feel really proud of capturing?

RW/CW: The use of natural materials like Danby marble in the primary bath, soapstone in the kitchen, and a marble checkerboard floor in the walk-in pantry were choices that the client was a little nervous about, but ultimately so happy with the warmth and patina that naturally grows with the house as they are used and loved.

JD: There are always little details I love photographing — the things that feel personal. Is there a design element in this space that holds special meaning for you or your client?

RW/CW: Yes, the wife loves to entertain and creates stunning food displays. She collects Mud Pie dishware, which she uses regularly, and has a large collection for which we designed her pantry around to both hold and display the pieces. Keeping the shelves open makes it easy to grab and see what she has. We also used a special lift inside a cabinet to hold her KitchenAid and make it easy to pull up and down without having to carry it around.

On the landscape side, the husband loves to make pizza, and we included an outdoor pizza oven in the cooking zone. Tucked back in the corner of the yard is an oversized golf ball, which the husband purchased from a well-known mini golf spot when they were closing. It had been the spot where he and his wife had first met in high school, and they wanted to incorporate it somehow.

JD: When you imagined someone walking into this space for the first time, what kind of mood or feeling did you want to create?

RW/CW: Our clients, specifically, the wife, really wanted a calming and peaceful feel when coming into the house. She wanted it to feel like a sanctuary where everything was soft on the eyes but also warm and welcoming. Having a place for everything was also very important, and we brought in a professional organizer to help create beautifully organized interiors for the cabinetry and storage areas we designed.

Outside, we wanted to create a wow factor and take full advantage of the spectacular views of the ocean. We did this by elevating the patio to see beyond the sea wall and keep the full panoramic views in sight.

JD: From your perspective as a designer, how does photography help you share your work or shape how your brand is seen?

RW/CW: Photography has been something we have invested in from the very beginning, realizing that the best way to showcase our design talent to future clients is to work with a photographer specialized in interior and landscape photography. We work on these projects for so long, sometimes several years, and having a record of that completed work captured in such a beautiful way is so important for us to be able to look back on and remind ourselves of the design journey we have been on. It’s the ultimate compliment when clients come to us with photos from our portfolio as inspiration for their own projects.

A BIT ABOUT RYAN & CHRISTINA

JD: Do you have a favorite material that you try to incorporate into your projects?

CW: I love all natural materials and incorporate them into every project I work on. Currently, I am loving wicker used indoors to bring the outdoors in. I’m also a huge fan of wallpaper to break up all the paint and use it in every project.

RW: Outside hydrangeas in all types and varieties are a favorite that we use in many of our projects.

JD: For dinner parties, what are you pouring?  Favorite music choice?

RW/CW: We love to have a variety of local hard ciders on hand for impromptu dinner parties, and to go along, we love some folksy music or acoustic guitar.

JD: Do you have any rules you live by?

RW/CW: We’re not sure it’s a “rule,” but we really want our work to go backwards in a way and go back to beauty, quality, and choices that last. We want our work to be the antithesis of “fast fashion.”

JD: What is your biggest indulgence?

RW/CW: Laurel House is what we have lovingly named our 1880s money pit Victorian, which we purchased a few years ago, and this is by far our biggest indulgence. There’s nothing we love more than a weekend at home to work on projects both inside and out, and slowly transform the house into something we can be proud of and share with others to also enjoy.

JD: Who would be your dream client and why?

RW/CW:  Our dream client purchased a beautiful old home that needs a complete overhaul inside and out, or wants to build a new “old” home and make people wonder if the house is actually new or has always been there! This client also really appreciates the impact of a beautiful landscape on their lifestyle and allows us to create outdoor “rooms” for them to enjoy along with their stunning new home.

Thanks Ryan & Christina!

xx, Jess

Pine Knoll with Ryan & Christina of Chestnut Grove Design Group

Chestnut Grove Design Group project in Magnolia, Massachusetts

This project for Christina Wikman and her husband, Ryan, of Chestnut Grove Design Group, featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Northshore Home magazine, was such a lovely two-day shoot. This was very much a team project. Christina made all the architectural and interior design decisions, while Ryan handled all the decisions around the landscape architecture. Their combined vision is what made the home feel so complete and personal.

One thing that really stands out to me is how often photographers and clients talk about the magical dusk shot when it comes to exteriors and architecture—but in this case, because the house sits so close to the water, the sunrise was just as spectacular. We wanted to capture that, so I actually arrived on site at around 5 AM—which is tricky since I live about an hour away—but it was totally worth it. Some of the exterior shots with the sun streaming in are, as far as I’m concerned, some of the best from the whole shoot. So, note to designers: morning light can be just as magical (if not better!) for capturing those perfect moments.

On the second day, there was also a videographer on site. While it was a little challenging to work around each other’s gear (he had quite a bit, and of course, I do too), the upside was that the client ended up with both stills and video. That additional content tells a fuller story of their home—which is always a great thing to have. You can check out the full project here.

Stay tuned for my Q&A with the designers, Ryan & Christina.

xx, Jess

A Q&A with Erin gates

Photo courtesy of Erin Gates

Notes from the Set is all about celebrating interiors through storytelling and collaboration with the incredible designers who shape our industry. Today, I’m spotlighting Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design—the designer behind this month’s featured project—to hear her perspective on the design of the Maine Harbor View project.

JD: What was your original design vision for this project, and how did it evolve along the way?

EG: From the start, the vision for this project was to create a home that felt like a true retreat and tailored to the rhythms of coastal living. We wanted the interiors to complement the stunning views, and as the project evolved, it became more about balancing beauty and durability. That meant incorporating a wide range of textures, patterns, surfaces, and a mix of materials that felt both elevated and approachable.

JD: Were there any design risks or bold choices in this space that you weren’t sure about at first — but now feel really proud of capturing?

EG: Definitely the Peter Dunham wallpaper in the lounge. It’s bold and graphic, and I wasn’t sure how it would land in a vacation home. But it ended up bringing so much personality and energy to the space. With the fold-back doors connecting to the porch, it really helps anchor that whole area as a social hub. I’m so glad we went for it.

JD: There are always little details I love photographing — the things that feel personal. Is there a design element in this space that holds special meaning for you or your client?

EG: Definitely the kitchen. It’s long and narrow, with two distinct islands—one dedicated to prep and the other for seating—which helps define the space without closing it off. We chose different materials for the prep island to give it a furniture-like feel. Beyond the seating island, there’s a dining table that looks out over the water and flows right into the screened porch. It’s a space that balances function and beauty—and it’s where so many daily moments happen, from breakfast to entertaining.

JD: When you imagined someone walking into this space for the first time, what kind of mood or feeling did you want to create?

EG: I wanted people to immediately exhale with their first step. To feel like they'd stepped into a space that was easy, breezy, but still thoughtfully curated. There’s texture, softness, flow, and of course, those views! It all adds up to that coastal calm we were after.

JD: From your perspective as a designer, how does photography help you share your work or shape how your brand is seen?

EG: Photoshoots are a huge investment, but truly the only way to properly market your work. Nothing shows off a beautiful room better than a professionally shot and styled photograph or video.  It shows not only your work in its best light (literally) but also that you are a true professional with the capacity to do high-end work. It’s essential in building a good portfolio and brand.

A BIT ABOUT ERIN

JD: Do you have a favorite material that you try to incorporate into your projects?

EG: I've been very into natural walnut—cabinetry, furniture, antiques—I am a bit over cerused oak and other distressed woods now. I also use grasscloth SO much—it's such a great material to add color and texture without a lot of pattern.

JD: For dinner parties, what are you pouring?  Favorite music choice?

EG: I can usually be found mixing up a classic Cosmopolitan, or some other straight-up drink like a lime basil gimlet. Music is almost always 90's R&B.

JD: Do you have any rules you live by?

EG: I don't, every day brings a new challenge, and I find I can't approach every situation by the same set of rules. I am a pretty cautious person who likes things a certain way, but I would never say I have a rigid approach to life. I do wish I were a bit more carefree though! Maybe next year... :)

JD: What is your biggest indulgence?

EG: My schedule- as a business owner, I am always "working" in some capacity, but I am also able to always be home by 6 to have dinner with my kids, and I almost never work on weekends.

JD: Who would be your dream client and why?

EG: A confident single woman who has bought herself her dream vacation cottage and wants me to redo the whole thing top to bottom. That or a boutique hotel or inn somewhere charming.

Thanks Erin!

xx, Jess

Maine Harbor View with Erin Gates Design

Erin Gates Design project in Ogunquit, Maine

This shoot was extra special—because it brought me back to Maine, a place that will always feel like home. Growing up, I spent summers just north of here in Bath at my grandparents’ camp, so I hadn’t explored much of the southern coast. Discovering the charm of Perkins Cove was a total surprise. Sure, I’d popped into the shops once or twice over the years, but I had no idea this hidden enclave, tucked behind the lobster shacks, even existed. I was blown away!

The home itself? A dream. Between the wraparound porch, the colorful den with its own beer tap (!), and the private deck off the primary suite, I still can’t pick a favorite space. We shot the porch on a blazing hot day—the haze rolled in heavy, and all I could think was how good a bright blue sky would look against that painted ceiling. 

We shot over two days with the amazing EGD team. Day one was all about fine-tuning styling and tackling most of the first floor. After wrapping, Erin and I snuck off to Barnacle Billy’s for lobster and their famous Rum Punch (OK, maybe two).  You can check out the full project here.

Stay tuned for my Q&A with the designer, Erin Gates!

xx, Jess

A Q&A with Noelani Zervas

Photo courtesy of Noelani Zervas

Notes from the Set is all about celebrating interiors through storytelling and collaboration with the incredible designers who shape our industry. Today, I’m spotlighting Noelani “Lani” Zervas of Noelani Zervas Interiors—the designer behind this month’s featured project—to hear her perspective on the design of the Milton Federalist project.

JD: What was your original design vision for this project, and how did it evolve along the way?

NZ: This project was the first of a few projects done with this long-standing client. We connected when she purchased the home, working together to source new items for the interiors without changing some of the key elements unless necessary, like all the stunning wallpaper!  An interior designer (Su-En Wong, of Audrey & Nefertiti) owned the home prior to my client, and we quickly agreed that the paper was a must-KEEP. 

The goal throughout the home was comfort, functionality for large family gatherings, and layering in items they already owned. We worked together to review what they brought with them, going space by space, assessing what worked vs. what was needed. We swapped existing sofas for a new sectional, installed new lighting, and placed art and vintage works from their existing collection throughout. The client shares my obsession with estate sales and vintage everything, so it was truly a joyful collaboration as well as a design challenge. 

JD: Were there any design risks or bold choices in this space that you weren’t sure about at first — but now feel really proud of capturing?

NZ: When I pitched the closet conversion into a bar, I was initially worried that the bold orange high-gloss paint and turquoise dragon paper would be too bold, but it was ironically our first home run. She signed off on every detail immediately, and the end result is moody, colorful, speakeasy magic.

JD: There are always little details I love photographing — the things that feel personal. Is there a design element in this space that holds special meaning for you or your client?

NZ: We both locked into the Shuffle side table on an outing to Lekker in the South End, like immediately. It is the coolest table ever, designed by Mia Hamborg. Multiple colors, multiple stacks, it actually comes apart and can be arranged however you fancy. Perfect for kids, perfect for your cocktail, and absolutely perfect in this space.

JD: When you imagined someone walking into this space for the first time, what kind of mood or feeling did you want to create?

NZ: This home has a super classic, slightly imposing, federalist facade, but as soon as you walk in, it’s comfortable and curated, like a warm, colorful hug. You can see the rich landscape and heritage of the family from all their collections. Each space draws people in and invites them to ask about specifics, like where did you find this amazing work on tin of someone diving into water (featured in the living room). What trip did you find this figurine on? How did you connect with this artist from New Orleans? In my humble opinion, every room should have something that sparks curiosity and conversation.

JD: From your perspective as a designer, how does photography help you share your work or shape how your brand is seen?

NZ: My brain works visually, so it’s a completely natural extension of how everything works for me personally. Love it or hate it, thinking about you, Insta, we are creators and need to put out things for people to see and consume. If you aren’t photographing your projects, how can they see your latest work? How can they appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears you put into each and every selection for a space?

As a one-woman studio, my branding is a natural extension of my own style and eclectic vibe. Things often feel so generic or vanilla in the design spectrum. I am not that, and my spaces are not that. Photography instantly allows prospective clients to see all of these things at a glance. 

A BIT ABOUT NOELANI

JD: Do you have a favorite material that you try to incorporate into your projects?

NZ: Antiques! Vintage/repurposed, well-loved, ‘with a story’ kind of pieces.

JD: For dinner parties, what are you pouring?  Favorite music choice?

NZ: Definitely pouring some Paolo Bea. He is a mad scientist in the wine world. Everything he does is absolutely amazing and unlike anything you’ve had before. I especially love his Rosso de Veo and San Valentino. Favorite wine to serve and gift. Music is usually my ‘recently played’ on shuffle. Currently loving Role Model, Djo, Haim, a little Fleetwood Mac, and beebadoobee.

JD: Do you have any rules you live by?

NZ: Surround yourself with your chosen family. Buy what you love, and you’ll find a way to use it/wear it. Tell your people you love them every day. Food is love. Stop caring what other people think.

JD: What is your biggest indulgence?

NZ: I grew up dirt poor, like poorer than poor. Despite that, I had a subscription to Vogue at age 10 and immediately ID’d Chanel as the pinnacle of fashion (even if I pronounced it channel, as in the English Channel).  All this to say that fancy Chanel shoes are my weakness. All day, every day.

JD: Who would be your dream client and why?

NZ: I see working with clients as a collaboration.  I learn something from every client, just like they bring me in to push their boundaries in different ways, and likewise learn from me. Unlike a lot of designers, I don’t prefer to necessarily start with a blank space; I like to see what you want to keep, what you have collected, what you want to curate, and how we can bring all of these elements into your space. My ideal client has a vision, maybe a storage locker filled with art and antiques, and is game to work collaboratively and figure out where all the pieces of the puzzle go together.

Thanks Lani!

xx, Jess

Milton Federalist with Noelani Zervas Interiors

Noelani Zervas Interiors project in Milton, MA

This one was such a joy to shoot! I had the chance to work with Noelani “Lani” Zervas (a longtime friend and my unofficial fashion muse) and stylist Sean William—right in my hometown of Milton. We did a walkthrough a few months in advance to talk through the shot list, what the client already had, and what we'd need to pull each moment together. It’s projects like this that remind me just how valuable it is to have a stylist on the team. I’ll be sharing more soon about when—and why—to bring a stylist on board!

Lani’s natural design instincts and impeccable eye for detail, paired with Sean’s expertise, made for a dream team—and it shows in the final result. One of the trickiest parts? Capturing the drop-dead gorgeous bar nook and the adjacent family room. Small spaces like that bar are deceptively challenging—they might look quick to shoot, but they require real finesse. The sconces were a standout detail we knew had to shine (literally), so we played with lighting and angles to highlight the wet bar without overwhelming it. 

The family room is open to the kitchen, but since the kitchen wasn’t part of the project scope, we had to get creative with framing to keep the focus where it belonged. And while sectionals are perfect for real life, they’re not always photographer-friendly—but I think the final shots capture all the beauty and functionality this space has to offer. You can check out the full project here.

Stay tuned for my Q&A with the designer, Noelani Zervas!

xx, Jess

Introducing Notes from the Set

Dina Holland Interiors project featuring the Delaney girls, seen in the 2016 issue of Boston Globe Magazine.

After more than a decade photographing interior spaces for designers, architects, and editors, I’ve come to appreciate that great imagery isn’t just about showing a room — it’s about telling the story behind it.

Notes from the Set is a new journal series where I’ll be sharing a closer look at the stories behind my shoots — not just the finished photos, but the process, the inspiration, and the quiet details that bring each space to life. It’s also a chance to get up close with the designers behind the work — to learn what drives their vision and how we bring it to life together. Whether it’s a small design moment or a full-day shoot, Notes from the Set is about celebrating interiors through storytelling and collaboration with so many incredible interior designers in our industry.

As a photographer, I’ve always believed that my job is more than just taking pictures. It’s about capturing a design vision with precision, translating the ideas and personality of an architect or interior designer into imagery that helps to tell the story of a life well lived. Whether I’m shooting a modern custom-built home, a historic renovation, or a commercial interior space, I bring a collaborative spirit and a trained editorial eye — creating branded imagery for interior designers, architects, and design firms who want their work to shine wherever it’s seen. Stay close for more soon! 

I’m so glad you’re here.

xx, Jess