Janis Lyn Joplin: A Surprising Connection to Interior Design
JAN. 19, 1943—OCT. 4, 1970
Teen Bedroom-Love Janis
I can hardly believe it’s been 50 years since Janis Joplin left all of us.
There is no question, if I could interview one music legend for my GENRE blog, Janis would be at the top of my list! It wasn’t until after I started pulling this blog together, inspired by her famous tune, “Me and Bobby McGee”, that I got to know more about the real Janis.
Like many, I already recognized that Janis’ unique way of expressing herself reached far beyond the stage. She was passionate about her music, car and clothing, but I hadn’t realized how much her passion for clothing and interior design intertwined. Of course, fashion and interior design have been going hand-in-hand forever. Not only that, many folks’ design styles tend to be a reflection of who they are and what they wear. Nevertheless, being in the interior design business, it was a special discovery. I maintain the belief Janis made the deliberate choice to pose with furniture and her personal surroundings-I think she liked it! The clear connection Janis made between her bohemian clothes and her decorating style is not only demonstrated in Barry Feinstein’s 1971 cover shot for “Pearl”, it can also be seen in Baron Wolman’s 1968 photo of Janis at Spaulding Taylor’s house, San Francisco; later the cover shot for Janis’ album, “The Essential”.
I suppose Janis would have considered my Love Janis design “full-tilt”.
That being said…I think most kids enjoy a bedroom that goes a little over-the-top. I chose a contemporary blue and red wallpaper to emulate the feathers Janis is wearing on her “Pearl” album cover. The rattan pendant and ottomans add a touch of bohemian style to this, otherwise, modern teen bedroom. By using strippable wallpaper and switching a few other things out, this room could easily be transformed to meet the needs of its next purpose.
Moving on… some advice regarding interior design trends.
Of course, not everyone considers wearing “full-tilt” styles. Instead, we opt for a particular color, sleeve type or embellishment. The same goes for interior design. Consider one shape, color or pattern and use it sparingly throughout your room. Furthermore, mixing in a few other styles allows you to stay in check with your own personal style. Going overboard (or too literal) with a trend just plain makes a room look and feel uncomfortable. Not to mention, the expense. Even the wealthiest of clients are reluctant to throw money at rapidly changing trends, knowing the room will be begging for another redo in just a few years. The following mood board provides a more toned-down, grown-up version of Blue Jeans and Bandanas.
New Wave Blue Jeans and Bandanas
It’s been said she loved good feeling fabrics, clothing she could move in and feel beautiful in. It turns out a band member’s wife was her seamstress and encouraged her to go more bold with her fashion. Being a very deep and sensual woman, I think she truly must have embraced the physical, physiological and psychological aspects of the fabrics she wore and selected for use in her apartments. It’s likely her clothes made her feel comfortable and gave her the confidence she perpetually lacked.
The more and more I researched Janis, it appeared her homes were her sanctuaries…she loved being home.
She often invited photographer, Jim Marshall, to one of her apartments for photo shoots. On occasion, she would allow her cat and dog to join in on the photo sessions as well. In each of the photos (and there are several) Janis’ bohemian clothing style and surroundings repeatedly blend together as one. Here’s one of Jim’s photos taken of Janis in her San Francisco apartment in 1967. She obviously liked to layer her body with her own personal style-her signature rings, bangles and beads can be seen in the forefront and a bohemian wall hanging in the rear.
Janis was also drawn to jewel tones, feathers, velvet, silk & satin, fur, beaded capes and, of course, denim.
Sources say she had a beading loom and would often have friends over for beading parties. She said it relaxed her. Again, inviting people in seemed to be an important part of her life. Whether it was musicians, friends or photographers, she loved them all.
It’s not really clear if Janis ever got the opportunity to spend her newly obtained riches on an amazing showplace. I don’t see evidence of this in photos, but I do remember reading something from Kris Kristofferson where he said, at one point, she had silk sheets and a round bed that they, evidently, shared. Perhaps this was at Janis’ last residence in Larkspur, CA. For now, I thought it would be fun to design a mood board inspired by some of the things that appeared to make her extremely happy, her car and her clothes. Could this be what her place would like today?? Check out the fabulous, flamboyant wingback chair!
Bohemian Living Room-Janis Jopulence
It’s finally time to circle back to what originally inspired me to feature Janis Joplin for my GENRE blog. I hope you will click and listen while you finish up looking at my blog.
Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin
Here’s a little more blues jeans and bandanas Inspo…my fav, the genuine leather butterfly chair in denim!
More Cool Inspo
One final note…we know so many loved Janis…I love Janis, and this GENRE post is an expression of my love. We all wish she hadn’t gone down the path of self-destruction, that she was still here singing her heart to all of us today. I hope, at the end of her life, she realized just how much she was loved. She was truly a beautiful person. Thank you, Janis Lyn Joplin. You will never be forgotten.
AND…if this GENRE post took “a little piece of your heart”, there’s another heart below waiting for your click.
Thank you readers!
