Isabel “Isy” Jackson’s creativity has been enhanced by her rich family history, which appears to be a bit out of a scene from Downton Abbey, the popular British drama series.
With several formidable family mentors who have inspired her over the years, Jackson’s path as an experienced third-generation designer is a major part of her family legacy.
Her company, Cheltenham Interiors, is a boutique studio serving clients throughout the D.C. metro area and beyond. Jackson is also noteworthy for winning Best Interior Designer in the 2024 Best of Potomac Readers’ Choice Awards.
Jackson’s maternal grandmother Marjorie Delany, or "Nana," worked with the time-honored Wedgewood China company, and the future designer first captured her creative side when she lived with Nana from ages three to seven.
“My Nana and I spent hours working on our dollhouses, scrapbooking, drawing, and taking photographs. My mom flipped 21 homes and cottages in the Cotswolds,” Jackson said. “I learned a great deal from watching her designing magic.”
The impressive education and exposure ignited her passion for interior design and intricate decorating.
“I understand firsthand how a renovation can strain relationships; my parents underwent a major remodel when I was young and it took a toll on their marriage,” she said. “This experience has taught me the importance of creating a harmonious environment throughout the process.”
Her paternal uncle, Brigadier John Wright, founded the Tidworth Polo Club, and her pilot father, Robert Wright, had his dreams literally take flight when he used all of his assets to start his own airline, Connectair, which he eventually sold to Air Europe and later to British Airways – all helping to cement her entrepreneurial spirit.
Jackson’s multicultural exposure combined with her prior residencies in Italy and Dubai have helped inspire her diverse aesthetics. They contribute to her ability to craft breathtaking personalized one-of-a-kind living spaces that evoke both joy and unique narratives.
She is also passionate about blending traditional and modern design styles, including traditional with midcentury, art deco, bohemian, coastal, and minimalist modern.
Christmas is Jackson’s favorite holiday to spend with her husband, three young sons, (ages 4, 6, and, 9), and extended family, and as such she loves all of the holiday decorating rituals that come along with it.
“For the Christmas holiday, I love to make a lovely entryway with a welcoming table with skirts and a custom cut glass top, a fireplace mantle or stairway with garland, and a dining room table setting with Wedgewood or another quality fine china. My Nana would be singing with pleasure to see this come to life.”
To get even more inspiration for her design projects, she visits Leesburg’s Old Luckett’s Store, which has vintage country farmhouse rooms, with an explosion of indoor and outdoor Christmas decor. This time of year, she also visits The Mid-Atlantic Antiques Festival in Poolesville, MD.
Jackson enjoys both big and small projects, from helping clients decorate their beach homes and rentals with fabrics, wall coverings, upholstery, and draperies, to a large project at a Beaux-Arts Mansion or a gorgeous Italian villa.
Her best advice for small and large-scale projects is the same. “Taking a few bold risks is where great design happens because it creates focal points, and 80 percent of our senses are experienced through vision,” she explained. “It is also important to prioritize communication about sentimental pieces and family heirlooms.”
Jackson’s dream job combines her passion for design with her use of modern aesthetics.
“This means featuring Italian contemporary furniture and modern art, or embracing traditional British style with antiques and beautiful fabrics, trims, rugs, and wall coverings and adding modern art to create a glorious juxtaposition,” she explained.
“I love creating spaces that reflect my clients’ personalities." Jackson said, “while ensuring a positive and enjoyable renovation experience.”
For additional information, please visit Cheltenham-Interiors.com or call (202) 999-9910.
“Taking a few bold risks is where great design happens because it creates focal points, and 80 percent of our senses are experienced through vision.” -Isabel Jackson.