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Grace The Art of LivingThe first episode of the It’s a Kimono Kind of Day Series featuring hand-made one-of-a-kind garments from J.Mullin Apparel. JMullin.comSpring/Summer 2024
Her cuddly little friend is all wiggles and kisses, and Gracie feels like a little girl again. After all, it is her birthday. Meet GraceThis is Grace Whitlock, interior designer, art collector, gardener, and gourmet chef. Her friends call her “Gracie,” and today’s is her birthday. At least that’s her story. She’s having a little tea party. For herself.
As a little girl, Gracie and her sisters spent their summers on Martha’s Vineyard and loved playing dress up and having tea parties at their grandmother’s house.Indulging in this moment of fun, she’ll take all the kisses she can get.Playing dress-up
As a busy interior designer, Gracie has a full day ahead. Going over her “to do” list in her mind, she knows it’s time to get back to reality.Time to snap out of it.
Gracie starts out her day with some French pressed coffee, fresh berries and scones. Yes, fresh from the oven. She enjoys going to a little extra trouble to create an elevated experience. She moves into her day with a breezy elegance that sets the tone for the rest of the day. The coffee is hot, and this moment is one to savor. Things to do and people to see.
An artist at heart. Gracie always enjoys browsing through some of her favorite design books for a little inspiration. She loves combining textures and patterns into unexpected combinations. That’s what makes her designs so special. It’s all about contrasts and having an eye for the juxtaposition of fine art and unexpected quirky found objects. That, and an eye for combining colors in fresh, innovative ways
As an interior designer, Gracie loses track of time as she artfully combines fabrics, wallpaper, window treatments, paint colors, tile and furnishings. “And don’t forget the lighting,” she says. “It’s the most important thing.”Designing a life.
Taking a little time to gather up some swatches and samples, she prepares for her client’s visit. Putting materials, colors and patterns together is her favorite thing to do. Gracie at her best.
As usual, Gracie had a feeling that she knew what her client would like, and the two of them quickly narrowed down the options to a few strong contenders. Like Gracie says, “When it comes to a design aesthetic, like-minded people tend to find each other.” A creative collaboration.
Although she grew up in Connecticut and was surrounded by the finer things in life, her time in France changed her ideas of what goes together, or could, and what doesn’t, or might. On occasion she still sources fabrics from the old textile mill in Provence. Although it is now closed to the public, she still has her connections. Combining textures and patterns; mixing old with new, has become a passion, changing how she sees the world and bringing more depth and intrigue into her art. That’s why her designs are so legendary. She can create a mood and a feeling that gets to the heart of every client’s aesthetic and takes it to a new level. The magic combination.
Mixing unexpected colors and patterns in such a way that they balance and complement each other is an art in itself. Gracie applies her unique perspective to everything she does. It is an aesthetic that guides her in many ways — from how her home looks, to what she designs for others, and even to what she chooses to wear. Sophisticated and elevated looks need not be without color, pattern or interest.A passion for colors and contrasts.
. Gracie has collected art for years, and enjoys finding unique pieces for the properties she designs. She loves the unexpected. She’ll put contemporary art or vintage photographs in rooms where you would not expect to see them. The bolder, more colorful, the better. The true art is in knowing how to make an impact without overpowering the space. It’s all about the balance. Her aesthetic, accumulated over years of travel, and her study of the French impressionists, has influenced her interior design choices as well as the way she dresses. The juxtaposition of what might seem to be opposing patterns creates a magic all its own, taking her look to a new level of panache.An eye for balance.
In between client meetings and calls, Gracie is having lunch on her patio. She quickly tossed together a fresh mix-up of lettuces, heirloom tomatoes, and prosciutto, then added some spicy almonds and goat cheese, topping it off with a drizzle of a homemade vinaigrette. Oh, my goodness!The sun illuminates the colors all around her, warming her skin and uplifting her spirits. If she could bottle this energy, this beauty, this joy, she would. But she can wear it. Her kimono seems to capture the feeling quite well. Wearing this vibrant black and white print kimono over a red polka dot dress, and then adding the scarf is almost as interesting as her salad.A refreshing mix.
Inspired by the highlights and shadows that are created by the sunlight, she loves to capture the contrasts in her paintings. It all starts with a sketch of a shape, capturing the interplay of darkness and light. Gracie says that it’s the contrasts that make life — and people, for that matter — fascinating.Gracie couldn’t live in the South of France without absorbing some of the talent of the great impressionistic painters who painted their great masterpieces there. Having also studied fine art at Berkeley, she has developed her illustration skills beyond being able to draw floor plans and elevations. She’s been taking oil painting classes at the Art Institute and is accumulating a nice portfolio of original pieces.Shadows and Light.
When it comes to bringing a more elevated aesthetic into your life, you just have to trust your instincts. It’s a “you’ll know it when you see it” phenomenon. “Once you find the overall look and feel that you love, you’ll want to have more of it in your life,” she says. “But it does keep evolving. It’s a work in progress.” Take it from Gracie. Try new things. Change things around until you find the right combination; the magic formula that just feels right. Rearrange those accessories, try wearing your favorite clothes in new combinations. As you evolve and become more of who you are, how you dress needs to come up a notch as well.Changing things around.
Gracie is revitalizing her skills on the court by taking up pickleball, and she’s loving it. And, looking good doing it. Her perky kimono-inspired jacket is a game-stopping statement piece that serves up the compliments and wraps up her game in style.“We didn’t play pickleball when I grew up” she says. “I was a tennis fanatic. But this is fun, and requires a lot of skill, as well.” Holding court.
“Don’t think that I’ve given up playing tennis, though,” she says. “I’m old school. I’ll never give up my love for a power backhand return. I just love the sound of a ball hitting the sweet spot of my racket.” Finding the sweet spot.“Keeping up with the latest trends and trying new things is what I love to do. I have to keep stepping out of my comfort zone and just see where it takes me.” It’s another way Gracie is keeping up with trends and keeping her perspective fresh and relevant.Walking out that door.
After a quick shower and returning a few calls, Gracie packs a basket with some freshly picked flowers from her garden and a bottle of wine. She’s headed to an afternoon housewarming party at her client’s newly renovated home. Fresh as a daisy.Who knew you could wear the sash belt as a bow?
Gracie’s day isn’t over yet. Tonight is the Opening Night of a friend’s exhibit at a popular art gallery downtown. She’ll be making her own artistic statement by wearing a stunning scarf tied in a dramatic bow. The added drama takes her lovely gown to a new level of “Wow!” A new exhibit.
Anyone who knows Gracie wants what she’s having. What is it, exactly? She tells people that it’s just being who she is, loving what she does, and showing others how to do the same. Your own authentic style is something that is inside you. You are born with the curiosity and learn what is pleasing to your eye. It’s in an acquired taste that is yours alone. Expressing your style begins with knowing what you love. You’ve already got that going for you. “I want what she’s having.”
Another day, another magazine photo spread. Gracie is used to seeing herself show up in the glossy pages of lifestyle magazines. Her sense of adventure has opened up many unexpected opportunities for her to share her story and inspire others. Television appearances and speaking engagements have taught her to be ready for just about any situation or occasion.Not that she minds. Her collection of J.Mullin Apparel kimonos goes a long way towards her always having the perfect thing to wear. To her, it’s just another day-in-the-life. Ready for anything.
If Gracie loves one thing, it’s being able to be all the things. Her life is rich with a variety of interesting people, artistic challenges and a whole lot of going and doing. And just being who she is, and loving every minute.jmullin.com Concept, styling and story by Amani Skalacki, stylist @amani.stylekc Copy by Joanne Mullin, designer @jmullinapparel Model: Heather Slusher @voicesandmodels Photography by Janie Jones @uncommon.jane Hair by Maddie Freyre @hairbymaddie Make-up by Allie J @slowdownskincare Location: Manka Interiors KC @mankainteriors