Meet Jennifer Harkavy | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Harkavy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place. In 2009, we were living in New York, which is where I spent most of my life. This was at the height of the mortgage crisis, my husband and I didn’t have financial security at that time. On and off we talked about relocating, and so we packed it up and moved out to Los Angeles. I knew that taking a chance could open us up to a fuller life, and the result has been an incredible 15 years raising our children here in Palos Verdes.
Starting J. Harkavy Interiors in 2020 felt like a natural course of action. I had learned a great deal working for a design firm in Manhattan Beach, but knew nothing about how to run a business. From that standpoint it was intimidating, and I made some mistakes along the way, but without taking that risk I would always be wondering ‘what if…’.

What should our readers know about your business?
J. Harkavy Interiors is a comprehensive residential design firm dedicated to crafting coastal inspired interiors in Los Angeles. What distinguishes us is our meticulous attention to detail and a client-first philosophy. We aim to create stunning yet functional spaces that are uniquely tailored to each client’s vision. It brings us tremendous pride when our clients embrace bold choices and place their complete trust in our expertise.

I’ve learned that interior design has so many facets and moving parts that are integral to the success of a project. Showing appreciation to your contractors, carpenters, window installers, fabric and furniture vendors, is so important. They are a vital part of our team and we couldn’t do it without them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a tough one!

There are so many amazing places in Los Angeles.
Here’s a few of my favorites:
A day trip to Lido Beach and Corona Del Mar.
A ride bikes from our house down to the strand, over to Manhattan beach and explore. We would have lunch at Esperanza.
A picnic dinner and wine on Torrance beach and watch the sunset.
A morning at the Getty House, followed by an afternoon in Malibu dinner at Nobu.
Take in a show at the Pantages Theatre
Visit to the Broad Museum
Lunch at Langer’s Deli a personal favorite! Shopping at the jewelry district and dinner at Bottega Louie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a lot of my creativity and inspiration to my dad, who inspired my passion for interior design. I can remember being as young as 10 when my dad and I would spend Saturdays in and out of Antique shops. In my early 20’s he took me to a flea market outside the city of London, a favorite memory. I bought a brass gong, it was $200 and back then it was ALOT of money for me. I still have it..

He’s encouraged me to take chances, pursue my dreams, and celebrating my successes as they were his own.

Website: https://www.jharkavyinteriors.com

Instagram: @jharkavyinteriors

Image Credits
Jessica Alexander Photography
Lauren Taylor Creative