Acclaimed interior designers John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon always stress the importance of storytelling in their work and their products. “That’s the thread that ties our work together,” says Nixon, who founded High Point, North Carolina-based Mad Cap Cottage with Loecke about ten years ago.
The two will be in town for The Richmond Home + Garden Show at the Richmond Raceway Complex, March 6 through 8. The show features more than 250 exhibitors, including an array of home remodeling and construction professionals as well as garden and landscaping experts.
Mad Cap Cottage is known for its use of color, prints, and patterns in its designs and home accessories, everything from rugs and lighting to wallpaper and products for dogs.
During their presentation, Loecke and Nixon will talk about allowing yourself permission to use a storytelling concept in your own home. They will discuss their style and show you how to find your unique personal style.
“Interiors should be fun,” says Nixon. “We like to create a spirit of adventure and fun, whether it’s interiors or products.”
The word Madcap in the name of their company reflects their own spirit of throwing caution to the wind. “We never wanted it to be the John and Jason show,” Nixon says. “We used ‘cottage’ because it feels cozy and inviting.”
Both he and Loecke came by their love of interior design naturally. “We grew up in families where we would rearrange the furniture all the time. They were ever-changing interiors,” Nixon says.
They both believe a home should be accessible and inviting. No rooms should be off limits to family, pets, and friends. At home, Loecke and Nixon live with four rescue dogs – three pugs and a Boston terrier. “Nothing in the house is sacred. Everything we create has to be dog-friendly and accessible,” Nixon says. “Life is about the memories.”
Those memories can include displays of collections featuring everything from a person’s travels to a child’s artwork. “Things that have memories add a little magic and give your environment a spirit of fun,” Nixon says, noting you can include those displays anywhere in the house. “The hallway is just as important as the living room and dining room.”
The idea is to make decorating simple. “When I serve pigs in the blanket for dinner everyone goes nuts, for instance. When I serve something fancy, no one cares,” Nixon says. “Our goal is to make your home your personal brand. Bring it to life. Every project we have done looks different.”
Nixon gets his inspiration from history, adventure, travel and great movies – one of his favorites is Auntie Mame. “We love traveling. We are like sponges, always absorbing images, history, etc.,” he says. “It’s all about enjoying the ride.”
When they are in Richmond, Loecke and Nixon will talk about simple tips and tricks of the trade. “We’ll show you how you can go in and pull it all together,” Nixon says.
When it comes to their own products, the Madcap founders continue to expand their offerings. They will be launching a bedding line and they are working on a children’s book about their adventures with their rescue dogs. Loecke is illustrating the book, which will be out next year. “It’s about what you can learn from dogs,” Nixon says, adding that the pair’s latest book is Prints Charming: Create Absolutely Beautiful Interiors with Prints & Patterns.
The two enjoy coming to Richmond and while they are in town, they’re looking forward to visiting the VMFA and restaurants like Can Can and L’Opossum. “We love Richmond,” Nixon says.
