April 6, 2026 | inspiration
Natural texture and serene layers inspired by the ocean.
Natural textures and thoughtful craftsmanship define Jeffrey Alan Marks’ 1925 beach cottage where layered design and Phillip Jeffries wallcovering create a timeless, livable retreat. Join us for a video tour of his home.
A Textured Life
Welcome to PJ's Designer Series where we spotlight standout designer projects and incredible stories. Each feature delves into the creative process and inspiration behind some spectacular interiors. With a career spanning decades, multiple design books, and a body of work celebrated across the world’s leading design publications, Jeffrey Alan Marks has long been a defining voice in American interiors. His signature style comes to life through layered, livable design, where natural textures create a home that feels timeless, intimate, and unmistakably Jeffrey. Step inside his 1925 beach cottage in Montecito wrapped in natural wallcovering.
Welcome to PJ's Designer Series where we spotlight standout designer projects and incredible stories. Each feature delves into the creative process and inspiration behind some spectacular interiors. With a career spanning decades, multiple design books, and a body of work celebrated across the world’s leading design publications, Jeffrey Alan Marks has long been a defining voice in American interiors. His signature style comes to life through layered, livable design, where natural textures create a home that feels timeless, intimate, and unmistakably Jeffrey. Step inside his 1925 beach cottage in Montecito wrapped in natural wallcovering.
We sat down with him to hear more about his inspiration and design philosophy. Watch the video >
Videographer: Chase Angel
Creating Relaxed Formality
Few designers have shaped the language of “relaxed luxury” quite like Jeffrey Alan Marks. A bicoastal tastemaker celebrated for spaces that feel tailored yet effortlessly lived-in, Marks has spent more than 30 years creating interiors defined by authenticity, timeless color, and impeccable layering. This approach has earned him wider recognition through his appearance on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and ongoing features in top design publications including Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Vogue Living, and House Beautiful. He is also the acclaimed author of two Rizzoli books, The Meaning of Home (2013) and This Is Home (2025), which spotlight his signature blend of California ease and European refinement, including his own beach cottage in Montecito shown here.
Beyond residential and commercial projects across the globe, Marks has translated his point of view into coveted product collaborations with industry leaders such as Kravet, The Rug Company, A. Rudin, Palecek, and The Tile Shop. He brings his “easy living” sensibility to everything from textiles and furnishings to rugs and tile.
Inside The Living Room
"It gave this sandy feeling that was so important because you're right there on the beach."
4233 Handira Cloth | Photographer: Trevor Trondo
Designing His Daughter's Pink Bedroom
“This home was very stark so I wanted to warm it up. We went with pink because it's very nurturing.”
5322 Heathered Linens | Photographer: Trevor Trondo
Choosing Eco-friendly and Beautiful: PJ Natural Wallcovering
In his Montecito beach cottage, Jeffrey Alan Marks’ commitment to thoughtful living extends beyond aesthetics to the materials themselves. He selected all‑natural wallcoverings crafted with water‑based inks and free from PFAS, supporting healthier indoor air quality while maintaining the integrity of the design. Made from renewable plant fibers such as seagrass, jute, sisal, and abaca, these grasscloths celebrate the beauty of nature in its most refined form. Breathable, biodegradable at the end of their life cycle, and harvested from fast‑growing plants, the materials reflect an approach to sustainability that feels effortless, considered, and deeply aligned with the way the home is meant to be lived in. Choosing natural textures like grasscloth created the texture Marks wanted to warm up the formerly stark space. “It gave this sandy feeling," said Marks. "That was so important because you’re right there on the beach.”
Creating A Home Office
“This grasscloth [Gallant Grasses] I love," said Marks. "It has such great light, and makes me concentrate a little more."
Gallant Grasses | Photographer: Trevor Trondo
“I just kept it very neutral and very calm," said Marks. "I wanted everyone to look at the view.”
At its heart, Jeffrey Alan Marks’ Montecito beach cottage reflects the values that define Phillip Jeffries. Natural materials, artisan craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. The result is a home layered with beautiful wallcovering and intentional materials that are meant to last and be enjoyed.
