About J. Stephens Interiors

Jo Ann Alston, CID
Principal, J. Stephens Interiors

Recognized by her peers for design excellence, Jo Ann Alston brings 30 years of experience and consummate skills to create interior designs of exceptional beauty, comfort and grace. Her ability to meld European and Asian influences into stunning traditional and contemporary interiors is reflective of her extensive travels and study of cultures abroad. Clients marvel at the in-depth manner in which she assesses their needs and her total commitment to achieving that vision. They also appreciate her unique talent for resolving unanticipated issues with brilliant solutions that please all. Architects, builders and contractors rely on her professional expertise in planning and designing spaces, lighting, windows, doors, and other structural elements. And her close attention to detail ensures everything is implemented to exact specification. Elegant. Delightful. Surprising. Enduring. Just a few of the distinctive qualities that define Jo Ann Alston's work.
Professional Credentials and Recognition

* Certified Interior Designer, New Jersey and Illinois
* Member, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
* Silver and Bronze Awards for Design Excellence, NJ Chapter of ASID
* Top 50 New Jersey Interior Designers, NJ Savvy Living Magazine
* Interior Design Instructor, Ray College of Design and Illinois Institute of Art
* Featured in the upcoming book Historic Interiors of the 21st Century.

Education

* Bachelor of Fine Arts, Northern Illinois University, minor in Art History
* Historic Preservation studies at Drew University

Services We Offer

Your Vision, Fulfilled.

Founder of J. Stephens Interiors, Jo Ann Alston, CID has forged her reputation on the excellence of interior design services she offers and the broad experience she has amassed in performing them for both residential and commercial clients. Among her many strengths is her proficiency in planning spaces from their inception, collaborating with architects and builders to create custom environments true to her clients wishes. Her portfolio of services includes:

* Space planning, furniture plans and elevations, lighting plans, furniture and fabric selection and procurement through exclusive sources, wall covering and paint schedules, light fixture selection and procurement, design and selection of flooring, custom cabinetry and architectural woodwork
* Custom window treatments
* Kitchen and bath design and renovation
* Antique and fine art procurement through exclusive sources in Europe and US
* Historic preservation and period-style rooms
* Commercial spaces including offices, healthcare, lobbies, and country clubs
* Green (environmentally conscious) design
* Available for projects nationwide

How it all comes together for you.

You'll find it a pleasure to work with Jo Ann Alston. Whether it's a 10,000 sq. ft. home or a single room makeover, her enthusiasm and personal devotion to each project fosters a warm rapport and successful collaboration. It starts with an in-depth interview to define your vision and a review of design concepts found in various photographs and magazines to determine what appeals to you most. A follow-up meeting ensues to review and agree on concepts. Measurements and photos are taken. Floor plans and elevations are drawn to scale and lighting designs submitted to give you a clear picture of how your space will unfold. Upon your approval, Ms. Alston creates detailed drawings to illustrate how the interior will look. Designs for custom woodworking such as moldings and bookcases are also developed. Next—and this is where her mastery of color and materials is invaluable—comes the selection of furnishings, fabrics, drapery, carpeting, wall coverings, lighting, art, and antiques. With pricing approved, she then personally oversees every aspect of the work, from contracting to completion, until your total satisfaction is achieved. The result is a smooth and rewarding process, culminating in a welcoming, restful environment whose striking beauty you'll cherish always.