At home with author & consultant Jackie Kai Ellis

After working for 9 years as a Design Director in branding, Vancouver native Jackie Kai Ellis packed her bags and moved to Paris to pursue her passion for pastry. On returning home she founded the award-winning bakery, Beaucoup, which lead to her becoming a judge on Iron Chef Canada and Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants and finally writing her bestselling memoir, The Measure of My Powers: A memoir of food, misery and Paris that was published by Penguin. In 2018 she purchased and renovated a Parisian apartment situated in the 10th arrondissement, which has formed the basis for a new venture: Apt La Fayette - a physical and online space for ‘inspiration, tools and ideas on creating meaningful beauty in the everyday.’

We joined Jackie in her beautiful new place that is filled with vintage furniture, items bought while travelling and an enviable marble kitchen, to talk to her about her interior style inspirations, decorating challenges and what makes her feel at home.

What do you like most about the area you live in, in Paris?

It’s right by the canal, it’s hip and vibrant. It’s truly a neighbourhood for people that live here and I love that there are so many people creating new things here.

What were the biggest decorating challenges?

I love a good decorating challenge! I had purchased the space from a very old lady who was also a bit of a hoarder. The space really hadn’t been renovated since the 40’s and the space was not usable. The kitchen had no fridge, she still used the garde manger. The salle de bain was in the hallway with a shower basin that folded up to allow for passage. It’s no wonder the seller had such a hard time selling the apartment as it would have been impossible for most to reimagine the layout.

For me, it was perfect as I knew I would want the space to be mine and I hate the idea of tearing out things that are still usable from a sustainability standpoint. In this case, I could start fresh while still preserving the historical elements like floors, mouldings and mirrors.

How would you describe your interior style?

Classic contemporary. I like to contrast and balance traditional with modern/contemporary. That tension really excites me. Though above all, the space needs to serve its purpose and my home needs to feel comfortable, livable and inviting.

Favourite piece(s) of furniture/treasures?

I‘ve found a lot of great pieces on Le Bon Coin and at flea markets around the world. Though everything in my home I truly love - it’s a philosophy I’ve been trying, including only things that inspire me to use and to see as much as I can. I also have Astier de Villatte pieces all over my home.

What interior styles inspire you?

Anything by Joseph Dirand. He is an icon for me, the elegance and sophistication with which he expresses a space. Every detail is considered.

Favourite sources for inspiration?

I look a lot to nature; I am infinitely inspired by colour, texture and form. I also love fashion, pottery and Instagram is my go-to.

Favourite three social media mavens?

Of course I love Joann Pai @sliceofpai, she’s one of my best friends and she’s an amazing human.
Kate Devine @deareverest is doing beautiful things on her feed. It’s sensitive, pretty and calm.
Andrea Gentl @andreagentl makes me see simple things in a new way.

How has publishing your book changed your life? 

I would say that writing about your most vulnerable and painful moments and putting it out there has really healed some of those stories for me. I’ve found forgiveness for myself most importantly, though I also see now that I was the most courageous in moments I felt weakest. It’s helped me to love and accept myself, as I am.

Best career advice you ever received?

Be clear with your intentions. Before you start anything, before walking into a meeting, before you take a step, be clear about what you want to get out of it and why.

What would you do if you hadn’t started your bakery or done the work you’ve been doing in the last few years?

Honestly, I’ve been lucky enough to have done everything I have dreamt of doing: being a creative director in branding, going to pastry school, opening a bakery, starting a food tour company in Paris, being in media, a food travel journalist, and writing a memoir.

Now that I’ve crossed everything off my list, I’m in the midst of dreaming of what comes next! I am currently designing a line of kitchen and dining linens with Flax Sleep that will be launched in the Spring. I would love to design more, co-creating with others on beautiful and inspiring things including clothing and more spaces and interiors.

The last good book you read?

I’m currently reading Seat of the Soul and I’ve bought copies to give to my friends. It’s for anyone that wants to understand the meaning of it all.

What’s in your magazine pile?

Architectural Digest mostly:)

What’s on your nightstand?

Two stacks of books that I’m simultaneously reading. Usually a cup of water, a rose quartz, and a little dish from Astier de Villatte to hold the extras.

Handbag essentials?

Nothing special: earbuds, phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a little linen handkerchief for everything that might happen in a random Parisian day.

Paris favourites:

L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803, the perfume shop. L’Atelier Brancusi by the Pompidou.

Favourite Café:

Dreamin’ Man

Favourite restaurant:

Comice

Favourite shop:

Astier de Villatte

Jackie is currently designing a range of kitchen and dining linens in collaboration with Flax Sleep that will be available in Spring next year!

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