I’m Paige Wassel. WAS the Newsletter is your weekly dose of design inspiration, where my younger brother, Jack, has been the family’s golden child for as long as I can remember… so I figured it was finally time to let him earn the title.

Meet JACK WASSEL: He’s equal parts baseball guy, golfer, thrift store regular, and unofficial shopping companion. Give him a Saturday and he’ll happily bounce between the golf course, a vintage shop, and “just one more” clothing store. We somehow ended up with almost identical taste in interiors, which means we spend an unhealthy amount of time sending each other furniture listings and convincing ourselves we need things we absolutely do not. Naturally, he was the perfect person to interrogate for this month’s Q&A.

How would you describe your design style in 3 words?

Minimalist, clean, and eclectic. Somehow all three coexist.

If someone walked into your apartment, what’s the first thing you’d hope they noticed?

Definitely the kitchen renovation Paige and I did together. I feel like we put a lot of thought into making it feel functional but warm, too? So I’m always hoping it catches peoples eye.

(Just incase you missed Jack’s renovation project – watch it below!)

What’s your favorite room in your apartment? Why?

It’s definitely a toss up between my kitchen and my living room…

The kitchen is where everyone just naturally seems to land. It has this sick banquette that you designed and my dad made with his bare hands. My mom sewed the cushions for the banquette too! And you know I had to fill her up with some WAS pillows.

My living room is my unwind space. It has the most gigantic couch I’ve ever sat on and I love to sprawl out on that thing after work (with, of course, more WAS pillows). I also really like that vintage bench I found thrifting that sits under my TV. Don’t even get me started on my Crate & Barrel coffee table! I love her sm.

What’s something you own that you’ll probably never get rid of?

Speaking of the Crate & Barrel coffee table…probably that. It was one of those purchases where the second it was in the apartment, everything clicked. I don’t see it leaving anytime soon.

What is your earliest memory of me designing something?

I was probably around 10 or 12 when you decided to completely redesign the basement? Still shocked mom and dad agreed to that. You added this cool little high top table where all my friends hung out at. Your redesign, though, completely changed the way we used the space and looking back, it was probably the first time I realized how cool you were.

Did you always think I would end up working in design? Why or why not?

I mean…duh. You have been designing things for GD-ever. Rearranging all the rooms and obsessing over little details – it was only a matter of time, P!

What’s a design choice that you and I have always agreed on?

Okay so it’s not really interior design but we have always agreed on PANTS. I swear every time we see each other, one of us has a new pair of pants on that we both agree not only look really good but fit really well. As you know, it’s really hard to find pants with the ol’ Wassel pooch (proportions are off in this family).

Jack’s favorite pants linked below →

What’s one item you’re always hunting for when you’re thrifting?

I’m constantly looking for knick knacks to make my home feel more homey! And pants….always pants.

Are you a patient thrifter or impulse buyer?

Oh I am absolutely BOTH!

There are days where I want to wake up, walk around the streets of Chicago and hop from thrift store to thrift store. That takes a lot of patience and coffee (iced honey cinnamon oat milk vanilla latte to be exact!)

But with that, I am also always buying things off impulse. Whether in person or at a thrift store or scrolling through ebay, depop or even Banana – something about buying something online on a whim really makes me feel like life is worth living (hehe).

Is there a design trend you secretly love…or hate?

Meh. I’m always into homes that feel collected instead of perfectly matched. Different colors, textures, shapes, vintage pieces mixed with newer ones – it works when it feels intentional IMO. Add some warm ambient lighting, light a candle or some incense and im SET.

A LIL RAPID FIRE PORTION…..

Who has better taste – you or me? Be careful.

I could stir the pot here…but we know the answer. Ms. P!

If your apartment had a walk up song, what would it be?

“Ooze Out and Away, Onehow” by the Cocteau Twins (I have no idea what Elizabeth Fraser is saying but I can’t stop listening)

What’s more competitive: golf or finding the best thrift score?

Thrift score forever and always.

What are you currently obsessed with?

Going to The Breakers in Chicago and sippin on a cold Ruth Lewandowski. Oh – and finding the best summer shoe. Both equally important.

What’s the most “Jack” thing about you that people wouldn’t know just by looking at you?

I try on about 4-6 different outfits before I come to a decision because I hate my closet (don’t we all?) I’m forever filled with indecisiveness and optimism.

xx,
P