Jenna DeFalco
Inspired Design Decorative Painting
South Elgin, Illinois

After high school, Jenna studied at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earning her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Graphic Design.  From there, she went on to work in advertising for four years. During her time in advertising she dabbled in furniture refinishing, and after she built up some experience and a client base, she decided to do it full time. 

Over time, her customers began requesting that she do wall finishes and murals for them.  Then, four years ago, she relocated from Philadelphia to South Elgin, Illinois.  After getting settled, she began searching for a school to teach her the skills that she needed to move on to wall finishes.  She found Kathy Carroll’s Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes while searching online, and signed up for her “Great Beginnings” class.  After taking the class, she spent much of her time at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes.  Having had a chance to get to know her, Kathy offered her a position as a part time studio assistant.  Working at the studio allowed her to network with other artisans and gave her the opportunity to master the different products.  Her experiences at the studio helped her develop the ability to troubleshoot the problems of customers at the studio, since those are the same products that she uses in her own business.

Jenna loves Kathy’s diverse line of lime-based products, and enjoys working with Bella Sabbia both as a plaster and as a crackle.  She says of Kathy’s product offerings: “Kathy has a well rounded product line that sets her school apart from the rest.”  She cites Versaplast among her favorites, saying that she “uses Bella Grip first, then Versiplast over existing tile on fireplaces and tile backsplashes because it adheres well to ceramic.”  Jenna also says that she is a fan of Golden’s product line saying: “all of their products are reliable and can be mixed together to create different looks.”  She comments: “Kathy is always getting new products in at the studio, and there is always something new to learn.”

The majority of Jenna’s work is providing wall finishes, although she does still do some furniture refinishing. She has also been encouraging her customers to consider cabinet refinishing rather than replacing the cabinets entirely.  Refinishing generally only costs a quarter of what replacement would cost.  Jenna enjoys stencil work and creates custom stencils to fit the specific needs and desires of her clients.  She also loves to work with a trowel to create finishes that she describes as “multilayered and unique,” often incorporating stencils in these designs.   Jenna prides herself on providing her customers with professionalism, quality, and understanding.  She says, “You need to pay attention to your clients likes and dislikes. People expect quality and professionalism when you are working with their biggest investment.” She has been encouraging her customers to consider cabinet refinishing rather than replacing the cabinets entirely.  Refinishing generally only costs a quarter of what replacement would cost.

When asked what she would name as her favorite job she talks about a job that she completed for the owners of a beautiful, custom built home in Park Ridge, Illinois.  Throughout the home she used ten different finishes, many developed specifically for this client.   She completed a finish in almost every room, working on a ceiling medallion and other ceiling finishes, a turret, and various wall finishes.  The home was decorated in an eclectic style, blending modern and traditional characteristics.  Jenna says that the eclectic nature of the décor made it fun and challenging to work with.  This is where Jenna is in her element, saying that she “loves the creative aspect of walking into someone’s home and problem solving a finish to work in that environment.”  She says of the finishes that she chose; “every room had a level of difficulty: different layered, textured finishes incorporating stencils.  It was a dream project.  She let me do whatever I wanted.”  The freedom that she was given in finishing this home shows the type of relationship that she has and the trust she builds with her clientele.  She proudly says that some of the relationships that she has built with customers have evolved into personal friendships.

Jenna has worked at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes for the past three and a half years, teaching classes in furniture and cabinetry as well as assisting with the “Great Beginnings” and “Professional Update” courses.  Currently she is working towards completing her Masters in Interior Design at Harrington College of Design.  She believes that continuing education is important to growing her business.  She says of continuing education, “It keeps your portfolio up to date and diverse as well as keeping your mind sharp.”

Jenna says of Kathy that she “wouldn’t be where I am today without Kathy and her dedication.  Kathy is a wealth of knowledge and a very smart woman.”  She also raves about the support system that Kathy provided to her and provides to each of her students and customers, adding that Kathy and her staff (Jenna included) are always available to help troubleshoot jobs, products, or help with whatever other questions may come up.

For more information about Inspired Design Decorative Painting,
contact Jenna DeFalco at 847-977-4607.