Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and brought up in San Antonio, Texas, Nicola Bathie McLaughlin developed an appreciation for travel and beauty as a child which has guided her path in life. After studying interior design at Texas Christian University, her artistic creativity took her to Oxford University in England as well as Lorenzo De Medici University in Florence, Italy. Nicola then returned to Texas where she began her career working as an understudy for Betty Lou Phillips and design associate for Jenkins Interiors in Dallas, Texas.
At the age of 21 Nicola opened her own jewelry business, Nicola Bathie Jewelry, and in 2015 she expanded by opening her own boutique interior design firm in San Antonio where she brings her historic knowledge of both interior design and the arts to her clients, mixing the old with the new to create timeless style. Nicola’s Instagram account offers an inspirational glimpse inside her charmed life and exquisitely curated world, and it is one of my very favorite follows. Today I am delighted to introduce Nicola to The Glam Pad today for a Q&A… Welcome Nicola!
Q: How do you describe your personal style and where do you find inspiration?
A: I would describe my personal style as being a combination of transitional and transitional, ethereal, and quirky. I find inspiration everywhere I look, a lot comes from traveling and seeing new things done in new, old, or different ways.
Q: Who are your top five favorite fashion designers and top five interior designers (past or present)?
A: Fashion: Emilia Wickstead, Markarian, Cecilie Bahnsen, Agua Bendita, and Brock Collection.
Interiors: Ben Pentreath, Thierry Despont, Victoria Hagan, Mark Sikes, and Suzanne Kasler.
Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: Antique Stores, 1st Dibs, and through Auctions.
Q: What are five (material) possessions you could not live without?
A: My phone, oat lattes, fresh flowers, my big camera, and of course, a pair of my earrings.
Q: What are some of your favorite pieces in your beautiful jewelry collection?
A: I wear the pearl loops about every other day. They were inspired by the shape of the very first earring I ever made out of wire! Also love the rose or aquamarine studs, butterfly studs, and embellished tassels. I am about to debut my dream collection for the Holidays. It is the epitome of what I love in life, interiors, and jewelry all coming together.
Q: In addition to a successful career in interior and jewelry design, you have the most adorable little girls! How do you balance your time?
A: It is always a battle to find the balance but I am in the office from 8-3 (of course I go in and out of the house a lot to see them throughout the day) and then the rest of the day is spent with the girls.
Q: Your beautiful clothes are such an inspiration on Instagram! What are your favorite comfy things to wear while stuck at home during this pandemic.
A: I genuinely love to be in a robe. I don’t think there is anything more comfortable than being in a fluffy robe.
Nicola and her beautiful Mother
Q: Do you have any favorite “movie houses” that have inspired your style?
A: The Emma set and obviously, all the sets used for the Crown.
Q: When you aren’t busy designing, how do you like to spend your free time?
A: I love being outside any time I can be. Sophia and I love to go on little walks together, she picks flowers along the way and its so sweet.
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation, and what destinations are on your bucket list?
A: Our absolute favorite place to go on a long proper holiday is England. We can get to the Bahamas rather easily so we go there a lot on shorter trips. Mustique Island is on our bucket list.
Nicola’s fairytale wedding at Bovey Castle in England
Thank you, Nicola, for making the world a prettier place! For additional information on Nicola Bathie McLaughlin and her exquisite jewelry collection, please visit www.nicolabathie.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @nicolabathiemclaughlin for daily inspiration. And I highly recommend this 10 minute video tour of her home where Nicola shares tips on where to spend and splurge when decorating.
Below, I am sharing some of my favorite jewelry pieces, which make the perfect gift for a special occasion, or just for yourself… I want one of everything! 🙂
Totally lovely and light filled…Design, fabrics, gardens, table setting, pillows, fixtures, rugs, modern and antiques mixed together,
mother and daughter, on and on… Where is the menu? Looks like a cupcake party!
EMN.
Lovely color choices and creative table settings.
Totally lovely and light filled…Design, fabrics, gardens, table setting, pillows, fixtures, rugs, modern and antiques mixed together,
mother and daughter, on and on… Where is the menu? Looks like a cupcake party!
EMN.
Those tablescapes are splendid. I like her style.
Simply beautiful taste!
Beautiful!! Lovely, soft, gorgeous interiors and darling children’s table!!
Andrea, “Thank You” for sharing this delightful and uplifting design concept…visual fresh air!