In this insightful conversation with Penny Francis, founder of Eclectic Home and a celebrated interior designer, we explore her journey from childhood fascination to becoming a leading voice in design. With over 25 years of experience, Penny’s work blends a rich appreciation for antiques with modern aesthetics, creating spaces that honor both history and contemporary style. In this interview, Penny reflects on her experiences, including her involvement with the Black Artists + Designers Guild, her impactful work with the Cooper Hewitt, and her collaboration with LebaTex on a truly unique design project. Join us as we dive into the world of design through Penny’s eyes, and discover the inspiration and creative process behind some of her most meaningful work.
Can you share a bit about your journey as an interior designer and what led you to this project?
My journey as an interior designer began, I believe, when I was just six years old. Growing up as one of six girls with a father who was a master carpenter, I spent my early years immersed in construction, while developing a deep passion for beautiful things. I would watch old films with my grandmother, not so much for the storylines, but for the set designs that captivated me and sparked my curiosity.
Around the age of 12, I began refinishing furniture with my grandfather, which helped me realize my love for design and my growing appreciation for furniture from various periods and styles. Although design was considered more of a hobby in my family rather than a career, I pursued a degree in education, aiming to become an art teacher. However, during my studies, I worked part-time for developers, which gave me the opportunity to showcase my talents and start designing.
After graduation, I continued my work in real estate with a long-term goal of one day opening my own design firm and store—a place where I could curate and showcase the essence of Eclectic Design. Living in New Orleans, with its rich history and incredible antique resources, I saw the potential to blend these timeless pieces with modern and contemporary furnishings and architecture. Through my travels, I discovered the importance of showing how to mix antiques with modern elements, creating unexpected yet harmonious designs.
That was 25 years ago, and today, we continue to bring a unique blend of global furniture and design to New Orleans—creating spaces that celebrate both the past and the present.
What drew you to the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), and how has it influenced your work?
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that I discovered BADG and the community they were building, which I knew I wanted to be a part of. As a designer, I often felt isolated, especially as Southern designers weren’t as widely recognized as those from the East and West Coasts. I longed for a sense of community and connection, and BADG seemed to offer exactly that.
During those difficult weeks of quarantine, we spent time on Zoom getting to know one another, sharing resources, and inviting guests to speak about their products and services. I vividly remember discussions around showhouses, and the idea of creating a virtual showhouse came up. Though we weren’t entirely sure how to make it happen, we jumped in headfirst and created the Obsidian Showhouse.
Each designer was given the opportunity to design a virtual space, and I was thrilled to be tasked with the wine room. Presenting my design was an incredibly fulfilling experience. I believe that showhouse marked a turning point for the organization, leading to even more opportunities for the BADG community to grow and our work to be showcased.
When the Cooper Hewitt assigned us the Carnegie Library for the Making Home Triennial, it felt like a poignant and perfect space to showcase what home meant to us—especially in a place where reading and literacy were once denied to the enslaved. We chose to focus on the concept of the "underground library," drawing inspiration from the Underground Railroad, which was established to help the enslaved travel north to freedom. Since slaves were not taught to read, this library became a powerful symbol of resistance and empowerment. During the period of the Underground Railroad, quilts were created with coded patterns to guide the enslaved on their journey to freedom. These quilts, with their intricate designs, were hung out of windows or on clotheslines to help travelers find their way. Symbols like the North Star, which indicated the direction to head north, or the Bow Tie, a symbol for disguising one's appearance, were embedded in the quilt design. Another important symbol was the Crossroads, which referred to the meeting points in places like Cleveland and Ohio, where escaping slaves could find safety and further guidance.
How did your design fit with the overall scheme of the installation?
Photo Credit: Elliot Goldstein
Window Treatment Fabrication: WindowWorks
The windows are very architecturally significant in the historic home. We could not modify or affix any detail or object that would affect the integrity of the room. Because the quilts were hung from windows and clothes lines, it was kismet that the windows played such an important role for the time and now in this room where we were paying homage to this struggle. The size and scale of the windows which are recessed and encased with amazing millwork, draw you into the space. It was important to have a pattern that in scale would be powerful, and represent that important element during the freedom struggle. The connection between the quilts and the struggle for freedom and the historical context of the room creates a meaningful atmosphere. The selection of color was purposeful, red meaning life force, black for wisdom, orange for energy, and enthusiasm, and white for spirituality.
What was your experience like working with LebaTex on this project?
My experience working with LebaTex was exceptional from the beginning. Their commitment to bringing the project to life was matched by an enthusiastic and respectful approach. The team was incredibly knowledgeable, skilled, and resourceful, especially since this was my first time creating a textile pattern. I am truly grateful for the guidance and expertise provided by the entire team.
Were there any challenges or surprises in the process?
Yes, the biggest challenge was to make sure I had the right base fabric that would allow the pattern to be appreciated in an abundance of daylight and at dusk. The many ground fabrics offered by LabaTex provided exactly what was needed for the pattern to be a feature not to be missed in the room. Additionally, I could only create a treatment to cover half of the window to allow natural light in, as well as the treatment could not be permanent. With the help and guidance from Window Works and Luann Nigara and her team, a frame was made to affix the fabric that did not alter or affect the windows architecture. The end result was what I had hoped for.
How does this project align with your broader design philosophy and work?
I believe that instinctually listening to your design voice and being passionate about telling a story resonates with this work as it does with my design work. I encourage clients to tell their stories and let me be the facilitator to create an environment that speaks to who they are and what matters most to them.
What message or feeling did you hope visitors would take away from your installation?
I hope visitors are inspired by this experience, feel motivated to create, and take pride in the work displayed here
What exciting projects or initiatives do you have coming up that you'd like to share with our audience?
I am thrilled to announce our 25th anniversary and the launch this spring of a striking new line of custom pillows. These exclusive designs will vividly showcase the city's rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. The first collection, The Krewes Pillow Line, boldly pays tribute to New Orleans' vibrant Mardi Gras traditions. With a captivating pattern inspired by the iconic Greek key motif, this collection celebrates the mythical names of the city’s celebrated Carnival krewes. By merging a classic motif with modern design, this collection reflects Eclectic Home’s unwavering philosophy: a powerful fusion of unexpected and timeless aesthetics.