the GUEST room: JILL COHEN
We welcome our darling friend Jill Cohen into the GUEST ROOM this summer. Jill is an accomplished book publishing and brand marketing expert with 30 years of experience. She’s had an incredible career working for some of the industry’s most prestigious companies, including President and publisher of Conde Nast Books, Random House, and QVC, before launching her own agency, Jill Cohen Associates, in 2006. Since then, Jill has been busy working with authors and brands all over the world to convey their message and creative vision through books and marketing. Jill is not only a talented book agent, but she is an amazing friend to so many in our design community, and a frequent guest in my actual guest room in Atlanta! We are so thankful to Jill sharing some of her inspirations, travels, and stories with us…
What inspires you?
I can truly say that I am inspired by creative people. People with artistic talent intrigue me, which is why I work with so many designers, photographers, writers and artists. I also have great admiration for people who reinvent themselves and take bold business risks because I’m always tempted to do something totally new. As a book agent and producer, I’ve spent over 30 years in publishing so I am frequently interacting with people who have a very high level of creativity. The beauty they create inspires me to bring their vision to a bigger audience and share their work with others. In a sense, I like showing people off.
When I travel I am inspired by places in nature or those with a special history. My favorite European travel is through quirky little towns and roads around Europe that aren’t swarming with tourists, I love the villages, the landscape and the architecture. Domestically I love being in the desert – Sedona is my favorite place – a few days in the Red Rocks is a physical and spiritual reboot. These amazing places usually require a little extra effort to get to but are so gorgeous it just blows you away…
Tell us about YOUR favorite guest room
The Perivolas Hotel in Santorini… one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! Both the room and the views are unbeatable.
Lucky for me, when I visit Atlanta, Suzanne has spoiled me with my own guest quarters. Sometimes I’m in the main house in the most luxurious pink room and I’ve also stayed in the guest house above her carriage house. (shown below)
I just love staying with Suzanne when I visit. She is the most thoughtful host, always filling her guest rooms with beautiful books, fresh flowers, a Keurig machine and stocked fridge… and of course the most comfortable pillows, sheets and mattress. She always has a fun dinner planned and makes you feel like she is genuinely excited to have you there…it is truly a treat to be her guest!
The Giannetti’s guest house at Patina Farm is another very happy place for me. Their beds are made with the most heavenly Belgian linens and when I wake up in the morning, there is often a goat or donkey right outside my window. Of course the morning sunrise glistening over the misty pond is truly spectacular… Brooke and Steve are the ultimate hosts.
Tell us about your most recent favorite find…
I’ve never been a slave to fashion. I like practical and simple – but I’ve been in wedding mode with my daughter all year and dress shopping has been an experience! I really do admire the skill and craftsmanship that goes into beautiful clothing and I’m thrilled we each found the dress that suited our personalities and style. My daughter’s Oscar de la Renta wedding dress is a show stopper and I found a very cool Dries Van Noten – my other daughter, the maid of honor, found a sexy Zac Posen – so we were all outfitted in something that felt right to us. I think that’s the ultimate find!
What is one thing about you that would surprise people?
Although I’ve published 50 gourmet cookbooks, I am a terrible cook who can barely cobble together a meal!
I spent the first twenty years of my life dancing, cheerleading and twirling a fire baton!
At my first publishing job, I modeled for a book cover…
What is your definition of TIMELESS STYLE?
I am a classics girl… white collared shirts… navy and black tailored… a bit more masculine with clean lines… timeless style… Prada, Armani and Dries Van Noten.
