Styled With Heirlooms
Jocelyn Kempe has a talent for creating beauty that feels effortless and intentional. At Desert Design Week, her styled tables for the garden parties brought a fresh perspective, blending vintage finds with thoughtful details that made each setting feel both timeless and current. As the founder of The Heirloom Collective, Jocelyn connects history, design, and creativity—reminding us that meaningful spaces tell the best stories.
Describe Heirloom Collective in one sentence?
The Heirloom Collective is a space for celebrating artful living through vintage treasures, timeless photography, creative workshops, and storytelling that connects us to history and beauty.
Do you collect anything?
Yes, I collect vintage French items, particularly homeware and kitchenware, because they tell stories of the past and inspire a slower, more meaningful way of life, serving as both functional pieces and artful reminders of timeless craftsmanship.
Elaborate on your view of antiques as modern art.
Antiques are modern art because they embody the same elements—form, function, and beauty—while carrying layers of history and emotion. Their craftsmanship and patina bring depth to contemporary spaces, bridging past and present.
What was the first antique piece you acquired?
The first piece I acquired was a vintage French breadboard, which sparked my love for sourcing and cherishing everyday items with history and purpose.
How do you nurture your creative ideas, and what do you find most rewarding about the process?
I nurture my creative ideas by surrounding myself with inspiring objects, exploring nature, and dedicating time to stillness and observation. The most rewarding part is seeing these ideas come to life and connecting with others who resonate with the same passion.
If you only had to source from one country or time period, what would it be and why?
It would be France during the late 19th to early 20th century because of its emphasis on timeless design, exquisite craftsmanship, and the way even utilitarian items exude beauty and character.
What’s the most surprising or unusual piece you’ve ever stumbled upon during your treasure hunts?
One of the most surprising finds was a hand-carved wooden butter mold from a small French village, with intricate floral patterns that told a story of pride in even the smallest domestic tasks.
Your photography is so distinct. What’s the idea behind it?
My photography is inspired by light, texture, and the stories objects hold. My drive is to capture the beauty of imperfection and timelessness, inviting others to see the extraordinary in the everyday.
What’s next for The Heirloom Collective?
Next, I’m expanding into curated seasonal journals, creative mindset courses, and offering other creative courses like “The Art of Heirloom Photography,” and hosting bread-making workshops, all aimed at fostering connection and inspiring artful living.
What was your favorite thing about being part of Desert Design Week?
My favorite part was the opportunity to connect with a community of creatives and share how vintage treasures and timeless aesthetics can inspire modern, meaningful living in the unique context of the living in the desert.
Instagram @Jocelyn_Kempe
Website: JocelynKempe.com