Located in Reston, Virginia, Simplicity Interior Design, led by design principal Jan Mengenhauser, has cultivated a unique design ethos that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. “I like things very simple, clean and organic,” Mengenhauser explains. Her approach blends contemporary elements with antiques, resulting in spaces that are stylish and meaningful. “Almost everything in my house has some purpose or meaning, something to talk about at a dinner party,” she adds.

A collage featuring some of Simplicity Interior Design's other projects.
With simplicity and functionality at the forefront of her designs, it’s the details that dazzle with stories waiting to be shared.
Jan Mengenhauser seated in front of the ceiling-height windows of her living room, next to a warm fireplace.

Inspired by the World

A frequent traveler, Mengenhauser draws inspiration from a variety of places and styles, seamlessly integrating them into her projects. “I feel like I’ve got a bit of a California vibe with light wood and lots of glass,” she notes. Her travels to cities like Munich, with their stunning hardwood details and simple yet elegant designs, profoundly influence her work. “I love architecture and seeing how things are made. It’s very exciting,” she shares. The influence of these travels is evident in her work, where she combines elements from different cultures and styles to create unique and harmonious spaces.

A detail shot of Jan Mengenhauser's home kitchen, featuring her Gaggenau fridge behind custom cabinetry and the Gaggenau cooktop that inspired the brass elements in her home.

A Kitchen Fit for Entertaining Family and Friends

The kitchen is Mengenhauser’s favorite part of her home, where her design philosophy truly shines. “We love to cook with our appliances. The kitchen is the heart of our home,” she says. The space was meticulously designed to blend practicality with aesthetic appeal. She selected the wood cabinetry for its warm, inviting look and paired it with brass hardware and a custom unlacquered brass hood to add a touch of elegance and a living finish that evolves over time. “I wanted to have a little bit of form and function,” she shares. The large, unobstructed windows were chosen to flood the area with natural light, enhancing the open and airy atmosphere. The layout, featuring a spacious island, facilitates easy movement and interaction for family gatherings and entertaining friends.

Collage featuring a chicken roasting in Jan's Gaggenau oven, and a close-up of her cooktop.
In Jan Mengenhauser’s home kitchen, cozy brass tones and dark wood create an inviting atmosphere that threads seamlessly with Gaggenau appliance accents and warm-veined marble.
Jan cooking on her Gaggenau gas cooktop.

“The Gaggenau gas cooktop heats up so well and cooks everything perfectly.”

A close-up of the Gaggenau cooktop, with a delicious steak ready to be prepared.

Favorite Gaggenau Appliance?

Mengenhauser holds a particular fondness for her Gaggenau gas cooktop. “It heats up so well and cooks everything perfectly,” she praises. The sleek design and high functionality of Gaggenau appliances seamlessly integrate into her modern kitchen. “I chose Gaggenau because of the design and function. The detailing in the brass and the living finish of the hardware set the tone for the entire kitchen.”

Portrait of Jan Mengenhauser of Simplicity Interior Design.

Simplicity Interior Design has established a dedicated clientele and a reputation for excellence, handling projects from single rooms to entire homes. “I’ve had repeat customers including one client for whom I’ve designed four houses,” Mengenhauser shares. Her clients often evolve their style under her guidance, moving from traditional to more contemporary aesthetics over time. Her work is primarily through word-of-mouth referrals, creating a tight-knit community of satisfied clients who appreciate her attention to detail and personalized approach.

Designer: Jan Mengenhauser, Simplicity Interior Design