All Woman
  • Home
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
    • Home
    • Relationships
    • Features
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Health & Fitness
    • Your Rights
    • Parenting
    • Advice
Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design
Smiling with purpose, Vanessa Paisley-Clare of Clare Design continues to make her mark on the world of design..
All Woman, Features
June 30, 2025

Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design

IN a world where Pinterest boards and Instagram grids often define what’s “in style”, Jamaican interior designer Vanessa Paisley-Clare offers a refreshing perspective, one rooted in heart, function, and just enough boldness to turn heads without screaming for attention.

As the founder and lead designer of Clare Design Limited, Paisley-Clare’s journey has been less about chasing trends and more about crafting spaces that feel good to live in.

“I never went to design school,” she shared. “Everything I’ve learnt is self-taught, driven from passion, instinct, and a genuine love for creating.”

That passion has guided her through over two decades of freelance and professional experience, culminating in a brand and aesthetic that is unmistakably hers.

Design, it seems, runs in her DNA. Coming from a family of creatives, her father in marketing and advertising, her mother, a landscape artist, she was naturally inspired to embark on her own creative journey.

Paisley-Clare started her career in 2005 doing faux wall finishes and gradually expanded her services, building a clientele that trusted her with more comprehensive design solutions. A turning point came while redesigning a friend’s house.

“She couldn’t believe the transformation,” Paisley-Clare recalled. “Even though it was stressful, I felt alive. That was the spark.”

Years later, another twist of fate reinforced her calling; she was hired to redesign the very home she once grew up in.

“I cried when I saw the address,” she said. “It was like all the stars had aligned.”

Today, Paisley-Clare’s designs are known for their contemporary, clean, and highly functional styles, curating longevity and not chasing trends.

“I might bring in a bold tile or a deep green vanity,” she said, “but always in a way that can stand the test of time.”

One of Paisley-Clare’s most high-profile achievements to date is her work for Kohler by Tile City showroom. Each suite was crafted around the character of the Kohler pieces — vanities with curved doors, striking faucets, sculpted basins.

She highlights a subtle design detail in one of the Kohler suites: a white wallpaper with an iridescence and embossed pattern that subtly uplifts the vanity, a detail easily missed but deliberately chosen.

Paisley-Clare designed two suites and built them around the unique personalities of the Kohler pieces. Her approach was intentional, to complement, never compete. In one standout suite, bold emerald green marble tiles serve as the backdrop to powerfully designed fixtures.

“I wanted someone to walk in and feel like Wow. That’s the feeling I was after. Sophistication with edge.”

Another space was designed to mimic a luxury spa, calming, cohesive, and classy.

“That’s the beauty of Kohler’s collection,” she said. “The fixtures have weight and integrity. They’re versatile, you can take one piece and style it in five different ways.”

Paisley-Clare’s work often challenges the local norm.

“Many Jamaicans play it safe with neutral colours, similar cabinetry, same tiles. But even within that, you can inject personality. It’s in the fixtures, the finishes, the hardware choices” she said.

Her designs suggest that bold doesn’t have to be loud.

“You don’t need neon to make a statement. A navy vanity, brass fixtures, an unexpected tile shape — those are the things that make people stop and say, ‘I never thought of that, but I love it.’”

To those dreaming of a design career but unsure where to begin, Paisley-Clare offers grounded encouragement: “It’s okay to be scared at first. But the more you do, the more confident you become. Start small, learn and ask questions.”

Sometimes the most iconic designs don’t come from a blueprint — but from listening to the space, the client, and your own creative instincts.

{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
0 Comments · Make a comment

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
ALSO ON ALL WOMAN
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
All Woman, Features
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
Alicia Dunkley-Willis Senior Reporter dunkleywillisa@jamaicaobserver.com 
July 7, 2025
IN the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic when curfews, quarantines, stay-at home and no movement orders reigned supreme, chemist Shanique Bruce, stuck a...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
All Woman, Your Rights
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
Margarette Macaulay 
July 7, 2025
Dear Mrs Macaulay, My husband is quite sickly and I don’t think the prognosis is good. During our marriage he had twin outside children who he support...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
All Woman, Features, Relationships
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 7, 2025
WE often talk about a woman’s fears in love — being cheated on, abandoned, lied to, or taken for granted. But let’s flip the script for a moment. I’ve...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Advice, All Woman
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Christopher Brodber 
July 7, 2025
Counsellor, I’ve known my fiancée for many years, as we both grew up in the same church. We will be getting married soon, but I’m not sure what to do ...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design
All Woman, Features
Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design
June 30, 2025
IN a world where Pinterest boards and Instagram grids often define what’s “in style”, Jamaican interior designer Vanessa Paisley-Clare offers a refres...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Mom wants guidance for court case with dad
All Woman, Your Rights
Mom wants guidance for court case with dad
Margarette Macaulay 
June 30, 2025
DEAR MRS MACAULAY, I was given a summons from my babyfather to go to court. He’s saying that he is taking care of our kids, and I’m not allowing him t...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
5 types of female friends to be careful of when you’ve got a good man
All Woman, Relationships
5 types of female friends to be careful of when you’ve got a good man
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
June 30, 2025
LET’S get real, ladies. Not every woman who smiles with you is happy for you — and not every “friend” has your best interest at heart, especially when...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Hubby can’t leave and cleave
Advice, All Woman
Hubby can’t leave and cleave
Rev Christopher Brodber 
June 30, 2025
COUNSELLOR, When I met my husband he was estranged from many of the people in his family, and I encouraged him to make amends. I don’t really get alon...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
❮ ❯
Scroll
Polls
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
All Woman, ...
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
Alicia Dunkley-Willis Senior Reporter dunkleywillisa@jamaicaobserver.com 
July 7, 2025
IN the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic when curfews, quarantines, stay-at home and no movement orders reigned supreme, chemist Shanique Bruce, stuck a...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
All Woman, ...
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
Margarette Macaulay 
July 7, 2025
Dear Mrs Macaulay, My husband is quite sickly and I don’t think the prognosis is good. During our marriage he had twin outside children who he support...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
All Woman, ...
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 7, 2025
WE often talk about a woman’s fears in love — being cheated on, abandoned, lied to, or taken for granted. But let’s flip the script for a moment. I’ve...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Advice, ...
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Christopher Brodber 
July 7, 2025
Counsellor, I’ve known my fiancée for many years, as we both grew up in the same church. We will be getting married soon, but I’m not sure what to do ...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design
All Woman, ...
Vanessa Paisley-Clare: Bold by nature, subtle by design
June 30, 2025
IN a world where Pinterest boards and Instagram grids often define what’s “in style”, Jamaican interior designer Vanessa Paisley-Clare offers a refres...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Archives
Polls
Recent Posts
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
All Woman, ...
Shanique Bruce: Luxe. Lit. Limitless
Alicia Dunkley-Willis Senior Reporter dunkleywillisa@jamaicaobserver.com 
July 7, 2025
IN the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic when curfews, quarantines, stay-at home and no movement orders reigned supreme, chemist Shanique Bruce, stuck a...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
All Woman, ...
Can the outside children come after hubby’s estate?
Margarette Macaulay 
July 7, 2025
Dear Mrs Macaulay, My husband is quite sickly and I don’t think the prognosis is good. During our marriage he had twin outside children who he support...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
All Woman, ...
5 things a man fears most when he’s in love
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 7, 2025
WE often talk about a woman’s fears in love — being cheated on, abandoned, lied to, or taken for granted. But let’s flip the script for a moment. I’ve...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Advice, ...
Fiancée asked what I’m bringing to the table
Christopher Brodber 
July 7, 2025
Counsellor, I’ve known my fiancée for many years, as we both grew up in the same church. We will be getting married soon, but I’m not sure what to do ...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Mom wants guidance for court case with dad
All Woman, ...
Mom wants guidance for court case with dad
Margarette Macaulay 
June 30, 2025
DEAR MRS MACAULAY, I was given a summons from my babyfather to go to court. He’s saying that he is taking care of our kids, and I’m not allowing him t...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman"}
Archives
All Woman
Jamaica Health, Beauty, Weddings &` Motherhood Stories for the Jamaican Woman.
Sections
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved