Design Insights:
Q&A with Juliette Byrne
This month, we speak with Juliette Byrne, Founder & Creative Director of Juliette Byrne Luxury Interior Design. Juliette leads one of Chelsea’s most respected interior design studios, known for crafting timeless interiors that balance classical elegance with modern sophistication.
Your studio, Juliette Byrne has been shaping interiors since 1988. How has your design philosophy evolved over the years, and what has remained constant?
JB: Our constant is the quality of the service that we offer our clients, ensuring that every detail is covered, using highly respected craftsmen and contractors, and bringing our design philosophy to create elegant, stylish interiors.
Can you share with us how you became interested in interiors, and what led you to start your own business? Are there any pivotal moments that guided you to this point?
JB: I studied interior architecture at Chelsea School of Art and from that point developed a desire to work on interior refurbishment both in the UK and in Europe, specialising in listed building restoration and adding a contemporary twist to give each client a unique experience and create award-winning projects.
Your work beautifully blends classic and contemporary elements. How do you strike that perfect balance between timeless style and modern family living?
JB: Starting with the style of the property is crucial, as we may be working on a riverside penthouse or a Grade II listed townhouse, adapting the interior to suit the client’s lifestyle as well as respecting the building and its environment. We aim to incorporate as many eco materials as possible, such as wood flooring, natural paints, and heat pumps where applicable. Also using products from the UK when possible to avoid carbon footprint, long lead times on delivery, and support local businesses. We like to work with clients on style and substance, ensuring that the interior is a space to relax, entertain, and bring friends and family to enjoy.
With nearly four decades in the industry, what key changes have you observed in the way clients approach interior design today? Are trends less influential now? Are there any consistent themes found on clients’ wish lists?
JB: Clients’ wish lists tend to be more long term, in the 1990’s our clients and developers tended to do the basics on the property and then sell it on and buy again. Now, with various stamp duties and transactional costs, our clients are investing more in the houses they already have or, if they are buying again, to develop with thought and foresight. Creating new loft space, rear and side extensions, and single basements are areas that we are working on, we are also working with existing clients who have decided to buy or move abroad to new locations. We have recently completed projects in Germany, the French Alps, and the south of France, Côte d’Azur.
Attention to detail is a hallmark of your studio. Can you share how this ethos translates into your creative process, from concept to completion?
JB: We have a highly skilled and creative team at our studios. The designers are always sourcing new and exciting products, and suppliers visit us regularly to ensure that we are always ahead of the curve for the latest products. This gives our designs a noticeable flair and has brought us a younger client base, which we are delighted to develop through our Instagram and newly relaunched website.
You have used Chase Erwin fabrics in your interiors. Are there any of our fabrics that you particularly enjoy using?
JB: We always head to Chase Erwin for the stunning range of fabrics both for curtains and upholstery. Our current favourite fabrics are Solstice, Parisienne and Molecule.
You’re known for working seamlessly alongside architects and craftspeople. How important is collaboration in bringing your design vision to life? Are there any artists, makers or craftspeople that you admire?
JB: We have a variety of artists that we approach and galleries that we like to work with. Richard from the art advisors McKay Williamson is super helpful in helping our clients to find their art and sculpture style and budget. We also like to use De Havilland Design for specialist framing. Each project is a different style and so, to develop our contacts, we travel to Paris and Milan to attend the trade shows and meet the skilled makers and craftspeople as well as Decorex.
Where do you draw inspiration from when starting a new project? Are there particular places, eras, or materials that continually inspire you?
JB: We like to draw inspiration from all over the world. Travelling to far-flung countries is part of our DNA. Our designers this year have been as far as Dubai, China, and Brazil, and I have returned recently from South Africa and Los Angeles. In these different cultures, you are inspired by the colour palette and materials that are suitable for different climates and clients.
Sustainability and longevity are becoming increasingly important in interior design. How do you incorporate these values into your projects?
JB: We always like to think that our designs will outlive the test of time! We create timeless interiors and often incorporate natural fabrics such as linens, stones, and wood paneling.
Finally, after such a distinguished career, what continues to excite and motivate you about the world of interior design?
JB: We are always striving to achieve the very best for our clients and recently won the Elite Awards for the European category, we are working hard as a team to establish our design studio over in Europe and reach out to our overseas as well as UK clients to enable us to offer our bespoke design services. We are also very proud of being in the annual publication Great British Brands, which shows that we are a go-to UK design company offering unbeatable service in the design industry.
To learn more about Juliette and her work, visit juliettebyrne.com follow on Instagram @juliettebyrneltd.
Image credit: Juliette Byrne Ltd.