Name: Juliette Byrne
Company: Juliette Byrne Ltd
Position within company: Founder
Website: www.juliettebyrne.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
My education started at the French Lycee Francais de Londres which is in South Kensington and this is where is learnt to adapt to many different cultures and be able to work in a variety of styles to reflect the clients personality and culture.
Having then continued at the Chelsea School of Art to gain my interior design experience I was able to set up my own company (Juliette Byrne Ltd) in Knightsbridge and develop a reputation for being able to work not only with private clients but also developers.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My own personal style is elegant classic contemporary but can adapt to any style according to the clients requirements and the locations of the property. Working in the country on listed buildings and on Chalets in the mountains means adapting the designs to reflect what we are trying to create for each project – individual elegance and a true interpretation of client requirements.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Travel and books as well as Galleries are my inspiration. Looking around vintage and antiques shops and sourcing individual items for clients so that each project has its on bespoke feel and look.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
My clients like to feel when they come back to their home it is a refuge and sanctuary. Therefore making sure that one understands their brief is very important and then using the best quality products that are available within their budget . using good craftsmen and contractors so that everything works well is also very important so the bones of the building are solid. The colours and tones are dependent on the style that the client wants but mainly we feel the minimal look is not as popular and people are wanted more luxurious interiors which nurture them when they relax and entertain at home.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
The first would be quality – everything should work well.
The second will be make sure that lighting is considered when designing the interior as this element is often forgotten.
The layout and the way interiors flow is crucial as it will mean that the clients feels relaxed when using the space.
Make sure that there is a splash of colour to lift the spirits – completely bland interiors can be draining- always try and include wonderful Art and Rugs
Ensure that all the storage is carefully designed so that the rooms can be dressed and look elegant and inspiring.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Make sure that you always take time to understand what the clients likes and dislikes are before you start on the designs. Budget is also important and completing the work within an agreed timeline.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
They are a wonderful reflection of what is happening in the design world at any one time. The international element gives the Awards a very special dynamic element as we work for so many clients from abroad and they respect the Awards and the quality they bring to the industry.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are fortunate to be involved in a wonderful renovation of a duplex apartment overlooking Hyde Park for clients from Malaysia. A total rebuild of a Chalet in Megeve in the French Alps for British Clients. A Grade II listed Georgian manor house in the South of England which has involved sourcing wonderful individual antiques and vintage fabrics and lighting. A large family house in Chelsea to create a new home for a young executive including media room and newly design garden with fire pit. Various stunning apartments for overseas clients and a large Chelsea town house completed rebuilt for a London developer – to be on the market in September.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To complete the projects that Juliette Byrne Ltd are working and starting a new house renovation in Dresden in Germany and well as work on a basement dig out in Fulham for Bulgarian clients. We hope to carry on raising the profile of the company on social media and increasing our followers on Instagram and being part of the awards will be an important part in this. We hope to have our work published in high end interior magazines and work with some of the world’s top suppliers.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My vintage Porsche 911
Your favourite holiday destination?
I have always loved my time in Ibiza as it is a wonderfully creative island with so much inspiration.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Harry’s Bar in Venice and George Private Members Bar in Mayfair.
Your favourite book, film & song?
High Society with Grace Kelly is one of my favourite films but I have many more!
Books – anything by Evelyn Waugh
Song – What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Your favourite food and drink?
A glass of chilled champagne always lifts the spirits
I would have lobster every time!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Riding my thoroughbred Mare.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A Lawyer.
Anything else interesting?
Hoping to learn more about flowers and how they can complement interiors. Studying Feng Shui – understanding how interior spaces can calm and raise the spirits. Visit more Galleries and take time to enjoy life.