Juliette Byrne Ltd have been shortlisted for Residential £1-2.5 Million (Project Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020. Read more about Director, Juliette Byrne, below:
Name: Juliette Byrne
Company: Juliette Byrne Ltd.
Position within company: Director
Website: www.juliettebyrne.com
Tell us a little about your background in design
I have always been interested in design from an early age as my Hungarian mother was a trained artist and my American father was a photographer. Growing up with art all around and then attending the French lycée in South Kensington gave me a great insight into different cultures, styles and many other inspirations. This led me to set up my own company and work for clients from all over the world.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I adapt my style to suit the client’s requirements, taking into account where the property is and the way the family wants to live. We work on many different houses and apartments ranging from listed houses in central London to chalets in the mountains and luxury summer villas abroad.
If I had to describe my own personal style it would be elegant, timeless contemporary chic.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Travel has always been a strong pull for me and from these countries and experiences – inspiration is all around. Different cultures and their food, art and designs have been influencing me all my life. I also draw inspiration from my past studies of art and ceramics at the Chelsea School of Art and then working at Conrans. The more varied the materials we use, the art we commission and the designs we do, the more satisfied our international and home clients are.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that the last year has made us go through a full circle and we are now much more attuned to the beauty and conservation needs of the environment. Everyone feels more in touch with nature and appreciative of our space.
Home offices will now be the norm as home has become a haven where we need to blend work and relaxation. People now also want flexible areas that can be adaptable for children to play in, which can be transformed back to a grown-up space in the evenings.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Using good quality materials that stand the test of time
- Using colours that make the interior feel welcoming and a place to spend time in
- Designing spaces to be cleverly adapted to the individual requirement of each client
- Making sure that wireless communications run smoothly, such as good internet connection
- Working within the client’s budget and timeline to get the project started and completed in time
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
A good initial discussion and brief from the clients so that there is clarity on their thoughts and expectations. Whilst plans and elevations are useful for us as professionals to understand the space, it is also helpful to give visuals to the clients such as concept images, samples, 3D renderings and hand sketches to bring it all to life.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
They pull together all the different sectors of the industry and is a good way to make sure the standards are kept up. It is also a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting other wonderful designers, architects and property developers.
What projects are you currently working on?
Our studio has been busy with many projects on, with a good mix of traditional and contemporary properties. Our pipeline includes a chalet in Megeve that we are completing, two country homes in Suffolk, a listed grade 2 stucco-fronted house in South Kensington, an apartment in a new luxury development in Teddington, a town house in Belgravia and a villa in Wimbledon.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Juliette Byrne Ltd hope to all return to work full-time in our design studio in the Chelsea Design Quarter and complete our ongoing projects. We are also excited to have our Eaton Place Belgravia House project published in a German design magazine later in the year. And of course, we are hoping to be successful in the Design et Al awards and be awarded new projects for 2021!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My business – 30 years in the industry!
Your favourite holiday destination?
I love the Caribbean – swimming with sting rays, riding along the beach and collecting shells as you sail along deserted bays.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Eden-Roc in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Harry’s bar in Venice and George in Mayfair.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Fly Me To The Moon by Frank Sinatra is an ageless classic.
Brief Encounter with Trevor Howard and High Society are wonderful films and I never tire of Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh – I have read it so many times.
Your favourite food and drink?
Champagne, caviar blinis and dressed crab – so much more interesting than lobster!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Riding my wonderful thoroughbred mare and being with my family.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A lawyer.
Anything else interesting?
Life is the most interesting thing – to live it to the fullest and make the most of everyday and the opportunities it brings. Keep a positive spin on everything that comes you way.
Juliette Byrne Ltd have been shortlisted for Residential £1-2.5 Million (Project Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020.
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