Talking Interior Design with Juliette Byrne

Juliette’s Chelsea-based interior design studio has established a reputation for creating elegant and sophisticated interiors which blend the classic with the contemporary.

Designing serene interiors, inspired by an organic ethos, is central to Juliette’s approach. As is a muted colour palette, specially designed bespoke furniture and a deft blend of old and new. In a recent project, Juliette incorporated Steel Breeze into her design of a rooftop terrace. As well as introducing organic shapes into the urban setting, the mirror-polished surface of Steel Breeze reflected the umber hues of the red-brick building, adding contrast and intrigue into the space.

We caught up with Juliette to discover where her love of architectural interiors came from, and we asked her to pass on some of her curational expertise expert advice for curating timeless designs.

Tell us a bit about how and why you pursued a career in interior design?

Interior design was my way into the world of property which has always been a passion of mine.  Studying architectural interior design at the Chelsea School of Art was my foundation in the industry and as my work has evolved over the years, I’ve delighted in being part of such a fantastic ever-inspiring community.

Tell us a bit about your process.

We’re always keen to help clients maximise the way their properties can be used. So, we start at the beginning and explore all possibilities. We offer a full turnkey service which can be as simple as renovating one room or as extensive as working from early drawings of an entirely new property.

 What are the key features or elements of a successful interior design?

We always try and take a holistic approach from the start. A home is a very personal space, and the team work closely with clients across the UK and internationally to ensure they feel confident and well informed throughout the whole process. We devote time to discussing the budget and timeline of each project, as these are often overlooked, and we create detailed scale plans, elevations and 3D visuals supported by samples for each area to enable seamlessly decision making. This attention to detail enables us to achieve a high-end finish, which is paramount.

What is the importance of nature to you?

The benefits of bringing nature into our living environment is now well-documented. It enhances wellbeing and gives longevity to our designs. Clients are increasingly asking us to bring an organic ethos into our creative process and are much more interested in the use of recycled materials. We particularly like to create a feeling of continuity between the house and the garden or roof terrace by introducing water and soft lighting. These outdoor features help mirror the ambience of the interior space which makes entertaining and relaxing outdoors feel more comfortable.

Is there a project within your portfolio you feel particularly proud of, and why?

We’re very pleased with a recent apartment renovation in Mayfair, London. We redesigned the interiors in a natural colour palette with pops of colour from bespoke artworks and we renovated two roof terraces – one which led off the kitchen to create a small balcony and one for the very top of the apartment. This larger rooftop terrace needed a focal point for the dining area, so we commissioned a David Harber Steel Breeze which is positioned in-front of the original red brick restored chimney stacks.

What advice would you pass on to aspiring interior designers?

I would suggest getting the basics right first. Keep building your knowledge of the industry and stay up to date with the newest information on regulations and green incentives. Interior design is always evolving and being aware of the newest trends is as important as nurturing professional skills. What’s key though, is making sure each client is a priority.

I’d also recommend, where possible, to buy local and source items near to where your project is based to minimise your carbon footprint. One of the reasons we enjoy working with David Harber is the studio and workshop is based in Oxfordshire, so our UK-based clients can visit and experience the quality of the products for themselves.

In your opinion, what does sculpture bring to an interior design and what advice would you give to anyone thinking about commissioning a piece of sculpture or a piece of art?  

When designing an outdoor space, whether it’s an inner urban courtyard area or a more rural setting, we always offer the choice of incorporating a sculpture. We believe sculpture gives individuality to the property and introduces a wow factor. Some clients ask to tailor the sculpture to their individual story or the setting itself by personalising the piece with a family motto or they’ll choose a design which draws family and guests to a certain part of the garden. We really like to integrate lighting or water into outdoor sculptures for added ambience. Lighting also helps to extend the interest of the piece into the evening, providing extra enjoyment for the clients and their guests. The process of commissioning an art installation is one we help coordinate and for clients it can be one of the most memorable elements of the renovation.

How or where did you first come across David Harber and what drew you to the brand’s pieces?

We have always enjoyed following David’s career and the company’s progression. For years we have taken clients to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and stop-by the David Harber stand to show them how sculptures can work in different settings. The team always go the extra mile to ensure we have all the scale drawings and sketches, as well as a fully costed supply and install information pack which is very helpful for clients, contractors and the rest of our team.

What is your favourite David Harber sculpture and explain a little bit about why.

Mantle designed as a water feature with a verdigris finish. I love how the piece incorporates a cascading flow of water and illumination at night, as both elements are unique features of a David Harber design.