In Profile:
Bernard London / Bernard Interiors

Name: Jen Bernard
Company Name: Bernard London / Bernard Interiors
Position Within Company: Creative Director & MD
Website: www.bernardlondon.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I’ve been fascinated by wellness and styling from a young age, constantly changing my room (much to my parents’ dismay). My first taste of the interior design world came when I was featured in House Beautiful at the age of 16!

I studied Interior Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art and after graduation I joined an architectural practice. Prior to setting up my own firm in 2008, I worked for an international wall-coverings company and built a freelance portfolio.

Bernard Interiors/Bernard London is now a highly successful, award-winning practice with a long-standing track record of designing prime residential and commercial projects ranging from £2M – £120M throughout the UK and abroad.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Timeless Design – a taste maker who champions timeless design over fleeting trends. I’m focused on skilfully blending classic elements with modern influences, prioritising superior materials and expert craftsmanship to achieve exceptional quality.

My signature style is rooted in timeless and classic design, creating spaces that feel both enduring and elegant. I love layering rich textiles – such as luxurious fabrics and textured materials – to add depth and warmth. Standout art pieces are key in my approach, serving as focal points that tell a story and evoke emotion. I also incorporate antiques with superior craftsmanship, blending history with modern sensibilities to create unique, well-curated environments. The result is a harmonious balance of sophistication, comfort, and personality that transcends trends.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Marbella’s Golden Mile – In 2019 we were commissioned to remodel the interior of a residence for a long-standing client on Marbella’s exclusive Golden Mile. The objective was to create a contemporary and sophisticated new look, while blending cooler, more neutral tones to create a spacious layout. The result… asides from creating a luxurious sanctuary for the owners; Bernard Interiors also succeeded in significantly increasing the market value of the property. This project also proved to the most challenging and one of the most-rewarding as we delivered the Marbella project during lockdown – testament to the team, the exceptional relationships we’ve maintained with suppliers and our efficient project management skills to define and execute a seamless renovation overseas in the height of a pandemic!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We recently launched our prime residential portfolio under the Bernard London Banner; this has enabled us to clearly distinguish between prime residential and commercial projects. We have exciting projects in the pipeline across both divisions which brings significant growth and as such I will be investing in extending our Studio ‘The Church’ which was purchased in 2019. This follows a strategic plan to enhance our leadership plan which was in place for the prior 12 months so I can remain focused on Creative Direction.

On a personal note; mentoring is a true passion of mine, as I believe in investing in talent at every stage. Whether its guiding youth aspiring to pursue a design career or supporting established craftspeople and entrepreneurs running their own businesses, I’m committed to empowering others. By sharing experiences, collaborating, and offering support, we can maximize growth and success, creating a thriving community where everyone can achieve their fullest potential.

We support Projects4Change, an organisation who develop youth-led projects to help address the needs and voices of under-represented and disadvantaged young people. Over the next 12 months I’m joining the Board as a Trustee and I’m looking to implement a programme of long-term support.