Lillie Helena Design House have been Shortlisted for Living Space – Europe Award and City Space – Global Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Founder & Senior Interior Designer Justine Lillie Helena Bartolo below:

---

Name: Justine Lillie Helena Bartolo

Company: Lillie Helena Design House

Position within company: Founder & Senior Interior Designer

Website: www.lilliehelena.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

Since I was young I was always drawn to being creative. I started off loving fashion and becoming a fashion stylist, styling photoshoots and even having some of my work on the t-shirts of big retail brands. I then moved on to becoming the Marketing Manager for luxury fragrances, which was incredibly exciting. It was during this time I purchased my first property and working on designing it made me realise how much I loved creating beautiful spaces.

I then went on to complete a diploma and degree in Interior Design and had an internship with an accomplished Hollywood Interior Designer during 6 months in L.A.

Once I got back home I immediately opened shop and I haven’t looked back since!

How would you describe your personal design style?

My design style has definitely evolved over time, and will probably keep on evolving! I was heavily influences by Hollywood Glam and Mid-Century Modern, but slowly shifted to a more tranquil preference of Scandinavian and Minimal design. I do love a little bit of whimsical every now and then though!

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Design inspiration can be found everywhere, I especially love what nature can bring to the table as you just cannot go wrong with something so botanical and real.

I love going through design magazines and instragram taking inspiration from other designers, it’s always nice to contribute and be given guidance to keep on learning.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

We are definitely moving to a one-stop-shop when it comes to residential design. Home offices and home gyms are becoming so popular these days, we want everything at our fingertips.

Automation and smart systems are also very popular and I believe technology will continue to dominate in the coming years. In terms of aesthetics I would say we are leaning to cleaner, clutter-free homes as we continuously try to declutter our minds the more fast-paced life gets. We are seeking solitude and serenity in our homes.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.

• Raw materials, grounded tones and organic fabrics
• Home offices due to working remotely
• Neutral palettes and monochromatic spaces
• Architectural shapes when styling
• Clusters of indoor plants

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

It would definitely be lighting. A space could be designed so beautifully but with the wrong type of lighting it could all go horribly wrong.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

These Awards are incredibly important. They offer the best in interior design and architecture whilst recognising all global and creative talent. We are so thrilled to be nominated and are really hoping for a win as feel it would definitely bring more value to what we do and help us gain credibility and awareness.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on some amazing projects right now, both commercial and residential. We are thrilled to have just confirmed a gorgeous Villa in a very luxurious location in Malta. We are also working with some amazing businesses who are looking to update their retail outlets and showrooms, so it is a very exciting time for us.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

The penthouse we have been nominated for is a great accomplishment for us. The location itself is so stunning we knew we had to design a beautiful and unique space to work with the gorgeous environment on the outside. During this project we could really let our creative juices flow and we were working so closely with the client who trusted us completely. With great partnerships come great results!

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

We were designing a commercial block with 4 different companies and a common area gym and canteen. Working on this huge space whilst also dividing it in design between the different styles and values of each company was quite a challenge, although incredibly fun and exciting! The project turned out wonderfully and all areas have their own signature concept which our clients love!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

I definitely couldn’t live without my Laser Measure, it just makes life so much easier when taking long measurements on site. Our 2D & 3D Software is also incredibly vital to our process as well as our digital pen to communicate sketches and ideas back and forth.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

We would love to work on large projects and maybe even internationally. We have created quite a brand locally and would love to expand our business and offer more to our clientele, but everything in its due time!

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

A ‘Kelly Wearstler’ blue agate chunky ring. Kelly is my all time favourite interior designer so to own anything by her is amazing for me!

Your favourite holiday destination?

Tokyo – I just find it absolutely stunning.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

I loved staying in the Westin in San Francisco, it was so beautiful and charming.

My favourite restaurant is probably ‘Ping Pong’ the Dim Sum place in London, the food is so consistently good. My favourite bar is ‘Sketch’ in London as it’s so fun, quirky and the bathroom cubicles are the shape of bird’s eggs, which I found spectacular.

Your favourite book, film & song?

Film – True Romance by Quentin Tarantino

Book – The Life of Pi

Song – This is constantly changing, I am loving Moderat at the moment, and always something by Lana Del Rey.

Your favourite food and drink?

Favourite food is Lobster, favourite drink is Dirty Martinis!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

I love being with my friends, at the beach, drinking prosecco and just taking in the sun!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I am fascinated with human behaviour, so probably a psychologist or detective!

Lillie Helena Design House 

---

design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.

If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

How to Apply  /  The Categories