Name: Juliette Byrne
Company Name:  Juliette Byrne Ltd
Position Within Company:  Founder and 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 later attending the French lycée in South Kensington gave me a great insight into different cultures, design styles and many other inspirations. I graduated from the Chelsea School of Art and continued my training at Conran. Founded in 1988, my Chelsea-based interior design studio has established a reputation for creating elegant and sophisticated interiors which blend the classic with the contemporary. Whether coordinating a building site, managing an office of designers, liaising with leading architects and surveyors or managing property portfolios for clients, our efficiency and attention to detail has been a driving force in my 37-year career as an architectural interior designer. My philosophy is that nothing is too much trouble, coupled with an ability to find opportunities within spaces and amongst existing designs where others might see flaws, helps bring clients back time and again. Expect serene interiors, often executed with a muted palette, specially designed bespoke furniture and a deft blend of old and new. In addition, I am also a BIID registered interior designer and a RIBA affiliate member.

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. A classic and elegant approach avoids fads and instant interior and fashion statements which can date very quickly. Our interior design style almost always honors the original architecture, blending the timeless with the modern, prioritising comfort and functionality, and imbue each project with bespoke character shaped by craftsmanship and care.

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, 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. Later working at Conran’s, the use of different materials and textiles I was introduced to, the art we commission and the collaborative design I completed with other designers, still inspire me to this day.

We find working abroad on a wide variety of projects, from Ski Chalets to South of France Villas, is a good way of extending our talents and also a brilliant way of being introduced to different design styles, products and finishes found in different climates and locations around the world.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think that uncertainty in the economy reflects on the stability of the property market and lack of confidence in purchasing and investing in property impacts in many ways on the interiors industry. Looking forward we hope that by keeping costs down and working closely with clients to stick to chosen budgets will encourage further confidence in the way people buy and sell and work with interior designers to renovate existing properties.

For those who do choose to work with interior designers we are finding these clients are more in touch with nature and appreciative of our space. Some clients will opt for sustainable furniture and recycled textiles, or even choose to upcycle or source antiques rather than buying new. We encourage this and work closely with rug and textile suppliers that produce products from recycled fibers, like our own bespoke rug range that clients can chose to be made out of recycled fishing nets from the oceans in the far East.

Home offices are now the norm since COVID, and the home has become a haven where we need to blend work and relaxation and is still something our clients ask to be incorporated into designs.

Clients are also now wanting flexible areas that can be adaptable for children to play in, which can be transformed back to a grown-up space in the evenings. We believe interior design is becoming designed with family time in mind. Whether that be place for children and adults to relax together or large family dining areas for family gatherings.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
• Sustainability-Shifting from eco-friendly to regenerative practices that give back to the environment, such as upcycled and vintage furniture.
• Smarter, more adaptive homes-The use of AI in homes in increasing such as predictive lighting and temperature control.
• A balance of calm and richness-Informed by global economic shifts and a backlash against ostentation, quiet luxury and minimal maximalism are on the rise.
• Wellness Design- It has been proven environments which we immerse ourselves in affect mental well-being and cognitive function.
• Functionally fluid interiors- Post-pandemic shifts continue to drive demand for spaces that serve multiple roles, without sacrificing aesthetics.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Every design scheme should tell a story, about the people who live there, the purpose of the space, or the mood you want to evoke. When you anchor your decisions to a central narrative or concept everything else, color, materials, lighting, layout should fall into place with intention and cohesion. A strong narrative should keep you focused, avoids trend-chasing, and results in a space that feels authentic and timeless for your clients.

How important are the Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are highly regarded within the luxury design industry especially for designers, architects, and developers working on high-end residential, commercial, yacht, and hotel projects. Winning or even being shortlisted is a mark of credibility and peer recognition, particularly in luxury and bespoke design sectors. We are so pleased to have gained this industry recognition previously and again for the Elite Awards 2025.

Along with the excellent PR opportunities these awards are a great opportunity got networking and growth within the market. Being involved in the awards and attending the ceremony connects designers to a prestige-focused network of peers, luxury brands, developers, and media. It’s also an opportunity to benchmark against global best practices.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a number of projects. One we are completing is a very exciting large project in St Tropez, a Villa for a client and his family. We really enjoy working with this client and have previously completed a London Penthouse refurbishment project with them. This villa has exceptional views of the French Coast and is being designed with a family centric feel, yet keeping the luxurious warm welcoming South of France feel.

We are also working on a complete strip out and refurbishment of a Mid-Century home in North London, including an extension and custom joinery. This project will incorporate some of the clients family vintage heirlooms. We have also taken on the refurbishment of a luxurious Penthouse on the River Thames, including a full strip out of the kitchen and bathrooms.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
My favourite project was the full renovation of a listed Grade II Manor House in West Sussex. We were able to refurbish the property throughout and restore it back to its original splendour. Using the client’s eclectic art collection, we created a unique country property to provide a curated forever home.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
The most challenging properties to work on are often projects abroad. Having great attention to detail on the scope of works and diligent preparation prior to the work starting is crucial for a well-executed project. Our project ‘Family Chalet, French Alps’ Chalet Floralie was originally a tired and dated Bed and Breakfast chalet. The Chalet is ski in ski out and is fully staffed. Our clients bought it with a view to transform it into a 5-star experience destination. This involved a complete redesign of the interior and exterior of the building and creating 12 individual bedroom suites as well as a separate penthouse apartment with its own entrance. We also added in a large first floor living room with a vaulted ceiling, with picturesque views and a log burning stove as the focal point.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
We always try and start early with the lighting and work collaboratively with companies like John Cullen lighting who can give their expertise on the best and most economical way to add the subtle levels of lighting that we like to integrate into our designs.
We also find working with Robert Langford for upholstery and furniture items works very efficiently. Our designs are provided and they help with the more technical side of the work and offer a full install service.
We have a large selection of experienced sub-contractors who are skilled craftsmen with many years experience working with us on our high end residential and commercial property renovation projects here in the UK and abroad.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Over the next twelve months we will be working to complete our ongoing projects ranging from a 5 storey Notting Hill family home, Chelsea Penthouse on the river, a full renovation and extension of an original 60’s-built town house in North London and our two projects in the south of France cote d’Azur. As well as a very exciting new commercial project in the heart of Sloane Square, the rebranding of a high-end jewellery brand with shops worldwide.

Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession has to be my office with all the wonderful samples, finishes and inspiration from the projects we have done and are going to do in the future. Everyday I am amazed by the talent of my design team and how they manage the multi-faceted design work that we do on a daily basis.

Your favourite holiday destination?
The cote d’Azur has always been a special place for me; it is a great place to switch on and relax as well as always being inspiring. So much so that I am now opening a French company so that we can work more in France and cater for our clients who have multiple properties abroad. Looking to the US as well – Los Angeles and Santa Barbara along the coast is also full of inspiration.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? :
Hotel: The Lilly of the valley in Gigaro which is near St Tropez. This hotel is unique in its location with incredible views and also a beach spa experience – from the stylish interiors to the spa treatments and delicious locally sourced food you will not be disappointed.
Restaurant: George Club in Mayfair.
Bar: The bar at The Dover on Dover Street in Mayfair is the most glamorous place to meet clients and friends.

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: My favourite book is pride and prejudice by Jane Austen.
Film: Favourite film has to be high society with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby – it is set in the 50’s and is a glamorous view into a stop and start romance with wonderful music and interiors.
Song: Favourite song has to be “fly me to the moon” by frank Sinatra and of course anything by Van Morrison.

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: I like simple cuisine – anything seasonal and fresh. Mainly sea food and sushi.
Drink: A glass of chilled champagne is very much my favourite.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? :
Most weekday afternoons are spent on site or at work in the office but if I had some free time at the weekends then I would head up to the serpentine gallery for inspiration or a run along the river to admire the wonderful parks we have in London. Lunch in Mayfair at George club is also a must for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
I was planning on being a lawyer and had a university place at UCL but Interior Design ended up being my career – it turned out to be a more creative path for me.

Anything else interesting? :
The amazing ever changing design world has kept me inspired and interested for over 30 years. The way AI will enable us to be more efficient when creating our schemes is fascinating, as well as creating hyper realistic renders is so interesting. We love keeping up to date with the latest trends and interacting with industry partners including the design et al awards ensures that we are very much on top of our game and offering clients the very best of designs for their projects.

Interior Designer: Juliette Byrne Ltd

Photography: @adamjohnstonphotography

Juliette Byrne have been selected as a finalist for The design et al Elite Awards 2025. 

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