Award-winning interior and architectural design studio Bernard Interiors has been working on high-end residential and commercial projects throughout the UK and abroad for more than a decade – and this year, they’ve never been busier. ‘During lockdown we received more residential enquiries than ever before, as people began to reassess their homes and way of living,’ says founder Jen Bernard, who delivered two back-to-back projects during Covid-19 – a spa in Hampshire and Nightingale Place, a luxury retirement development in Clapham. The latter involved designing a myriad of social spaces: the restaurant, library, bar bistro, cinema and health club. ‘We took our inspiration from Clapham Common, London and popular culture, mixing classic and contemporary to create a unique interior that would appeal to all,’ she explains, talking about projects that took almost three years to complete.
The studio’s approach is adapted to each individual project, but what remains the same is their tailored service, which is executed with exceptional attention to detail
Of course, the studio’s approach is adapted to each individual project, but what remains the same is their tailored service, which is executed with exceptional attention to detail – whether the team is working on space planning and architectural intervention, bespoke joinery, furnishings or a lighting design scheme. The success of Bernard Interiors, says Jen, is built on delivering an outstanding, confidential and personable experience that begins with her natural intuition and ability to put clients at ease.
She is involved throughout, driving projects forward with her infectious energy and creativity. ‘As a practice, we are always inspired by our client’s vision. We invest time into researching the history of the property, its surroundings and our client’s lifestyle, all of which influences our comfortable, timeless designs.’ Typically, a residential interior might bring together vintage and salvaged pieces with specially commissioned furniture, reflecting the owner’s character and interests, or, where appropriate, existing schemes may be refurbished instead of replaced.
Behind the scenes, meticulous processes are in place from concept presentation through to completion, which ensures that every project runs smoothly. ‘It’s all well and good delivering beautiful interiors, but the way we get there is just as important,’ says Jen. ‘By having a clear process, it manages expectations, keeping relationships with clients, professional partners and suppliers strong, and enabling us to complete on time and budget.’ Combining luxury and sustainability is also an important consideration for the practice, which strives to use high quality materials that will stand the test of time. And nowhere is this more in evidence than its own workspace, The Church, a 5,000 sq foot former church hall, built in 1900, that last year was completely transformed into a bright, airy studio, complete with a full materials and specification library that clients can visit by appointment for consultations.
Other past projects include refurbishing a Grade II-listed, six-bedroom Arts & Crafts family home in Northumberland; a contemporary mansion in Surrey whose owners’ brief specified that space for formal dining and entertaining was a priority; and a private residence on Marbella’s Golden Mile,where outdoor living was as important as the interior. ‘Exceeding the expectations of our clients is of the utmost importance to us – and we deliver this time and time again,’ concludes Jen.
Bernard Interiors The Church, Greystoke Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1PN +44 (0)1661 821427
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