Welcome to the newest blog in our Spotlight series, where we’ll be shining a light on some of our favourite interior designers, stylists, architects and Instagrammers, discovering the inspirations behind their projects and how they’ve used Ted Todd floors.
This week, we spoke to Jen Bernard of Bernard Interiors, an award winning interior design studio based outside Newcastle.
Tell us a little about who you are and what your company specialises in.
I am Jen Bernard, founder and MD of Bernard Interiors – an award-winning interior architectural design studio specialising in commercial and residential projects throughout the UK and abroad. We provide turnkey solutions, consultancy and procurement services for a variety of sectors with specialist knowledge in later living and healthcare.
What were your main inspirations for getting into the industry?
From an early age I had a passion for all things creative, art, interiors and styling. In my first ‘Saturday job’ when I was 16 I had the chance to style room sets for interior magazines such as Elle Decoration – from then I was hooked.
I then studied interior architecture at Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating, I worked for an architecture practice specialising in commercial interiors and found that I enjoyed being on site, interacting, problem solving and building rapport with clients and contractors.
This was the catalyst to the dream of running my own practice. However, I needed more experience so I moved into a sales and design role with an international wall covering company. I spent a lot of time visiting and advising clients, mostly in the hotel and healthcare sectors. In many ways it was like running my own business which reinforced that going it alone was the right path.
At the height of the 2008 global recession, Bernard Interiors was launched from my kitchen table. 13 years on, my team is currently 21 strong and we now operate from a renovated church on the outskirts of Newcastle city centre.
How would you describe your design style?
Bernard Interiors style is born from each of our client’s vision.
Our role is to facilitate our clients’ business aspirations or dream lifestyle creating a timeless aesthetic that reflects their character and interests, with impeccable attention to detail. Above all, we always create warmth in our interiors through the use of pattern, texture and carefully designed lighting schemes.
Tell us a little about the projects you’ve worked on that you are most proud of.
I love every project I work on as I am passionate about all things design. A private high-end residential project I worked on for two years was a real challenge and consumed my life but it was so rewarding once it was completed.
We faced challenging times during the pandemic in 2020, however we still managed to complete back to back projects during lockdown last summer – a luxury retirement village in Clapham, London, a spa in Hampshire and a private residence in Marbella.
Working on projects in Spain is always uplifting, with sunshine daily – it definitely lifts the mood!
Any exciting projects that you’re currently working on?
As a practice, Bernard Interiors is experienced in working with period properties and heritage buildings and as a result we’ve got some really exciting projects in the pipeline.
We’re currently working on a Grade II listed Neo-Georgian mansion in Berkshire, a late 19th Century manor house in Solihull and a new build luxury retirement development in Cobham, Surrey.
What do you like most about using Ted Todd flooring, and do you have a favourite product of ours?
We find Ted Todd flooring is perfect for complementing both the old and new buildings we work on.
At our Manor House project in Hampshire, we used the Torelli plank in the bar as we needed a classic and clean style to complement the ornate Tudor panelling.
At our new build project, Audley Nightingale Place we used the Ringlet chevron throughout the ground floor to bring more of a contemporary feel. This really has the wow factor and the tones work beautifully with our designs!
Find out more about Bernard Interiors at www.bernardinteriors.co.uk, or follow them @bernardinteriors