Julius Interior Design – Elegant and Unique Spatial Designs Connecting You to Nature

Julius Interior Design are spatial design specialists offering a range of interior design services for residential and commercial properties. They offer full interior design services from styling a single room or area to working on complete residential property refurbishments, house extensions and renovations. Their model of interior design is not based on aesthetics only rather it focuses on how you feel when you walk into a place. Herts Review spoke with the founder Petina Julius and she shared her vision and ideas on interior design.
 
Petina’s design style is inspired by her love for nature and her childhood in South Africa. “I have always loved the outdoors and natural surroundings. I love nature. My passion for nature has influenced the way I create design spaces and how it will connect with people. I have adopted Biophilic designs which is a way to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment using direct or indirect nature”.
 
“Studies have shown that biophilic designs improve our well-being, reduce stress, improve our mental state and creativity. As more people move to urban areas and are trapped in concrete and glass structures for most parts of the day, this has become increasingly important. Wherever we have our design footprint either in a home or office, it must make the people feel good in that environment. That is our goal”.
 
Petina has been involved in interior design for 10 years. After qualifying with a first-class honours degree in Spatial Design from Buckinghamshire University she has worked on various residential and commercial projects. “Spatial design combines elements of architecture, landscape architecture and interior design. I use this to transform spaces into beautiful, functional, and inspiring places for my clients. I started off working on my personal project, an extension of our own home with a major kitchen revamp. It was an opportunity to challenge myself and implement my own ideas. It also gave me a taste of working with teams and managing a project from conception to completion”.
 
Other freelance projects followed including collaborations with architectural practices, other interior designers and working for an interior designer for a few years. “I took on a project in a care home with supported living residents. As you may know there are elements of our practice which may not work in this environment. Simply putting up a mirror may not work here so you need an alternative. This really challenged my creative ability, but it was one of the most fulfilling and rewarding projects I have ever taken on. Weeks after completing the project, the manager of the care home sent a message to me confirming that the residents in the area were much calmer thanks to our work. I could not have been happier”.
 
Julius Interior Design was established in October 2018 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. “It has been quite a journey for me. Growing up in South Africa under Apartheid meant opportunities for people like me were limited. Even though I am a creative person and loved style and design, I could not develop in that area. My friends and I had to do traditional courses to get a job. I was working as an Insurance Broker in the UK for over 10 years. I completed a diploma in interior design, and I remember going to an open day to the University to see what they had on offer and being extremely excited. I just knew this is what I wanted to do. I am really positive that our business will make a huge mark in the future”.
 
Initially wearing multiple hats as a business owner and not just focusing on the creative side was a bit challenging. “I love the creative part, working with clients, transforming their spaces and creating their desired outcomes. But a business must be viable and there are other aspects like marketing, administration, procurement that are key for the business to survive. I am much better at them now. My corporate background working where I managed people and resources has helped me a lot.
 
She is extremely excited about the future. “One of the lessons from the covid-19 pandemic is that we have to adapt and be flexible. This year some projects we lined up had to be postponed either due to lockdown or the economic uncertainty. People generally think interior design is only for rich people. I really do not think it should be that way. Everyone should be in an environment that reflects their spirit, life, and tastes. Our homes should be sanctuaries: a peaceful place where we can escape the challenges of the modern world. That is really what I am about”.
 
“Presently, we are going through a marketing and rebranding campaign. We are updating our website, social media pages and other online assets. We are also creating various design packages to suit a wide range of clients. There is a package for clients that want to do smaller projects (e.g. style a room) based on their budget. Another service for those seeking only advice and guidance on what to do with their property. Also, an E-design package for clients that want design work but are happy to implement themselves. There is also a package for styling and staging properties for sale to attract buyers. We will also be working with Estate Agents soon. We want services that accommodate a bigger pool of clients so they are not put off by a large investment”.
 
Petina is also passionate about protecting our planet and is an advocate to use less stuff, more recycled materials and eco-friendly products. An online store selling sustainable products e.g. cushions made from recycled materials is in the pipeline.
 
“Our home is one of our most important investments. We share our home with the people closest to us. It is important that we live in spaces that we are happy in. We all have to be conscious of our planet and environment and therefore conscious of the decisions we make”
 
If you are in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire or Bedfordshire and you need great interior design services contact Julius Interior Design here.