Jeni Madden is an interior design graduate from the KLC School of Design. Before establishing her own studio, offering full design and room consultations, she managed to obtain incredible insights from her experience in the fashion and textile industry. Her style is contemporary and unfussy.
1. How would you decorate your home for your dream party?
My ideal party would be a relaxed get together with close friends and their families – with two teenage boys, formal parties are a rarity!
For my dream party I would set up an old kitchen table outside and lay the table with a textured linen table runner and decorate with my collection of vintage 50’s vases I found at a car boot sale and single stems of peonies. For lighting, I’d string together retro style bulbs and drape them above the table for soft lighting as the evening draws in.
I’m a big fan of the modern rustic look, which feels easy and casual and suits my friendly, relaxed style perfectly. I’d also chose handmade crockery in natural shapes and soft green and blue hues, such as the Mervyn Gers studio range at Heals.
2. What small design details pack the biggest punch?
It’s often the finishing touches that create the biggest effect. I always consider artwork sizes and position carefully as I often encounter homes where clients have hung pictures that are the wrong scale for the wall – it can really throw the entire room off centre. In this situation I usually suggest grouping smaller pictures together and unifying the frames to create a gallery wall look. This way the pictures create a harmonious visual impact.
3. What would be your ideal project?
I love simple modern patterns so the ideal project would be for a client wanting contemporary yet relaxed style, perhaps with a few period pieces mixed in. I enjoy combining the odd high street piece with vintage finds as it adds depth to a space. It’s also lovely to work on projects that incorporate a few modern classics such as a Hans Wegner chair, or statement lighting from twentytwentyone.com.
I also love adding personality and warmth to a space by using some of the more quirky wallpapers from companies such as Barneby Gates. Sometimes it is worth spending a little more on fabulous wallpaper as it can really transform a room.
4. If you had to pick an era to live and design in, what would it be?
I’ve always loved the Roaring 20s fashions and really enjoy watching historical dramas like Downton Abbey, for both the interiors and the beautiful clothes! To be honest though, I think now is the best time to be living and designing as we have the freedom to mix styles and influences from so many eras and re-interpret them in fresh ways.
5. Describe a time you’ve had to really roll your sleeves up
There’s always a bit of sleeve rolling when it comes to my projects! I get such satisfaction when I see that clients love the outcome of my work so I give it my all, every time. That being said sometimes clients are a little unsure when I first suggest an idea that’s a bit adventurous, but after mulling it over for a few weeks they often come back to say they love it - I’ve learnt to give clients some thinking time before leaping in with new suggestions!
If you're hooked on Jeni's style, you're just a few clicks away from teaming up with her to create a brilliantly designed space in your own home.