PORTHCAWL interior designer, Julia James founded her company Jasmine interiors in May 2010.
The company offers bespoke design solutions for residential and commercial spaces. With an impressive portfolio that ranges from residential homes to showhouses and commercial offices, Julia’s hands-on approach ensures that every project is unique and suits the personalities of her clients.
From a young age, Julia knew she wanted to pursue a career in design. She began her journey with an art foundation course, where she spent months exploring graphics, fine arts, ceramics, and photography. Ultimately, she decided to focus on 3-dimensional design, drawn by the technical side of the field rather than the “frilly” details. She said “I grew up with my mother loving interiors, but I was technical, so I didn’t want to do frilly designs.”
Following her foundation course, she attended Cardiff University, where she studied Interior Architecture, graduating with a BA Hons degree in 1995. Her career took off in the office interiors industry, where she worked for 15 years on projects that required detailed site surveys and space planning. Among her career highlights was her work on a Rhône River Cruise Boat interior in Lyon, France where she oversaw every element, from cabin furniture and interiors to reception desk design & dining & lounge areas interiors. Each design choice, from colour schemes, flooring, lighting to accessory placement, was meticulously planned to address the unique spatial challenges.
After years of success in office interiors, Julia felt a compelling desire to explore residential and showhouse design. With a clear vision and passion for design, she established Jasmine Interiors to challenge the misconception that interior design is an unaffordable luxury.
Julia believes successful design stems from a strong synergy between the designer and the client. “My designs are all individual, they’re the direct result of synergy with my clients.” This is reflected in her process, which begins with a free home visit. During this informal consultation, Julia takes time to understand her clients’ needs and preferences.
Following the initial consultation, Julia conducts a site survey, capturing photographs of the existing space to develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment and its potential. With this insight, she then creates a detailed design proposal, including mood boards that serve as a visual representation of the concept. “A mood board is a very efficient visual communication tool,” Julia notes, describing how it includes images, materials, and samples to convey the desired style and aesthetic.
Recognising that many people associate interior design with high costs, Julia is committed to working within her clients’ budgets, regardless of scale. Her extensive product knowledge enables her to source from a range of suppliers, often combining finishes and accessories from various stores. Rather than relying solely on expensive designer items, she focuses on high quality, cost effective solutions. This inclusive approach has made Jasmine Interiors a top choice for a wide range of clients, from individual homeowners to small hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Julia enjoys the challenge of pushing boundaries and exploring imaginative concepts in her projects. She also offers bespoke services such as creative hand-painted wall murals, adding an extra layer of artistry to her designs. Additionally, she has a knack for revamping existing furniture and accessories, transforming them into unique pieces that cannot be found on the high street.
Julia has an undeniable passion for reconfiguring and planning spaces. Whether she’s envisioning an extension or simply rearranging a room. She approaches each space with excitement and a deep understanding of how to optimise every inch. She sees the potential in every corner, and her enthusiasm only grows when she begins to plan how best to organise, place, and design the space. Her joy comes not just from creating a visually pleasing space, but from knowing that she’s made a space truly work for its inhabitants.Julia said “I love space planning, I get excited going home, knowing I get to draw plans”.
Approaching interior design in her own unique way, Julia embraces all aspects of design rather than focusing on a single style. “I like to get inside a client’s head to understand what they love.” Julia truly loves to prioritise her clients’ visions and dreams and make them a reality. Julia James is dedicated to creating spaces that feel as individual as her clients. Every project reflects her commitment to quality, style, and practicality. To see her portfolio and discover the full range of her work, visit her Website and Instagram to see firsthand the unique spaces she has crafted.
