In Conversation with Jenni Rowland from The Paint Agency
In 1992 I formed the Paint Agency and focused initially on specialist paint finishes. Then over the years the Paint Agency evolved as interior design became an important part of making a house a home. Today my projects encompass residential and commercial properties.
I love every aspect of the work from designing at my desk to getting stuck in with the builders. My search for new ideas and techniques continues everyday. Along with my team I'm currently using trowels and blades to apply matt emulsion paint to create a polished plaster finish in a four storey 5 bedroom Victorian House.
What inspired you to be an interior designer?
As a single mum with three children to support and the only experience to draw on were a degree in English Literature or the skills I learnt whilst transforming my Victorian marital home on a budget. Following that, Interior Design was a no-brainer as it clearly was more fun.
My first real interior design project was on a mega scale. It involved demolishing four garages and building from the ground up, a contemporary three storey house. The new home for my three children under 10 and myself.
If they were to make a toy action figure of you, what would your accessory be?
Bella - she's got four wheels and a roof rack; she has been my trusted steed for 20 years. Bella uncomplainingly has carried me, my team and kit north, south, east and west whilst being just as agile when navigating her way through the London traffic.
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life within the design world has taken?
110%. All my experience has been gained on the job. I started working initially as a one man band with Bella and now have a niche network of master craftspersons within the industry. This gives me the scope to build my team on a project by project basis.
What would be your dream interior project?
Each job I do is my next dream project because I'm so lucky to make a living out of something I used to do as a hobby. Although if I had to have a double dream project it would be to design the interior of my own boutique hotel. What a fantastic opportunity to create my own interior design fantasy.
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
I really feel its a privilege to help someone sort out their home, so I use my skills and knowledge to realise my clients' dream. I also have a quarterly interiors club for those of my clients who want to gain an insight into " The World of Interior Design"
If you could go back in time and speak to your adolescent self, what advice would you give them about the design world?
Trust my instincts, its taken me 20 years to stop questioning myself.
The Paint Agency