Janine Stone
Janine Stone is one of Britain’s leading interior designers and the founder of Janine Stone & Co, an internationally recognized studio specializing in luxury private residences. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, craftsmen, and project managers, the practice works across restoration, refurbishment, architecture, and bespoke interior design for clients around the world.
Known for an exceptional attention to detail, Janine Stone creates highly personalized homes tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision rather than following a fixed signature style. The studio’s portfolio ranges from historic listed properties to contemporary residences incorporating the latest advances in design and technology.
Raised in a creative environment surrounded by fine furnishings, textiles, and art, Stone developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship and design. After working across Europe and building relationships with artisans and makers internationally, she founded her own practice in 1987, which has since evolved into a global multi-disciplinary design studio with offices in London, Manchester, Moscow, and Milan.
“Proportion. The right size and shape for the right space is the key to a harmonious interior. When a room is well-balanced, it feels right from the moment you step inside.”
INTERVIEW
The key to successful interior design lies in truly understanding how a client wants to live in their home. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that enhances daily life. A sensitivity to comfortable living, an awareness of light and shade, and an eye for the finer decorative details all play a role in crafting interiors that feel effortless and timeless.
In business, success is about taking full responsibility for delivering the project from start to finish. We oversee every aspect of a home’s transformation—architecture, interior design, construction—to ensure that nothing is left to chance. It is also about working with a team of talented professionals who share a commitment to excellence. Our founding principle has always been to create homes that are exceptional without exception.
My journey into interior design began with a childhood immersed in beauty and craftsmanship. My mother was a dress designer, and my father was an artist, so creativity was very much a part of everyday life. Our home was filled with fine furnishings, exotic fabrics, and intricate ornamentation, all of which fostered a deep appreciation for aesthetics from an early age.
Later, I had the opportunity to work alongside my father on his interior design projects, travelling extensively throughout Europe. That was quite the apprenticeship. I observed how he cultivated a close network of artisans and craftsmen, and I gained a first-hand understanding of what it takes to create exceptional interiors. These early experiences shaped my approach to design and instilled the values that remain at the heart of my work today.
Setting up Janine Stone & Co. in 1987 was certainly a defining moment. It was the point at which I established my own practice. Another pivotal moment was when my husband, Gideon, joined the business. He enabled us to diversify beyond interior design, expanding our capabilities to offer a true concept-to-completion service. This has been a tremendous benefit to our clients, as it allows us to seamlessly manage projects from the initial vision through to final delivery, a one-stop project shop if you will. These capabilities ensure a consistency of quality across every discipline—whether architecture, interiors, or construction—so that the craftsmanship and design integrity are meticulously maintained throughout the entire process.
Each project is a new journey. The starting point is always the client—understanding their lifestyle, their aspirations, and how they want their home to feel. From there, the design takes shape, whether it is classical or contemporary.
Sometimes, a single element sets the tone—an architectural feature, a favourite artwork, or a specific material. Other times, a broader concept defines the direction. Every project is different, but what remains consistent is our commitment to ensuring that each detail is truly bespoke and unique to the client.
We are known for not having a set house style. Instead, we focus on creating original, timeless interiors that reflect the people who live in them. Whether working with a classical or contemporary aesthetic, our approach is always centred on exceptional quality and considered details.
My mantra is that a home should be much more than a collection of bricks and mortar; it should tell a story that is as special as its inhabitants. Another guiding principle is “the right size and shape for the right space”. Proportion is fundamental—it influences how comfortable and intuitive a room feels from the outset.
Every project is unique, and I take great pride in all of them. One that stands out is a Grade I listed country estate in the Channel Islands, which we restored with great sensitivity, balancing heritage conservation with modern comforts.
Another is a beautiful Grade I listed house in Oxford, with a 13th-century undercroft. That project required careful restoration alongside discreet integration of state-of-the-art technology. Each commission presents its own challenges and rewards, and that’s what makes the work so fulfilling.
Proportion is everything—understanding scale and balance is fundamental when placing furniture within a space.
If space is limited, the strategic use of wall mirrors can help create a greater sense of openness. Beyond that, I would encourage new designers to immerse themselves in design, study architectural history, and pay close attention to craftsmanship. Great design is about observation and understanding, not just creativity.
My father always emphasised the importance of cultivating strong relationships with artisans and craftsmen. He believed that great design is not just about vision but also about the skill and craftsmanship that bring it to life. That ethos remains central to my work today. I take great pride in working with my design team, trusted craftsmen, and suppliers to create something extraordinary for every client.
Proportion. The right size and shape for the right space is the key to a harmonious interior. When a room is well-balanced, it feels right from the moment you step inside.
It’s easy to become deeply invested in every detail of design, but true success lies in recognising that perfection is subjective. The goal is not just to achieve design excellence but to create a home that feels perfect to those who live in it.
Rather than recommending a specific book or podcast, I would encourage people to visit inspiring interiors. There is nothing quite like experiencing great design in person, whether it’s a historic house, a beautifully curated gallery, or a thoughtfully designed home. Seeing how spaces make you feel is invaluable.
We are currently completing a project in Dubai, which has been an exciting opportunity to bring our expertise to an international stage. Alongside this, we have several projects underway in London, including a remarkable subterranean spa—an increasingly sought-after feature in luxury homes. Clients are increasingly looking for homes that offer greater versatility, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and dedicated wellness spaces, whether it’s incorporating al fresco dining areas, private cinemas, or home spas.
Thank you so much Janine, for this lovely interview!
Share article :
