Janine Stone is one of Britain’s foremost interior designers. Her internationally acclaimed practice is supported by a team of 50 architects, designers, craftsmen, project managers, technicians, and builders, each dedicated to striving for excellence. With offices in London, Manchester, Moscow, and Milan, the firm specialises in developing, refurbishing, designing, and building extraordinary private residences for the most discerning clients.
What defines every Janine Stone project is the attention to detail – in an era when so much is mass-produced and intended for a wide audience, Janine Stone eschews this in favour of bespoke designs tailored for each individual client. The company undertakes projects across the globe, from the restoration of houses of historic interest and listed heritage properties to the creation of contemporary homes embracing the latest innovations in design and technology. The company works closely with their clients to fully understand their lifestyle and to help bring their vision for their home to life. Janine avoids a signature style in favour of an aesthetic that reflects the client’s desires and the way they want to live.
The daughter of a dress designer and an artist, Janine’s childhood was filled with fine furnishings and exotic fabrics which hugely influenced her choice of career. When her father began branching out into interior design projects, it was inevitable that she should join him in this venture. She travelled extensively throughout Europe working on numerous projects and developing an enviable network of artisans throughout the continent and beyond. Janine established her own interior design business in 1987 and has seen it grow into a multi-disciplinary practice that can ensure complete coordination of every aspect of the build and design.
1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?
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.
2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?
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.
3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?
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.
4. How do you start your interior design projects? Do you usually start with a certain element of design or a keyword? And how do they develop?
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.
5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?
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.
6. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?
Each of these pieces demonstrates the sculptural beauty —where form and function merge to create something truly striking.
7. Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?
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.
8. If you could pick one interior design tip that is important to you, what would it be?
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.
9. What was the best advice you have received in your path?
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.
10. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?
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.
11. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?
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.
12. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?
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.
“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.”
13. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?
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 chat!
