The luxury interior design company specialises in high end care, retirement and residential developments across the UK. Jen’s infectious energy, creativity and effortless attention to detail are the driving force behind the success of Bernard Interiors.
LUXE PEOPLE >>
My 18 month old son William who is a bundle of energy and makes me smile, my team at Bernard Interiors who are my extended family and continually support me, not forgetting my perfect partner Paul, a marine engineer, and my fantastic parents who are just round the corner.
LUXE PLACES >>
For a weekend > Escaping to our family holiday home on the Northumberland coast, long walks on the beach, a real fire, seeing friends up there and generally switching off from work and city life.
A long holiday > With family and friends in Majorca. Reading the paper whilst indulging in a continental breakfast at Cappuccino and barbecues with lots of fresh seafood. Paul and William spend time looking at the boats in the marina, we love going out on a boat for picnics too. Plus a few cultural trips to Palma to visit the art galleries. It’s just a really relaxed, laidback time. Any sort of routine for William goes out of the window on holiday.
A treat > A weekend in Venice for Paul and I. With time to get ready and dress up to go and eat in expensive, elegant restaurants. Enjoying conversation, shopping and culture…. child free!
Luxe relax >>
Best food > I love French food. From a young age I spent a lot of time in France staying with French families and I like the way of life, the importance of eating together as a family.
Best wine > Fleurie or Cotes du Rhone. When we were kids my parents travelled around the French vineyards whilst on holiday to buy wine and I vividly remember my sister and I packed in the car surrounded by crates of wine on the journey home!
Favourite restaurant > Villa Italia in Andratx is lovely and there’s Cafe Flo in Richmond, whenever we go to see international rugby. There are so many new restaurants emerging in Newcastle it’s hard to choose, it’s becoming very cosmopolitan here.
Perfect weekend > Socialising with family and friends, food and wine, ideally outdoors. Either a long lunch or an early dinner, my new ‘mummy mantra’ is ‘start early, finish early’.
Downtime means > Downtime – what is that?!
Best telly > The Crown is my latest obsession because of the sets, dialogue and costumes. It gives an insight into the monarchy and the Queen’s life.
Best book > I enjoyed reading the Bill Bryson books, but as a visual person I’m really looking for pictures so interiors books, design books and recipe books are my thing.
Best sounds > Currently Gregory Porter. Mostly soul and jazz. There’s nothing like live music, the last concert I went to was Ruby Turner at Sage, Gateshead.
Luxe shop >>
Best shopping city > There are so many – London, Rome… I’ve no time for city shopping at the moment so it’s net-a-porter.com and since William came along slightly less expensive, high street shops like Zara or M&S!
Favourite shop > net-a-porter.com
Luxe retail treat > A new pair of shoes. My favourite shoes are my Jimmy Choo black patent Romy pumps – a classic.
Best buy > A Gucci handbag I bought in Rome 10 years ago. It’s tired and battered and I still love it.
Luxe party >>
A memorable night out > That was quite recently at Dabbawal with friends, three couples who all have small children. We made the most of the opportunity to have a ‘grown up’ night out without the kids, it was really three nights rolled into one, the bar bill was double the food bill! We had a great night.
Perfect party > Hosted by Northumberland friends who love a good knees up, lasting into the small hours.
Best dress > Any of the designer ones in my wardrobe which I can’t fit into anymore or I don’t have the occasion to wear just now!
Dinner date > The last date night with Paul at Peace & Loaf. We had a lovely leisurely meal and conversation. Just perfect.
Your Luxe things in life >>
Right now it’s time – more hours in the day please and most definitely longer weekends.
