Local Spotlight on Eloise James Design: a fresh approach to creating beautiful, bespoke interior designs in Tunbridge Wells

With over a decade of industry experience, Tunbridge Wells-based interior designer, Eloise James, specialises in working with private residential clients across Kent and London, to create stylish and liveable everyday spaces.

Passionate about textiles and discovering pre-loved antiques, she is often defined by her confident use of colour and pattern, bringing warmth, texture and personality into every project - whatever the style or budget.

Her down-to-earth approach is client-led and focuses on designing rooms that feel unique and functional for family life, whilst lending her expertise in how to make each room shine.

We chatted to Eloise about her business, how she approaches each project and where she finds her inspiration...

What’s your background and how did you discover your passion for interior design?

I studied Textile Design at university, specialising in print design, and I’ve always been drawn to colour and pattern. Even now, choosing fabrics remains one of my favourite parts of the job! After graduating, I interned at Living Etc magazine, which fully immersed me in the world of interiors. It was an incredible experience and I got to work on the most inspiring shoots in everything from rustic barn conversions to sleek contemporary apartments overlooking London. It also introduced me to some of the most talented interior stylists, who taught me the importance of trusting your instinct and having a meticulous eye for detail.

After several years freelancing as a stylist, I side-stepped into interior design, and took on my first full-time role with a London design company. I loved collaborating with clients to create something lasting and personal. Having since worked for several interior design firms in London, I’ve gained a wealth of experience and an even deeper love for the industry.

Following a career break to have my two children, I decided to take the leap and launch my own company in Tunbridge Wells. Now, I’m focused on working with local clients to create beautiful, liveable homes — and I absolutely love being part of the community here.

What's your approach? Do you tend to design a room at a time or the house as a whole?

My approach is completely client led. Every project starts with understanding how my clients live, what inspires them, and how they want their space to feel. I’m equally happy to take on a single room that needs a refresh as I am a full house re-design.

When it’s a one room project, I focus on making sure that the space truly shines. That might mean introducing new colours, textures or layouts to make it more functional and inviting. For whole home projects, I see it as the perfect opportunity to create a cohesive and complimentary scheme that flows beautifully from room to room, while still giving each space its own character.

Ultimately, my goal is to design homes that feel authentic to the people who live in them. Comfortable, considered and full of personality!

How would you describe your style?

I find it hard to pin down a single style. I love mixing antiques with more contemporary pieces as well as layering colours and textures. I also enjoy combining elements in unexpected ways, creating rooms that feel personal and unique.

When designing a space, it can be really helpful to have a starting point such as a sentimental piece of artwork or a beautiful rug a client has lugged home from travels in Morocco. I can then pull out colours and start building a scheme around it. 

For me, the most beautiful homes are the ones that tell a story about the people who live in them. Ultimately, a home should feel lived-in and comfortable. It should be a place you love being in. If you’re going to spend the whole time worrying about putting your feet on the sofa, it’s probably not the right sofa for you!

What can you tell us about some of the projects you've worked on recently?

My most recent project involved transforming a Victorian property by knocking through a sitting room and a playroom into one cohesive space. The clients wanted the rooms to feel connected while still maintaining a sense of separation, so we introduced sliding glass doors, perfect for zoning the area.

It was such a rewarding project because the space needed to be both highly functional for family life and yet feel sophisticated and calming for adults once the kids were in bed. The clients embraced bold, dark tones, which contrasted beautifully with a herringbone floor and some beautiful statement lighting. I also designed some bespoke joinery for the playroom to hide all the children’s toys. This featured scalloped edge detailing and a clever pull-out desk for kids’ crafts. The result is a space that’s versatile, practical, and works beautifully for the whole family.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Anywhere and everywhere. I’m often found rummaging around in the many charity furniture shops in Tunbridge Wells. I love nothing more than stumbling across a beautiful pre-loved piece of furniture that I can work into a scheme with a bit of up-cycling.

Travel is a big one for me too…although with two young kids, holidays in distant locations haven’t been high on the agenda over the last few years, but there are some beautiful places to visit in Kent and the UK. We visited Port Lympe Safari Park over the summer and I was blown away by the interiors in the hotel there! 

Do you have any particular brands or designers you like working with?

There are so many brands I love working with! For fabrics, I’ve always been a fan of Linwood and Vanderhurd, and I’m particularly inspired by Kent-based Haines Collection, who do amazing work reducing industry textile waste while offering a beautiful range of fabrics. I even managed to grab some treasures at their recent clearance sale!

For furniture, I adore Arlo & Jacob sofas, while Piglet in Bed is my go-to for luxurious bed linen. And for lighting, Pooky always delivers statement pieces that really bring a room to life.

How does the process work for anyone looking to hire you?

Give me a call! Designing someone’s home is such a personal process, so I always like to start with a friendly chat to get to know you and your space. During this initial conversation, I’ll get a sense of the project’s size, scope, and how much involvement you’d like from me.

From there, I’ll put together an initial brief and proposal outlining the approach, design goals, and estimated costs. Once you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll arrange a site visit to take measurements, photos, and discuss ideas in more detail. I then create a project timeline so you can see how the process will unfold - from design concepts and sourcing, through to installation and final styling.

I’m happy to take on anything from sourcing a few key pieces of furniture or designing bespoke joinery, to specifying window treatments or putting together a full redesign. There’s really no project too small.

You also offer colour consultancy and antique sourcing - how does this work?

I do! I have a not-so-secret passion for antiques and vintage pieces. If I’m working on a project and know my client is looking for something special, Ardingly Antiques Fair is always my go-to!  It’s full of hidden gems, and I love the thrill of finding unique items that add real character to a space.

I also offer colour consultancy as a standalone service. With so many paint brands and shades to choose from, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. I help take the stress out of the process by putting together a curated palette of colours from a range of brands, carefully chosen to complement your existing space and belongings. It’s a simple but effective way to transform your home and bring a fresh new feel to it.

How do you incorporate current trends into your designs?

Trends come and go, but I believe great interior design should stand the test of time. That said, if there’s a particular trend you love, I always suggest introducing it in small, easily changeable ways. Cushions, lampshades, or accessories are perfect for this, they’re simple to update and can completely refresh a space. It always amazes me how much difference these details can make to a room.

I recommend investing in high-quality, timeless pieces for the bigger items. Things like sofas, flooring, or bespoke joinery,  and then mixing in smaller, trend-led pieces along the way. If you’re unsure whether you’ll still love something in five years, keep it flexible: choose items you could move to another room, or sell on when you’re ready for a change.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to redesign their home?

Take your time and don’t rush it! Start by thinking about how you really use your space and what makes you feel comfortable. Gather inspiration, but choose pieces you genuinely love, not just what’s trending. And don’t be afraid to mix old and new, that’s what gives a home its character and makes it truly yours.

What are your favourite local spots, business and/or hidden gems in Kent?

Where do I start?! Kent has got such a goldmine of places I love. To name but a few…

Penshurst Place for beautiful gardens and an epic playground my kids love! I’m a massive foodie - sushi from Kiko Sushi or Pizza from Cantuccio always hits the spot, as does coffee from Even Flow. 

For interiors, Peter Hoare is an absolute hidden gem - full of exquisite fabrics and accessories. I’m also really keen to visit Rising Star in Tenterton, it looks like an Aladdin's cave!

How can we find out more?

Check out my website: https://eloisejames.co.uk/ or my Instagram: @Eloise_james_design

And feel free to give me an email or call to chat about your project.