I got in touch with Isla James Interiors during a kitchen extension to help with some tricky lighting over an island with two ceiling heights. Over two zoom calls they came up with a great solution for the island and planned a complete lighting solution for the rest of the kitchen with 5 circuits that all work brilliantly. They also suggested some fabulous light fittings which I love.

As an added bonus, Jo also gave advice on some other areas of the build that she spotted during our zoom. Firstly, a rejig of our outdoor lighting to make it symmetrical with the back door. Adding a small wall to hide the back and side of the fridge (still can’t thank you enough for this). Also having baskets for shoes instead of shelves in our mini boot room, so much better. And finally increasing the size of the island to seat our family of 4, which we now live at!

The cost of the consultation easily paid for itself compared to the cost of the errors I would have made. Our beautiful kitchen feels like it has definitely been given a bit of the Isla James magic touch.

Thank you so much to Jo and her lovely team!

LUCY GUMMER -CONSULTATION CLIENT

I’ve been working with Jo since 2018 on a variety of projects. It became refreshingly apparent that Jo’s attention was in the detail. She understands the clients requirements, at mid ground she understands the contractor team and has ability to deliver on this, not just with design but with technical support to ensure targeted and effective implementation to the project specification.

Jo has vast experience, qualification and knowledge with lighting design which is a key item. We see lighting worked into a huge range of products which IJI often supply and specify. These items include (but are not limited to) artwork, light fittings, ironmongery, wall papers, paints, furnishings. Jo knows exactly what suppliers to go to for the right product, also ensuring the supply chains offer unparalleled after care service which is so important for us as a contractor and the end client.

The IJI team has expanded considerably over the last 18 months into a very focussed and talented team bringing supportive key skills to the IJI business. The business recognises the key to be fluid and always altering processes to better suit the projects as times change and recognising the need to ensure continuity wherever possible.

Both myself and the rest of our team look forward to working and supporting Jo and her team on future commercial and high end residential projects. Keep up the good work!

Sebastian T. Nelmes

MANAGING DIRECTOR

STN PROJECT & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

I asked Isla James Interiors - led by Jo Calver - to support our 'forever home' house renovation back in 2020. We have tackled the house in sections over the last three years and Jo and her team have been involved in every aspect of the renovation: beginning with the architectural plans through to the choice of cushion fabrics. I have been astonished at the intellectual precision and care that's been taken at each point: the mathematics of bathroom layouts, window size and location, in relation to furniture and function of the space. The detailed design and measurements of built in joinery, the careful design of our main fireplace - and the list goes on. I've seen the care that's been taken in the placement of light switches and power points to ensure the highest level of functionality, and have been wowed by Jo's expertise in lighting: anticipating perfectly highlighting a piece of art and creating different moods with carefully considered circuits. Finally I've had the pleasure of seeing a room burst into being from one 'inspiration' piece of fabric or wallpaper - through harmonious choices of paint, furniture, complementary fabrics and much more. Without doubt, Jo and Sophie have brought a depth to our family home that I could never have created on my own. Yet at the same time managed to respect my individual taste - and make it feel honoured. 

At each point I've been provided with a highly competent professional service, (provision of work schedules, exact and transparent costings, effective chasing of late suppliers and effective communication with builders), matched with artistic instinct and vision. My whole experience with IJI has been professional, fun and eye opening.

Mrs. M. Pangbourne. Full renovation in stages: Returning client.

I spent such a long time thinking about each room in our renovation, especially our kitchen and I thought I had it all perfectly designed. Well thank goodness for my call with Jo - she expertly made some tweaks and suggestions that have changed the way we use it entirely. Everything from where to put task lighting, which pendants I needed to how to finish the cabinetry. We had already had our first fix of lighting but Jo's advice was still invaluable and I would do it again and again! 

Everyone on the team is so helpful and kind - If I won the lottery I would build a home from scratch with them - the DREAM!

Lucy Cowdy - Consultation Client