In conversation with Jules O'Carroll
Parker & Jules is a modern British brand celebrated for its bold, eclectic patterns and modern use of colour. Merging contemporary design with nostalgic elegance, the brand is the collaborative creation of textile designer Nancy Parker and interior designer Jules O’Carroll. Their designs beautifully capture the essence of the quintessentially British landscape, with an English country-yet-maximalist feel.
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Jules' stunning London abode, while we find out her top styling tips, where she gets inspiration from and much more.
How would you describe your style?
English Country with an acid twist.
Where do you look for inspiration, both in your own home & when creating new collections for Parker & Jules?
I definitely look all the time and see what I feel finds fresh, sometimes it’s an interior designers work, new fashion, always nature and the colour combinations I feel drawn too, then I do love historic interiors - sign me up for a country house tour!
Who are your favourite interior designers/home influencers/names in the interiors world?
I love Pierce and Ward, Maddux Creative, Rachel Chudley and Henri Fitzwilliam Lay.
Jules' kitchen, the biggest transformation in her house
Does your London property differ much from your Cotswolds home or do you have the same style weaved throughout both?
It is quite different from the Cotswolds which is modern, I have always yearned for an old house so this is our cottage in the city.
What is your favourite room in your house & why?
The corner sofa in the sitting room, which is upholstered in Lulu in shade Hunter.
What’s been the biggest transformation in your home?
Definitely the kitchen, we lived through the winter lockdown with head torches trying to reach the aga as EVERYTHING else was replaced. It's all wood and terracotta floors, I love it.
How does it feel to be able to have your own designs in your own home?
I love it, as we often see our designs in small sample pieces or ‘flat’. I really appreciate being able to use them and seeing them in volume as intended.
Do your family like to get involved in making décor decisions or do they let you have free reign?
Well we do laugh about that! I definitely do the aesthetics, we look at art together and one of us is very keen on whether the fridge/freezer has automatic ice (not me!).
Jules’ top decorating tips:
- Don't be afraid to use more than one fabric in a scheme. Our fabrics are always designed so they will really work together in a scheme rather than shout for attention. The different scales talk together and the eye can really flow over them rather than being drawn to the ‘one print’.
- When choosing fabrics, it’s very important to consider the weight of the fabric and whether it's suitable for your project. Lightweight is good for frills and soft window treatments, whereas midweight covers all upholstery and window treatments. Heavy fabrics have a beautiful drape and feel really luxurious in curtains and upholstery.
- To maintain a sense of authenticity when decorating, consider the architecture; it’s a bit like ‘Location, Location, Location’. Think about the period of your house, its space and light – this is key for me in terms of creating an authentic interior.
