As we say farewell to 2017, we look back at some of the highlights of what has been an exciting – and hectic – year here at Juliettes Interiors. I started by ringing in the Russian New Year on a snow-sprinkled London evening in early January, sharing bubbles, canapés and fabulous music with an appreciative audience, and talking about what I know best – bespoke, luxury, designer furniture.
Milan
Our annual pilgrimage to Milan was as inspirational as ever. We brought back some truly innovative ideas, particularly in terms of designer lighting and spectacular wall coverings. The theme this year was most definitely blue, in every shade and hue. Set against a neutral backdrop and combined with warm, opulent golds and metallics, blue was the colour to be in 2017. We don’t see it going away any time soon but we can’t wait for next year’s show to see how it develops and what the new year’s colours will be.
South of France
One of our favourite major interior design and property development projects this year saw the team off to the South of France but this was no holiday. I don’t think we’ve ever worked so hard but it was worth every minute of it. Every one of us fell in love with this house and we were so sad when we had to hand it back.
Ginspiration
Something else we fell in love with as soon as it came into the showroom was this Perfect Modern Gin Trolley. It coincided with a UK-wide surge in sales of gin and became the centrepiece of a wonderful Ginspiration summer marketing campaign. The highlight of this was a cocktail challenge and a room design competition, both centred around Juniper – the name of our own personal gin trolley. We now have our own winning J&T cocktail and a stunning, Mad Men & James Bond-inspired Ginspiration Room. If you didn’t catch them at the time, spend a few minutes to browse through the inspired designs and the cocktails. Who knows, it could spark an idea for your next interior design project.
Salon Privé
We were very proud to take Juniper with us to the Salon Privé exhibition at Blenheim Palace in August. Surrounded by supercars, classic cars, classic bikes and helicopters, the show passed by in a blur of the most entertaining of visitors, iconic motors on parade – and no small amount of lobster. We thoroughly enjoyed Ladies’ Day, the Concours d’Élégance and the exceptional display of vintage and modern Ferraris on the Saturday (Saturday by appointment only). Although billed as an automotive show, Salon Privé was so much more, with luxury at every turn. Our own luxury salon felt right at home and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Bitcoin
Speaking to some of our customers throughout the year, we became aware of just how many were quite serious investors in digital currencies, Bitcoin in particular. What started as a twinkle of an idea came to fruition in October when we became the first luxury retailer in the UK to accept Bitcoin as a payment method for our designer furniture. Until now, it has been difficult for our clients to spend their digital currencies but we think we are at the forefront of a growing movement. We may be alone in our sector right now but within 18 months, this will be a part of everyday life. We believe it offers our UK and international customers a real choice, and payments are easy and hassle-free.
Luxury Beds
November saw a focus on our stunning luxury beds, with some of our favourite interiors bloggers treating us to their Perfect Bedroom Designs. Four posters, floating chiffon, contemporary chic and the utmost in opulence – these were bedrooms to dream of. We also worked closely with some very talented foodie bloggers in a Luxury Breakfast in a Luxury Bed Challenge. We were treated to lobster, smoked salmon benedict, some deliciously poached eggs, chorizo and potato cakes, chick peas on toast, and our winner – a fabulous stack of gluten-free Belgian waffles, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with tasty, crispy bacon. If you missed any of these, take a look at our Luxury Breakfast in a Luxury Bed Challenge and our Luxury Bed Room Design Challenge.
Juliettes Exteriors
Throughout the later part of the year, we have been planning our new collections and preparing our showroom with some fabulous new and innovative products and the finest in luxury furniture. We have also been preparing for the launch of Juliettes Exteriors, our sister company, specialising in property development for new build and renovations around the world. All of this came together in one spectacular launch evening at the end of November, hosted by the magnificent Ainsley Harriott. With champagne, caviar, canapés and a few flakes of snow, I had a sense of déja vu as our year at Juliettes came full circle.
Welcome to the Team
All this frenetic activity meant an increase in staff here at Juliettes and I am very pleased to welcome Karen, Buky, Flavio, Sofia, Sanya and Gina the dog to the team. Their diverse talents will all contribute to an exceptional level of customer service, stunning interior design services and the smooth running of the company in the coming year.
Looking Forward…
Now, we’re enjoying a well-deserved Christmas break and looking forward to another fun, busy year of luxury furniture and inspired interior design here in Chelsea. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018, and looking forward to seeing you in the New Year.
