Hannah Prasad
Jen Bishop is the interior queen that transforms spaces into design dreams. From starting out as a journalist to establishing her blog, The Interiors Addict, Jen has turned her passion for design into a flourishing career. We spoke to Jen about her career, decorating inspiration and how to elevate an outdoor area.
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“I started working as a reporter at my local newspaper when I left high school in the UK at 18. I worked my way up through the ranks at various newspapers to editor, then worked at a few magazines before moving to Australia at the age of 26. I was the editor, then publisher, of a business magazine in Sydney for five years. I had already started my blog as a hobby when I was made redundant and I decided, encouraged by many of the entrepreneurs I’d interviewed for the magazine, to try and turn it into a business. Almost seven years and two kids later, it’s still going strong!”
Jen showcases her love for design on her blog, The Interiors Addict, a hub for design inspiration that started as a hobby, which is now Jen’s full-time job. “Interiors Addict started as a place just for me, to store all the interior inspiration I saw online and small projects I did in my home. Being a journalist by background, it was second nature for me to approach interior designers and stylists to profile them. Word got around about the site and it snowballed into something much bigger than I ever imagined. I still pinch myself that it’s my job!”
“These days, the site is very much a place for the everyday person who wants a nice home to find tips and tricks, the latest trends and products, inspiring before and afters of people’s renovations and interviews with people in the industry, sharing their secrets and beautiful projects.” It is no surprise Jen’s house is a designer’s dream. She loves creating warm and inviting spaces for her two boys and shares a glimpse into the aesthetic of her bedroom. “I love planning and decorating bedrooms. In my own bedroom, I’ve gone for a bit of a luxe hotel feel with navy walls, a custom fuchsia velvet bedhead and brass details. I like the cooler months when I can really layer up my bed and give it a more interesting look. My sons’ bedrooms were both great fun to create. I’ll be talking about kids’ bedrooms in one of my talks and sharing what I did for my boys.”
Jen shares her tips on how to create a fabulous outdoor area. She also gives our readers three design tips to elevate a room. “Here in Australia, we are lucky to have a climate which means we spend a lot of time outside, not just in summer. You should definitely think of your outdoor area as an extension of your home and another living space. Indoor/outdoor flow is key in Aussie homes and creating a space which is low maintenance but still comfortable in all seasons, is key. If you have space, it’s great to zone areas like entertaining, play space for the kids and a decorative garden area. Sun awnings, fire pits and patio heaters make your space useable all year round.”
Make sure you’re following Jen @interiorsaddict for all your design inspiration needs.
