A HERITAGE HOME; BOLD AND JOYFUL

From the very first meeting it was clear this project was going to be special. The clients arrived armed with mood boards, magazine clippings and a meticulously curated spreadsheet. “It was clear they’d done their research,” Jo says. “We recognised some of our own imagery in their references, which is always flattering, but what really stood out was their appetite for the design process itself. They wanted to be pushed. They wanted to get it right.”

A richly layered, beautifully resolved family home, every room has its own character, yet flows effortlessly into the next. “Their mood boards were quite consistent across the house,” explains Jo. “We developed these to define each space’s identity, to give them their own voice, while still feeling cohesive.” The design scheme blends classic sensibilities with a playful edge, resulting in an authentic reflection of the clients themselves. “Gillian always wears a flash of colour - bright nails, bold trainers - and we mirrored that in the interiors,” says Jo. “There’s a sophistication to the base palette, but the details surprise you.”

Take the dining room with its bespoke leopard-print love seats with carved lion paw feet that offer a wink of humour against the backdrop of a more traditional mural wallpaper. The layout encourages lingering and is designed for entertaining, with direct flow to the kitchen, garden, and games room. The large dining table, crafted in one seamless piece, is surrounded by curvaceous chairs and grounded by a custom rug designed by Jo, acting as part of a broader conversation between form and function that runs throughout the house.

In the drawing room, a mix of curved furniture, abstract art and a blossom-inspired chandelier creates a welcoming yet elevated atmosphere. Bespoke cabinetry features fluted detailing and brass inlays giving tactile, thoughtful finishes that add depth and richness. “We treated the materials like colours,” Jo explains. “Marble, brass and timber all layered in a way that feels balanced and intentional.”

For Jo, the most rewarding element wasn’t any one object or moment, it was the trust built along the way. “The joy came from how collaborative it was. Darren and Gillian were open to ideas, and as that trust grew, we were able to show them options they might never have considered - and they loved them.”

The principal suite is a triumph of reimagined space. Initially earmarked for a smaller room, Jo encouraged the clients to consider an alternative layout. “We closed off a hallway door and repositioned the bed to give them a true master feel, complete with a dressing room and a beautifully appointed en-suite.” 

In the dressing room, the curved lines continue in the joinery, with woven leather wardrobe doors and a liquid metal vanity adding subtle drama. In the principal bathroom, the vanity unit, designed by Jo, is painted and reeded with brass detailing and finished with a beautiful marble top. The main tile is a bold, large-format design printed to resemble a calming mosaic of acanthus leaves –an ideal setting for relaxing in the bath with a good book!

The process was as meticulous as the outcome. Over two years, designs were reviewed, adapted and refined, resulting in a home that feels utterly personal. “It looks exactly like the designs we were shown,” the client shared, “but even better in real life. That’s what we’ve been waiting for.”

Working with an interior designer isn’t just about making a home look beautiful, it’s about unlocking its full potential. “Often our clients come to us with a strong vision,” Jo reflects, “but our job is to see what’s not yet there. To elevate the ideas, refine them, and bring something truly unique to life.” And in Dalkeith, that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Client Testimonial:

“We recently completed a major renovation to our gorgeous Georgian home not far from Edinburgh.  Having had no previous interaction with an interior design company we made sure we had a good look around for the right one and eventually chose Jeffreys Interiors, Edinburgh.  Our whole experience with Jo, Beatrice and the wider staff turned out to be a wonderful experience from start to finish.  Completely professional at all times, their expertise and attention to detail truly made a difference in transforming our vision into reality.  We were always made to feel part of it and every final decision was ours, but we could never have envisioned many areas of the house without their input.  What they produced for us was totally mind blowing at times.  The final solution is fantastic, and we are absolutely delighted with the interior of our new house. We can't recommend Jeffreys Interiors enough. Thank you, Jeffreys, for your dedication and exceptional service!”