PURE ALCHEMY

Interior designer Jessica Buckley has brought life to a previously plain Georgian townhouse by layering vibrant tones, textures and patterns

-  JULIET BENNING

Known for her punchy use of colour and encyclopaedic knowledge of pattern, Jessica Buckley is an interior designer who understands how to layer and balance. It was these attributes that her latest clients, the new owners of an Edinburgh townhouse, especially sought out. ‘The young couple approached us because they felt if they came up with the interior schemes themselves, they would be too safe,’ says Jessica.

The property, on one of Edinburgh New Town’s most desirable streets, was in a state of neglect when her clients bought it, so a full renovation was in order. ‘The layout was confused and it wasn’t clear why certain decisions had been made,’ says Jessica. ‘The old pine floors were creaky and the colours were drab. The kitchen was also tired so everything was due for a rip out and start again.’ Despite its poor condition, the architectural details like the cornicing and ceiling roses were intact ensuring that the new interior would have an elegant backdrop.

While the planning stage of the renovation went smoothly, the work on site was stymied by the pandemic. ‘In February, we placed orders for everything and then the world just stopped with the project put on hold,’ says Jessica. ‘We spent a few weeks waiting to make sure each company would fulfil our order but ultimately it all worked out.’