Behind the Scenes | An Inspiring Interview with Jen Bishop from The Interiors Addict

If you’re a lover of interior design, then we’re sure you’ve found yourself reading about stunning before-and-after room tours, taking notes on industry tips and tricks, or learning about the latest trends on The Interiors Addict. What started as a simple passion for founder and journalist, Jen Bishop, has now turned into an inspirational blog space dedicated to those looking to transform their homes into places they love. 

We’re catching up with Jen Bishop to learn the story behind The Interiors Addict, how her day-to-day life blends work and family, her views on timeless style, and advice for aspiring designers. 

Jen’s journey with The Interiors Addict began with a desire to create something she loved. “I’ve always been an interiors addict for as long as I can remember!” she recalls. A journalist by background, Jen had a long career in newspapers and magazines, but it wasn’t until she started the blog in 2011 that she got to write about what really inspired her; interior design. 

“Whether it’s personal or interior style, to me, it’s about embracing what suits you, brings you joy, and makes you feel good.”

- Jen Bishop | The Interiors Addict

As her audience grew, what was originally a place for Jen to collect interior inspiration quickly became a full-time role. But as many know, running a business often requires balance. Jen is a wife and a mum to two young boys, and while The Interiors Addict allows her to work from her home office, no two days are the same. Often filled with a mix of writing, meeting clients, attending events, and interviewing inspiring people from the world of interiors, you might still be able to find Jen down at her kids' school, volunteering at the canteen. 

With her husband working long hours outside the home, a growing family, and a thriving business, we just had to know how Jen unwinds from a long day. “When the weather’s nice, we like to go for a walk as a family and debrief the day before sitting down for dinner together. I end every single day with a long hot bubble bath (I know, I know, but I’m British, ok?),” Jen adds happily. We couldn’t think of anything better. 

Image credit: Joe Cheng

Image credit: Joe Cheng

Connecting with a vast range of people within the interior design industry means Jen is constantly experiencing the evolution of style, watching trends come and go as they do. So, when we asked what ‘style’ means to her, Jen’s approach is refreshingly personal. “Whether it’s personal or interior style, to me, it’s about embracing what suits you, brings you joy, and makes you feel good,” she explains. She’s not one for following fleeting trends but instead focuses on timeless looks that reflect individual personalities. When it comes to interiors, Jen encourages others to adopt a similar approach, finding joy in the spaces they create and not being afraid to inject personality into their homes.

“I love that people are starting to be a bit bolder and warmer with their colour palettes. Long gone are those days of blush pink and grey! I’d love to see even more people move away from this mindset of playing it safe for resale and towards decorating for a home that says something about the people who live there and brings them contentment,” Jen adds.

Image credit: Joe Cheng

With this advice in mind, we just had to ask what Jen’s tips were for aspiring designers looking to break into the industry. “Immerse yourself in what’s happening in the industry,” she says, suggesting that emerging designers attend events, take courses, and follow inspiring people on social media. Real-life experience, such as internships, is also key. “This will really help you stand out in a sea of resumes,” she notes. 

If your goal after becoming an interior designer is to then be featured in The Interiors Addict, we also have you covered. Jen’s advice is simple: bring your best stories to the table. “Our readers are obsessed with a good before and after,” she says. “We love professional photos, a great transformation story, and the human story behind the home.”

So, what’s next for the inspiring blog? Excitingly, Jen is preparing to launch a new B2B newsletter specifically for interior designers. It will feature the latest products and insights that design professionals can incorporate into their projects.

Image credit: Jacqui Turk

Image credit: Jacqui Turk

If you’ve loved learning all about Jen Bishop and The Interiors Addict, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay up-to-date and inspired:

• The Newsletter: Interiors Addict sends out a bi-weekly newsletter with the latest interviews and articles.
• House Tours: Perfect for those looking to pitch their projects or just gather some visual inspiration, the House Tours section is a must-visit.

• Interviews Section: For those wanting to learn more about the people behind the industry, check out the interviews with designers, artists, and homewares brand founders.
• Instagram: Head to @interiorsaddict