Welcome to an insightful conversation with Jen Stanbrook, the dynamic force behind one of the UK’s most celebrated interior design blogs, Love Chic Living. Through her platform, Jen has dedicated herself to inspiring and empowering countless homeowners to create beautiful, functional, and deeply personal spaces. Her journey from corporate IT to becoming a leading voice in home decor is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of embracing new opportunities. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Jen’s origins, her unique design philosophy, and the remarkable evolution of her blog, offering a glimpse into the creative mind that continues to redefine accessible luxury in home styling. Join us as Sara Walker chats with Jen to uncover the story behind Love Chic Living and the aspirations that drive its continued success.
Jen Stanbrook’s foray into the world of interior design wasn’t a straightforward career path but rather an organic evolution driven by genuine passion. “I have always loved interiors, but for the longest time, it was just a hobby, a deeply ingrained passion really. In fact, I harboured a secret dream of setting up my own independent interiors shop,” Jen reveals, reflecting on her early aspirations. Her professional background was far removed from fabrics and furniture. “I spent a decade working in corporate IT, a world of logic and structure, before I decided to step away to focus on raising my young daughters. During that time, I also ran a small franchise business within the mum and baby community.” This venture, she explains, inadvertently laid the groundwork for her future success. “It was incredibly fun and, crucially, it was how I first delved into the realm of social media. My career path has always been a mosaic of different experiences, not a linear progression. I’ve never really had a ‘career’ in the traditional sense, but this varied background gave me a rich skillset that proved invaluable.”
It was through these experiences that Jen discovered an unexpected affinity for blogging. “I found myself absolutely loving the creative process and the connection it offered.” The pivotal moment arrived during a brainstorming session. “At a gathering with another blogger friend and some close companions, the idea was sparked: why not combine my passion for interiors with my newfound love for online content creation? The concept of building a dedicated interiors blog felt incredibly exciting and natural.” After meticulous research, planning, and a burst of creative energy, Love Chic Living was officially launched.
Looking back, Jen describes the journey as nothing short of exhilarating. “It’s been a total rollercoaster, genuinely transformative. Love Chic Living has completely reshaped my life, providing my family and me with extraordinary experiences and incredible opportunities.” She acknowledges the immense effort involved. “I’ve poured an incredible amount of hard work and dedication into this, but every single moment has been unequivocally worth it. This is, without a doubt, the best job I have ever had. It’s truly amazing to think that just a few years ago, this entire venture, this career, didn’t even exist.” Jen’s story is an inspiring example of how following a passion, even if it leads you down an unconventional path, can result in profound personal and professional fulfillment, creating a thriving platform that resonates with a wide audience seeking stylish and attainable home inspiration.
SW: What was the inspiration behind the original name of the blog, Love Chic Living? Did the look and feel evolve significantly over time, or was its core aesthetic established early on?
JS: Naming the blog was a process I took very seriously, knowing it would define its identity. When I was first conceptualising the blog, I experimented with countless names, jotting down ideas and testing them out on a trusted group of family and friends for their honest feedback. Love Chic Living, along with just one other option, consistently emerged as the clear favourite. My primary goal at the time was to create a platform that focused on stylish, contemporary design – not overly aspirational, but definitely elevated and current. The name resonated with that vision, and it also subtly reminded me of ‘Living Etc,’ a high-end interiors magazine that I deeply admired and was more than happy to be influenced by. Their elegant approach to modern living was definitely an inspiration in setting the tone for what I wanted to achieve.
As for the blog’s look and feel, it absolutely has evolved over the years, much like any living, breathing creative project. While the core ethos of celebrating chic and contemporary living has remained steadfast, the visual aesthetics – from typography and colour palettes to layout and photography style – have undergone several refinements. In the early days, it was much simpler, reflecting the resources and trends of the time. However, as the blog grew and my understanding of effective web design and user experience deepened, I invested more in enhancing its visual appeal. This evolution was also driven by a desire to keep the blog fresh, relevant, and engaging for my ever-growing audience, ensuring it continued to reflect the latest design sensibilities while staying true to Love Chic Living’s distinctive brand identity.
SW: What would you say your personal style is, distinguishing it from traditional, modern minimalist, or edgy aesthetics? What key elements and inspirations truly define your approach to home decor?
JS: My personal style is something I’ve carefully cultivated over time, and I’d describe it as decidedly contemporary, yet infused with a crucial sense of warmth and an inviting atmosphere. It’s not about stark minimalism or cold, unapproachable spaces. Instead, I strive for an environment that feels welcoming and lived-in, a true reflection of family life. Colour plays a significant role in my home; I love incorporating vibrant hues and interesting palettes that add personality and joy to each room. Beyond colour, I’m a big fan of integrating a few carefully chosen quirky features here and there. These might be unique art pieces, unusual accessories, or vintage finds that spark conversation and add character, preventing the space from feeling too generic or showroom-like.
I certainly do follow trends – and I’m not at all ashamed to admit that! The world of interior design is constantly evolving, and staying abreast of new ideas, materials, and styles is part of the fun and part of what keeps a home feeling fresh and relevant. However, my approach to trends is highly selective and personal. I don’t just blindly adopt every new craze. Instead, I prefer mixing them up intelligently with my existing pieces, blending the new with the familiar. This allows me to keep my home feeling current without having to undertake a complete overhaul every season. The goal is always to make the home not just aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly fun and highly functional for daily life. For me, a beautifully designed home is one that serves its inhabitants, inspires creativity, and provides a comfortable, joyful backdrop for everyday moments.
SW: Your website, Love Chic Living, has achieved remarkable success and a dedicated following. What core elements do you believe truly resonate with your readers, making it such an appealing and effective source of inspiration? Is it the idealism, the attainability, or a unique blend of both?
JS: Ah, thank you, that’s incredibly kind to say. I genuinely hope that the enduring appeal of Love Chic Living lies in its core philosophy: a steadfast focus on showcasing truly inspiring design, but crucially, in a way that feels genuinely achievable for the everyday homeowner. It’s a delicate balance, but one I strive to maintain with every piece of content published. My absolute priority is to ensure that no one visiting the blog ever feels overwhelmed or alienated by what they see. I want them to feel empowered and encouraged, not intimidated by unattainable perfection.
Therefore, a significant part of my mission is to demonstrate that you absolutely can create a wonderfully stylish and welcoming family home without needing to spend an exorbitant fortune, and without ever having to compromise on your personal style or aesthetic preferences. This means I often share practical tips for budget-friendly decor, highlight smart shopping strategies, and explore creative DIY solutions that make beautiful design accessible. I aim to bridge the gap between aspirational imagery and the realities of daily life, showing how thoughtful choices and a little creativity can transform a space. It’s about illustrating that a chic living environment is within reach for everyone, offering practical steps and realistic ideas that empower readers to bring their design dreams to life in their own unique homes.
SW: What incredible opportunities has running such a successful and influential blog like Love Chic Living presented you with over the years? And among all these experiences, which one stands out as your absolute favourite?
JS: Oh, goodness, there have been an enormous number of wonderful opportunities over the past seven years since I started this journey – it’s truly astounding to reflect on. And honestly, each and every one of these experiences, big or small, still gives me an incredible buzz and a feeling of immense gratitude. The dynamic nature of blogging means no two days are ever the same, and that constant fresh challenge is something I thrive on.
However, if I had to pinpoint an overall favourite, it would undoubtedly be the chance to meet so many truly amazing people and, through those connections, forge lifelong friendships. The interior design and blogging communities are incredibly supportive and vibrant, and I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with fellow creatives, designers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who have not only enriched my professional life but also my personal one. These relationships are priceless.
Beyond the personal connections, I’ve also absolutely loved the extensive opportunities to travel. This has allowed me to visit countless inspirational locations, attend prestigious design events, and explore different styles and cultures that have deeply influenced my work. I’ve had the privilege of visiting brands, both renowned and emerging, not just here in the UK but also across Europe and further afield. These brand collaborations and visits provide invaluable insights into product development and design innovation, which I then love to share with my readers. These experiences have collectively enabled me to create some truly incredible memories and have given me a unique perspective on the global design landscape that I might never have otherwise encountered.
SW: For those looking to breathe new life into a tired or uninspired interior without undertaking a full renovation, what are your top three favourite design tips for a swift and impactful refresh?
JS: When it comes to refreshing an existing space and injecting new energy without the hassle or expense of a complete overhaul, I always turn to a few tried-and-true methods that deliver instant impact. My top three go-to tips are simple yet incredibly effective: start with new cushions, introduce a stylish new rug, and strategically place a few fresh vases.
Let’s break them down: Cushions are like little bursts of personality. They offer an effortless way to introduce new colours, textures, and patterns, instantly updating a sofa or armchair and making the space feel more inviting and cohesive. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be swapped out seasonally or whenever you fancy a change. Next, a new rug can dramatically anchor a room, define zones, and add warmth and softness underfoot. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a bold statement or a subtle texture that ties the entire scheme together. Finally, vases are perfect for adding height, interest, and a touch of nature. Even without flowers, a collection of beautiful vases in varying shapes and sizes can serve as sculptural elements, drawing the eye and adding sophistication.
If you’re eager to introduce a new on-trend colour, for me, this trio is the easiest and most effective way to do so without commitment. For instance, I was particularly taken with the Pantone shade, Living Coral, a few years ago – its vibrancy and warmth were infectious. I had some fantastic ideas about how to bring this beautiful hue into my home in a meaningful yet manageable way for spring. I envisioned coral cushions, perhaps a small decorative throw, and some artisanal ceramic vases in similar tones. The beauty is that these elements would work wonderfully with the existing dark walls I have, providing a striking contrast and a pop of cheer. It’s all about thoughtful accents, not wholesale change. So, definitely watch this space for how creative colour integration can transform a room!
SW: Looking ahead, what are your ambitious visions for the future of Love Chic Living? Where would you ideally like to see the blog going, and what exciting new developments might readers anticipate?
JS: I’ve always harboured a very specific dream for Love Chic Living, a vision that goes beyond just a blog. I’ve consistently envisioned it evolving into a true go-to, magazine-style online destination. My ambition is for it to be a rich, expansive platform offering a much broader spectrum of content and voices. This includes bringing on board a team of talented other contributors, each with their unique expertise and perspectives, to enrich the site with fresh ideas and diverse styles. Imagine a dedicated editorial team, each person bringing something new to the table.
To truly become that magazine-style site, I plan to introduce more in-depth features, delving deeper into design trends, architectural marvels, sustainable living, and practical home solutions. I also have a strong desire to expand into exciting new content categories, specifically a comprehensive style and travel section. This would allow us to explore how design influences our experiences in the wider world, from boutique hotels and unique cultural homes to global decor trends and inspiring travel destinations that feed our love for aesthetics.
BUT, as anyone in the creative industry knows, dreams can sometimes face unexpected hurdles. Who knows exactly when or how it will all materialise. I’ve actually come incredibly close to achieving this expanded vision before, only to have various external events or unforeseen circumstances transpire against me, delaying or redirecting those plans. It’s been a lesson in patience and resilience. However, there’s a renewed sense of optimism and determination. Perhaps, with the right timing and unwavering focus, 2019 (or indeed, the present moment as we push forward) is finally the year I get to make this grand vision a tangible reality for Love Chic Living. The potential is immense, and I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of taking readers on this next chapter of our journey.
To immerse yourself further in Jen Stanbrook’s world of interior design, explore her insightful articles, and discover endless inspiration for your home, please visit her award-winning blog at www.lovechicliving.co.uk. Discover how to create a home you truly love, filled with chic touches and practical elegance.
All photos (c) Jen Stanbrook/Love Chic Living 2019