Isla James Interiors

19/10/2026

THE SECRET INGREDIENT to my interior design practice

Comment “compose” to receive more information about my online lighting design programme.

Our secret ingredient is architectural lighting design - it’s the silent hero of every single one of our projects. Every project we work on has architectural lighting designed by our in house lighting designers. I know this is the reason that over the last ten years I have been able to grow my business from just little old me, designing on my own, to a team of 11.

Lighting is so important to our work that I wanted to spread the word further and write an Architectural lighting programme which I have called “compose with light”.

I want to pass on the passion I hold for lighting. The programme helps you to understand lighting at its core before even stepping into the technical elements. The programme is a journey - one that will change the way you look at light and by the end of the programme you will be able to write your very own lighting plan.

To find out more about compose with light just comment “COMPOSE”

The programme starts on the 31st of October and if you join our waitlist you will automatically will receive an early bird discount.

If you have any questions just let me know in the comments

11/10/2026

10/10/2026

COMPOSE WITH LIGHT

Is our brand new online Architectural Lighting design programme, launching on the 31st of October.

Comment ‘COMPOSE’ to find out more information or join the waitlist.

Lighting has always been my biggest passion and something that is completely integrated into all of our project work at Isla James.

It has an enormous impact on how a space looks and feels, but there are so many decisions to get right! These decisions often need to be made much earlier in a project than people realise.

When I decided to create this programme, I wanted to deliver much more than a collection of general theory and lighting tips.

I wanted to share the exact process we use in the studio, showing you how we approach a lighting project from the very first decisions right through to a finished lighting design.

Inside the programme, we take you through how we visualise a space, what needs to be considered, what individual decisions we make, and how they all come together into one complete, considered lighting scheme.

Once your design is in place, we show you how to turn your ideas into a clear and concise lighting plan. This is essential for communicating your design to the client or contractor for installation.

So whether you’re working on your own home or you’re an interior designer looking to strengthen your understanding of lighting, ‘Compose With Light’ will deepen your understanding of lighting, teach you how to think like a lighting designer and result in you being able to write your own lighting plans.

I am genuinely so excited to finally be able to share everything I’ve been working on with you.

The waitlist for ‘Compose With Light’ is now open. It’s totally free to join, and everyone who joins before the launch will automatically receive 20% off the programme as part of our founding member offer.

Comment ‘COMPOSE’ below and we’ll send you the link to join our waitlist.

01/10/2026

STYLING SHELVES

Start by varying the height and scale of the pieces you use. A combination of taller objects, smaller accents and layered elements helps guide the eye naturally across the shelf and prevents the arrangement from feeling too uniform.

Introduce texture through a considered mix of materials. Ceramics, glass, timber, stone and woven finishes all bring their own character, adding depth and warmth.

Books are one of our favourite styling tools. Stack them horizontally, place them upright or use them to elevate smaller items and create different levels.

We always like to include pieces that feel personal too. Collected objects, artwork, photographs or items with a story behind them give shelves a sense of individuality and make a space feel live in rather than overly styled.

Sculptural pieces are particularly useful for introducing shape and movement. Look for interesting silhouettes, soft curves and forms that contrast with the more linear architecture of the shelving itself.

And finally, consider the lighting. Integrated shelf lighting or picture lights can completely transform a display, drawing attention to texture while creating a softer, more atmospheric feel.

The aim is never to fill every space, but to create a display that feels layered, balanced and considered.

Save this post for when your shelves are ready for a restyle.