It’s the third instalment of our ’10 questions’ series, and we sat down with creator of the most lust-worthy interiors images; Photographer & Videographer, Joey Kendal Brown.
From years spent globetrotting with some of the biggest names in fashion and beauty, to embracing the quiet countryside life with her young family, Joey shares everything from her advice on capturing the perfect interior shots, to how she’s created a beautiful home that stands up to the wear and tear of having two lively boys!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us Joey! Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Firstly, thank you so much for inviting me to do this interview. I’m Joey, an interior stylist, photographer & videographer. As a wife and mama of two boys, I’m very outnumbered on the girl front, so absolutely love how my work brings out the girliness in me. Once known for my parties in Edinburgh Castle, I’m now much happier pottering in the garden with my boys and flower arranging. Gosh, how times have changed!
What led you into a career as a photographer?
Originally working as an OG Seasonaire, I quickly became an event photographer for Jack Wills. I absolutely loved being able to travel with them all over the country and America capturing their infamous brand and parties. The hours were long, but the memories are some of my favourites. This led me on my journey both through fashion marketing & photography to work with some really wonderful brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Morphe & Hello Magazine before landing on my passion with interiors.
What do you love most about your job?
Oh my goodness where do I start… I think for me the people I get to work with is a huge factor. I’m so lucky to work with such inspirational teams, all who share my passion for interiors, interior styling, and beautiful products. They allow me to see their designs and brands through my lens and have faith in how I will capture them. Having a wonderful reaction to the content is always special, especially as we often work with tricky light and weather situations on shoot days. And of course, what’s not to love about playing around with beautiful things all day.
Joey’s dining space is framed by our Flanders Alabaster unlined ready-made curtains, and her master bedroom features our blackout-lined Aline Stone Made to Measure Roman Blind.
What tips would you give someone who wants to capture moments in their home?
For me, light is so key. Look at the way the light falls in through a window, what time of day is it, is it soft light or hard light. There is a trend for hard light at the moment, but my heart will always be captured by a soft warm glow in a room. I’m often distracted by how the light is falling on a painting or corner of a room and run for my camera. I just love pausing that moment, that feeling.
I’m also always looking at the composure of an image, how can it be framed to make you feel like you’re in that space. Be it shot through a doorway, framed by a branch, it helps add perspective to what otherwise would be a normal photo.
We adore your beautiful countryside home. What drew you to this house and what do you love most about it?
Well, the view is just wonderful. We have gone from never seeing a sunrise to hoping we don’t miss them. With so much chaos in all of our lives, having those moments of calm are good for the soul.
Joey’s monochromatic kitchen is finished off with the classic ticking-stripe of our Aline Charcoal fabric, both as a Made to Measure Roman Blind and as a flop-over frill door curtain that Joey crafted herself as a nifty means of hiding her utility appliances!
How would you describe your interior design style, and where do you find your inspiration?
Laidback, rustic farmhouse. Our house is actually a new-ish build, but I’m always bowled over by the natural beauty of British architecture in places like the Cotswolds and further afield. I grew up with horses so the countryside and its beautiful buildings, however dilapidated, will always have my heart.
How does your home make you feel?
Safe. My husband asked all of our family the other day, which word, if you could choose only one, makes you feel happy. Mine was home. It’s where my family are and where we feel most calm and content.
We love the laid-back window treatments you’ve chosen throughout your home. What made you choose The Pure Edit?
Where do I start, there are so many delicious fabrics to choose from and the quality is just beautiful. They have truly been the finishing touch in each of our rooms, framing the view so perfectly.
Our Flanders Alabaster ready-mades are an ideal choice for filtering light, creating shade whilst still allowing your space to feel bright and airy.
As a mother of 2 young boys, how do you balance your beautiful home’s aesthetic and practicality for standing up to busy family life?
So, this is something that was so important for me. I wanted the boys to be able to play and enjoy being at home without losing an aesthetic I love. We’ve chosen pieces that stand the test of time and furniture that hides a multitude of sins. I used to love that all white aesthetic, but now the depth of the deeper colours just calls to me.
For the boy’s rooms, Joey carries through the charm of a timeless stripe. For Brody, opting for the deep Indigo of Jovita, and for Knox, the soothing Sage of Aline. Our blackout-lined Made to Measure Roman Blinds are perfect for bedroom spaces, offering total darkness when drawn, as well as increased thermal insulation.
Finally, what advice would you give someone who would like to pursue a career in photography?
For me, your camera needs to be an extension of your eye. When you create your own style, people will want to work with you for that. It’s not about seeing something and copying it but seeing it through your lens and making it your own. It’s the same reason I follow and love certain interior designers, I can see who’s designed a space without even looking at the caption.
For more incredible interior inspiration, you can find Joey over on her Instagram page @joeykendalbrown
On the hunt for the perfect window treatments for your space? Our luxury Ready Made Curtain Collection offers several straight-off-the-shelf options which are ready to be hung. Or, for a more tailored approach, you can shop almost all our responsibly sourced and recycled fabrics as part of our Made to Measure Curtain and Made to Measure Roman Blind Collections. Specify everything from heading styles to lining types, to create the perfect fit for your space.