Since 1997, twin sisters Julie Hoffmann and Lori DuVal have combined their talents at J&L Interiors, LLC a full-scale interior design firm.
J&L uses their extensive industry knowledge and keen eye for detail to provide a beautiful cohesive design scheme reflecting their client’s vision. Whether designing a high-tech office space, clubhouse, or residence, J&L is able to transform any space with a design filled with inspiration and implemented with integrity.
We had a chance to sit down with Julie and Lori to learn more about their unique partnership and approach to interior design.
1. With “ceiling to floor” custom services, what is the secret behind your success in delivering unique and quality turn-key projects?
We have a great passion for design! We live and breathe interior spaces and are always exploring new ideas and products and it shows in our unique designs. Our 24 years of experience, incredible contractors and resources, seamless implementation and customer service is really what allows us to provide high-quality turn-key projects.
2. What’s your favorite phase of a project?
Our favorite phase of a project is the creative process of developing the design concept. During our initial meeting with our clients we ask a lot of questions. How do they want to live in their home? Do they entertain? How do they want the home to feel? What are the ages of their children? Do they have pets? How do they want the home to function? We then begin our creative process with their answers as our jump off point. It is so exhilarating to see a design vision for a client start to come to life. But, probably the most exciting phase is delivery day! The clients finally get to see how beautifully it all comes together.
3. How do you decide on a color palette?
The client really drives the color palette. We have some clients who want monochromatic and others who love color. The important thing is to balance the shading of colors and adding pops of color in all the right places. Room size, lighting – natural versus artificial, also determines final paint color selections.
4. What is it like working with your twin? Do you see each other as having similar or different approaches?
We love working together! It’s wonderful to have someone who enjoys design as much as you do. We have great synergy and enjoy collaborating, sharing our individual client design concepts and celebrating successes. Our design approach is pretty similar. We start with a piece of furniture, rug or thought and just build from there. It’s amazing how we see the design start to take shape in our mind.
5. What element in a room do you usually start with? (artwork lighting, rug, sofa, etc.)?
Our starting points are not always the same and varies from project to project. Some clients come to us with design elements they want us to incorporate or feature. But, if we are starting a design from scratch, we typically start with fabrics for the upholstery and drapery in the space. Great design is cohesive and has texture and movement and creates an emotion. We pull in different elements as we find them during the research process.
6. What mistakes do you most often help clients avoid?
Most clients have difficulty with scale and vision. They often know what they like but cannot pull it together. They instead tend to concentrate on individual elements instead of the whole. To get great design you have to see a space in totality.
7. Your partnership with Hunter Douglas is added value for your clients. What are the latest innovations in window fashion?
We have been Hunter Douglas representatives for almost 20 years. Window fashions have changed so much in that time. We are seeing a preference towards automation and cordless options and the sleek look of designer roller shades and the luxury of Silhouettes. Shutters continue to be popular as well.
8. What is one of your favorite projects and why?
Wow. That is a tough question. We’ve had the pleasure to do some really beautiful interiors in our 24 years of business. And, we might disagree about what each of our favorite projects would be. But, one project that really sticks out in both of our minds is a lodge retreat in Charlottesville. The home was beautifully located on a lake and had a beautiful open floor plan. We were able to incorporate a lot of natural elements. The client did not want the typical log home feel but wanted it to incorporate a Zen feel. It was a nice juxtaposition of classic log design with Asian influence. The result was a resort living comfortable home for entertaining.
9. What are the most often requested features when a client is remodeling?
Clients are really looking for comfortable living and open floor plan spaces. Most of the remodeling projects we work on are centered around the main living spaces of the home and include a kitchen renovation with either an addition to expand the space or removal of walls to really open it up. We are also working on a lot of master bathrooms and basement entertainment spaces. In kitchen remodels, clients are upgrading their appliances and organizational features in their cabinets. In bathrooms we are incorporating heated floors, steam showers and luxurious free-standing tubs.
10. As we all are spending more time in our homes now, what do you see as the most popular trends for 2021?
Your home should feel like a resort. Why enjoy luxury only a couple of weeks out of a year? Because people are home so much right now, people really want to live in beautiful and functional spaces. We are getting a lot of calls for multi-purpose spaces because families are working and going to school from home. Clients also want less fussy spaces, more function and streamlined spaces. People are cleaning house! Clients who have been putting off remodels are now switching their focuses to make their homes a place they can enjoy daily.
