Jenni Rowland and The Paint Agency

“I first learned the art of specialist paint finishes when I needed to refurbish my Victorian home on a budget. Night school wetted my appetite for painting and after lots of practice at home and transforming interiors for delighted friends and family, I took a job teaching paint finishes for Jocasta Innes.

I taught with Jocasta for two years, nurturing my passion for the possibilities of colour and texture, taking further courses in decorating and gilding at the London School of Art.

Then 12 years ago, in 1992, I formed The Paint Agency. I focused initially on specialist paint finishes, but soon branched out into sourcing, project management, and all areas of interior design, as I discovered my love of every aspect of the work, from designing at my desk to getting my hands dirty with the builders.

I’m passionate about new techniques and ideas, and I hate standing still. Recently, for example, when I redeveloped a site in a conservation area of Greenwich to build my new home, I found myself going against everything I’d been taught, finally designing a contemporary house. I just love all styles of design.

As I said, I hate standing still, or being restrained by conventions. It’s these principles which will drive the next 12 years of the Paint Agency.”