Isla James Interiors, Unit 4, Enterprise House, 41 Reading Road, Pangbourne (2026)

Our architectural lighting design services are integral and woven into the fabric of our interior design services.

29/08/2026

OUR BRAND NEW STUDIO

We are finally settled in. Five years at our little studio in Pangbourne - I will miss it but we really didn’t all fit in it any longer!

Now we have a work area, kitchen, reception, scheming room, and meeting room. The move was necessary but with the new space we can grow again.

I started the business from my kitchen table. I felt so afraid of failing that I nearly didn’t even start. I am so glad now that I found the courage. If you feel too scared or wondering if you should start your own business all I would say is DO IT! Find the courage and go for it! Deciding to commit to something and making it happen is possible.

It’s the team I want to thank - they are the best thing about the growth of the company and we continue to go from strength to strength.

We are having the studio photographed soon by and I can’t wait to show you more then!

Our website, paint range, new collection and lighting course launch in September so stay tuned to find out more or follow us

We are also shortlisted in 3 categories for the international design awards - wellness centre, residential 2.5-5 million and joinery. Please 🙏🏻 vote for us if you can, thank you

20/08/2026

BESPOKE JOINERY

At Wentworth Retreat, joinery was conceived as part of the architecture from the very beginning - shaping not only how the home functions, but how each space feels.

Throughout this property, bespoke cabinetry was used to introduce warmth and a distinctly British country house character, while ensuring the interiors remained elegant and effortless to live in.

In the entrance hall, glazed partitions were introduced to create a more defined and welcoming sense of arrival without compromising natural light or views through the house. Panelled cabinetry conceals coats and shoes, while an upholstered bench and carefully integrated lighting elevate what could have been a purely practical area into a considered part of the home.

The study takes on a richer, more intimate character through full-height oak joinery, incorporating shelving, integrated lighting and concealed storage around a dark marble fireplace. Layered timber tones and tactile wall coverings create depth and atmosphere, giving the room the feeling of a contemporary interpretation of a traditional gentleman’s club.

Elsewhere, a bespoke walnut bar becomes an architectural feature in its own right. Richly figured timber, marble, illuminated display shelving, concealed refrigeration and discreet storage come together to create an entertaining space that feels completely integrated within the room.

At IJI, bespoke joinery is about far more than storage. It’s an opportunity to shape the architecture around the way a client lives - resolving practical requirements quietly while bringing texture and character to a space.

We’re delighted that Wentworth Retreat has been recognised in the Bespoke Cabinetry category of the design et al International Design Awards. If you love the project as much as we do, you can vote for us through the link in our bio.

Interior design ISLA JAMES INTERIORS/ Jo Calver
Lighting design Isla James Lighting

15/08/2026

GEORGIAN NEW BUILD

The clients wanted this new build to feel like a home and with a huge space and new walls it can be hard to stop new builds from feeling stark.

Architectural lighting design has transformed this home. Placing hidden lighting throughout the home has given it a warm and cosy feeling throughout and added a layer of complexity to the designs.

We added over 20 circuits into the kitchen on a computerised system so the clients can press one button and I have set a scene for cooking - where the light levels are high over the island and units for task lighting. Another button they press “evening” and all the lighting will reset to provide them with dimmed atmospheric lighting perfect for snuggling into the chair and watching tv.

Lighting design isn’t just wall lights or pendants - it’s a feeling.

Learn more about lighting by following us

31/07/2026

CEDAR LAKE - our private residential wellness centre

To keep the wellness centre feeling calm and relaxed we needed to plan storage well. The family required a golf “bootroom” for their clubs and golf wear. This is connected to the main corridor but we wanted to open up the space and create a vibe of its own so we went super dark and moody for a little drama.

The spa storage is for towels, products and general storage and then we also designed gym storage specific to their equipment. Previously a darker area within the hallway we added a picture window to bring in natural light - this has made a huge difference not only to light levels but to the views of the courtyard space to the pool area.

Lighting design by Isla James Lighting - to find out more about lighting design join us for the lighting clinic on Wednesday evening the 5th of August at 8pm

26/07/2026

PRIVATE HOME WELLNESS CENTRE

What if the design of your home could encourage you to live differently?

Previously a cold, disconnected and rarely used space, this private wellness centre has been reimagined as a warm restorative retreat that encourages movement, relaxation and time for the family, spent together.

Guided by Biophilic design, the cedar cladding continues from the exterior into the building, precisely aligned with the full height glazing to blur the boundary between the architecture, grounds and the lake.

We used a paint on the walls of the gym and the walls and ceiling of the pool - instead of a flat paint finish it gives movement and texture and replicates the movement in the water.

Natural materials and layered architectural lighting shape the atmosphere - brighter and cooler in the morning and then becoming softer and warmer as the evening draws in. We deliberately chose tunable linear lighting so the client can change the tone of light to mimic the client’s own circadian rhythms. For example, cooler light for morning swims and a soft warm glow at night for the swim before bed.

To see more about our architectural lighting head to

Address

Unit 4, Enterprise House, 41 Reading Road
Pangbourne
RG87HY

Telephone

+441183346900

Website

http://islajamesinteriors.com/

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