Spotlight On: Interior Stylist & Art Director Jane Berry

This week, we’re turning the spotlight on the incredibly talented interior stylist and art director Jane Berry. With a career that spans magazine publishing, interiors for TV, and even food styling, Jane brings a rare mix of creativity, versatility, and a deep instinct for telling beautiful stories through space and setting. Her impressive portfolio reflects not just her talent but her passion for creating thoughtful, functional design that works in both editorial and commercial spaces. I caught up with Jane to hear about her journey, the realities of styling for TV and brands, and the evolving challenges of working in this ever-shifting industry.

How did you first get into styling?

My career started in publishing as a designer, I got a job at a colour forecasting agency, which was quite ‘old school’ but fascinating to understand how the process works. and then moved on to BBC titles  Good Food, Gardeners world, Clothes Show Mag. I then spent a lot of time freelancing across titles at IPC Magazines, including Ideal Home and Living Etc before landing at You Magazine. Even though I was in design, I was always drawn to the styling side. I’d be commissioning a stylist and photographer and thinking I would rather be doing the styling side of it myself. After taking on an Art Direction role at Ocado, I finally made the leap into styling full-time—and I’ve never looked back.

You’ve styled everything from food to interiors. How do you define your work today?

Honestly, I just call myself a stylist, because I’ve done a bit of everything. Over the past decade, my focus has shifted more toward interiors, but I still have a strong love for food prop styling and art direction. My website even has dedicated sections for both. I think having a broad skill set only adds value. Interiors align naturally with the architectural practice my husband runs. Today, it’s normal—and often necessary—to be versatile. So although I am not a trained interior designer, I do work on schemes with him and it’s great.

What’s the biggest challenge when styling for TV?

Budgets are definitely the biggest challenge. TV interiors need to look flawless, but often the budgets are really tight. That means getting creative—repurposing items, sourcing clever alternatives, and leaning on PR contacts for product loans. Another ongoing frustration is the lack of professional photography. Productions invest heavily in filming, but don’t always allocate time or money for quality stills. Often, we’re left with phone snaps when the work really deserves to be documented properly. It’s a missed opportunity.

You worked on a TV interiors project for the deaf community. What was that experience like?

It was an incredible experience that completely shifted how I think about space. The design had to serve people who rely on sight and touch over sound. We incorporated mirrors to improve sightlines, installed glass panels in doors to create visual flow from room to room, and used hard flooring so vibrations could be felt. It reminded me how deeply design can affect everyday life in ways we might overlook.

How are you navigating the unpredictablility of freelance work?

It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m finding ways to adapt. I’ve been collaborating more with my husband, an architect, on projects, which has been really fulfilling. I’m also actively reconnecting with PRs—reaching out to people I worked with years ago during my magazine days. Sometimes it’s just about reminding people that you’re still here. You never know when the timing will click.

Styling Jane Berry Photographer: Stuart Ovenden

What’s your approach to propping for a shoot?

I love the treasure hunt! Depending on what I am shooting, I go to the usual London prop houses, but I’m also a lover of car boot sales, junk shops, Kempton and Ardingly markets.  I’ve found some incredible pieces—like a cool scandi round table and chairs from the 70’s for about fifty quid! I also keep an eye on auctions and Facebook Marketplace. Dunelm is having a bit of a moment too!. The key is knowing where to look and staying open to the unexpected.  Hastings is always throwing up some unexpected gems. Working within a tighter budget often pushes you to be even more inventive—and that’s where the magic can happen.

Any dream projects on your styling bucket list?

I’d absolutely love to work on a book project—something with a strong visual concept  and idea and a decent budget. There are so many stunning interiors out there just waiting to be styled, written about and shared. I’d also love to collaborate with a paint brand. I have a real passion for colour scheming and creating mood through palette and concept—it’s a space I’d love to explore more deeply.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m working with a well-known high street interiors brand, refining my portfolio, and continuing to build connections across the industry. I’m always open to new collaborations—so if any PRs or brands are looking for a stylist with editorial, commercial, and TV experience, I’d love to hear from them.

Want to see more of Jane’s work?

Head to her profile page on InsideStylists.com and visit her website to dive into her stunning portfolio of interior and food styling.

You can find photographer Daniela Exley here