For more than 40 years, Jewels Canley Interiors has built on experience, craftsmanship and a genuinely personal approach to interiors. Run by mother-daughter team, Julie and Hayley, the business has evolved alongside the way people live, while remaining rooted in trust, creativity and hands-on design.
Jewels is celebrating over 40 years in business. Looking back to 1983, what first inspired you to start, and what has kept you going ever since?
Julie: When I was 16, I trained as a sunroof fitter and was the only female doing that in the UK at the time. That led into upholstering car seats, before I moved into domestic upholstery. I was working out of my then mother-in-law’s living room, and as demand for curtains and upholstery grew, I had to learn very quickly how to start and run a business.
Over the years, we’ve had premises in different parts of Cardiff – behind The Grange pub off Penarth Road, then Tudor Street, Whitchurch Road and finally Glebe Street in Penarth. The way the business has evolved has kept it interesting. It started with upholstery, then curtains, and now we’re involved in complete renovations.
What is it really like running a business together as a mother-daughter team?
Julie: Hormonal at times over the years, but we’ve found a good balance. My other daughter Candice was also in the business for a while, so you can imagine the dynamics. The business has gone from strength to strength, and having Hayley on board has brought in larger renovations projects, which are her main area of interest.
Hayley: No comment…joking! We work well together and have similar tastes, although over time I’ve developed more of an interest in traditional projects, while Mum prefers modern. That balance helps us create an eclectic style rather than being stuck in one direction. I particularly enjoy meeting clients and building relationships – some have become real friends over the years.
Trends come and go. What core design principles guide your work?
Hayley: Timelessness is key. I always encourage clients to be cautious with trends unless they’re happy to redecorate every few years. Certain paint colours and wallpapers can date quickly. I prefer a classic base, then adding something that stands out, like bonkers artwork or a clashing accent chair, to give personality.
Why was now the right moment to move to Jewels Interiors at Home?
Hayley: We’d been thinking about it for a couple of years and it just felt right. Visiting clients throughout the day makes us more productive and allows us to see trades on site. The shop often felt like a middle step we were bypassing anyway. I miss our Penarth business friends – but not the traffic wardens.
After four decades, what still excites you about interiors?
Julie: Feature lighting…and retirement!
From interior projects and commercial styling, to bespoke commissions, window dressing and reupholstery, Julie and Hayley deliver the very best. Only now, the showroom comes to you.
