INTERIORS
THE WORLD OF INTERIORS Jill Treloggen is not only an accomplished interior designer – she is a true entrepreneur. Since founding JT Interiors in 2003 from the kitchen table of her Oxfordshire home, she has built a thriving, respected design practice with eight team members and an impressive client list, with a reputation for creativity and practicality. She speaks to Lynda Clark about how it all began, the journey that followed, and the exciting plans she has for the future
From childhood, Jill had dreamed of working in interiors. Yet, as she recalls, her school careers adviser dismissed the idea, telling her it was unlikely she would ever find a job in the field. Momentarily discouraged, Jill chose a different path, completing a business course and later a degree in Business at Oxford Brookes University. She went on to hold a series of marketing roles, including positions at Marks & Spencer’s head office and working alongside Tesco and Asda on their loyalty marketing schemes. But the pull of interiors never left her. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about what I really wanted to do,” she says. “So, I decided to take an interior design course at the KLC School of Design – and I absolutely loved it.” When the opportunity for voluntary redundancy arose in her job, Jill took the leap. “I thought, how hard can it be? I’d done the course, so I put an ad in a local glossy magazine – and I got six customers straight away. It was amazing.” Those early days were intense. Jill did everything herself: designing, painting, hanging curtains, ordering products, managing the accounts – without a single tradesperson to call on. “I worked seven days a week, very long hours. But looking back, it was the best training I could have had. I learnt every part of the process, and that knowledge has been invaluable.” After 18 months, she hired her first member of staff to help with project managing and freeing her to focus on design. The business grew steadily, and Jill joined a local networking group to build connections. One introduction proved pivotal: an accountant in the group connected her with a local estate agent. They were impressed with her work and soon commissioned her to furnish all their high-end rental properties. This led to further projects including show homes. “I started calling other estate agents and landlords, and the work just kept coming.” As the business expanded, Jill hired another team member, though they were still working from her home. “I knew we needed an office, but I couldn’t find anything suitable. My husband suggested buying one, so I looked around and found the space we’re in now.That was 20 years ago.”
WATCH THIS SPACE: JILL WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW SERIES IN THE OCT/NOV ISSUE, SHARING HER EXPERT TIPS ON DECORATING AND ACCESSORISING YOUR FIRST HOME.
12 First Time Buyer August/September 2026
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