Meet The Interior Design Studio Behind Timeless British Interiors

 

The House Ministry is a luxury interior design studio based in Cheltenham, working with discerning homeowners across the Cotswolds and beyond.  Known for our refined aesthetic and reassuring presence, we specialise in full-service interior design that brings elegance, practicality, and lasting impact to every home.

From spatial planning and finishes to supplier coordination and final styling, we lead every detail — with a step-by-step approach that allows for clear, confident decision-making from start to finish.  You won’t be passed from department to department. Instead, you’ll work closely with one small, experienced team who understand how to deliver beautiful results without the overwhelm.

The House Ministry team

Who We Work With

Our clients are often busy professionals, relocating families, or second-home owners who want a beautiful, well-functioning home — without the stress of managing trades, coordinating decisions, or chasing loose ends.

They come to us because they want more than just good taste.  They want experience, structure, and confidence that everything is being handled properly.

What Clients Value Most

Clients come to us for more than a beautiful result — they come for the clarity, structure, and sense of calm we bring to a complex process.

They often start with a strong sense of what they like, but little time or headspace to bring it together.  Some have tried managing trades or design decisions themselves, only to realise how much can be missed without experienced oversight.  Others are moving into unfamiliar properties — whether it’s a new-build, a second home, or a period house that needs rethinking — and want trusted guidance from day one.

What they value most is knowing we’ll oversee it all: developing the design, coordinating suppliers, keeping things on track, and ensuring the finished home feels exactly as it should.

It’s not about handing over control — it’s about removing the noise so they can make confident decisions without the overwhelm.

 

Unique dresser unit designed by The House Ministry with surpise plum coloured internal cupboards

Extremely happy with the result. Really fantastic little black book of tradespeople who were such high quality professionals.

Loads of time and pressure taken off us.  LOVE the installation process, just walking into a finished home.

Dan & Kerry, South Cotswolds

Our Approach

At The House Ministry, we take a design-led approach to everything we do.  That means starting with the big picture — how your home needs to function, flow, and feel — before anything is built, bought, or installed.

Our design phase is thorough, structured, and tailored to how you want to live.  It includes:

✔️ layout development

✔️ material specifications,

✔️ 3D visuals, so you can see how everything comes together before making major decisions.

No guesswork, no compromises — just confident, informed choices, guided by one trusted team.

3D bedroom visual highlighting bespoke headboard, study area, and curated gallery wall for a young girl's evolving space.  Created by The House Ministry

We believe great interiors aren’t just beautiful — they should work.  Storage should be where you need it.  Lighting should support how you live.  Finishes should reflect your style but also stand up to everyday life.  Whether it’s a family kitchen, a guest suite, or a second home, we create spaces that feel tailored, practical, and thoughtfully composed.

Whenever possible, we specify British-made furniture, finishes, and craftsmanship — not just for the quality, but to support regional makers and keep lead times under control.

Above all, we aim to create homes that feel easy and intuitive to live in — and deliver that outcome through a straight-forward, structured process that respects your time, your investment, and your goals.

“We plan out everything – before anything is built, bought, or installed.”

Who We Are

The House Ministry is led by founder and principal designer Julia Murray, supported by a small, dedicated team who bring a calm, disciplined approach to every project.

Jess, our interior designer, works closely with Julia on developing and detailing the design. Kelsey oversees project coordination and administration, ensuring everything stays on track.  Neil provides financial oversight in his role as our fractional CFO. Together, we manage the full scope of your project with care, clarity, and attention to detail.

We deliberately keep the team compact, so every client receives thoughtful communication, strong design continuity, and a high level of involvement throughout. As the studio continues to grow, we remain selective about who joins — ensuring each new team member reflects our values and contributes to the level of service our clients expect.

 

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Julia Murray

Founder & Senior Design Director

I’m Julia Murray, founder of The House Ministry, and I specialise in creating stylish, relaxed homes that feel effortless yet beautifully put together.

Before interiors, I spent over a decade in project management at EMI Records—an experience that shaped the way I work today.  Managing multiple projects, problem-solving under pressure, and keeping multiple moving parts on track are second nature to me—essential skills for delivering high-quality interiors without the usual stress.

My love for design grew from renovating our own homes.  I quickly realised that trades don’t always collaborate well, leading to costly mistakes, and that a home can be beautifully built yet still feel ‘off’ if the interiors aren’t fully considered from the start.  Determined to get it right…

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I trained in interior design and developed my own approach — balancing creative vision with meticulous (and logical) planning to ensure spaces work as beautifully as they look.

As founder, I lead a talented team, creating an environment where fresh ideas and expertise combine to deliver exceptional results.  I believe great design is always a collaboration, and I love seeing my team grow alongside each project.

Beyond design, I find inspiration in travel, art, and architecture, and I love nothing more than spending time with my family—because ultimately, home is where everything comes together.

If you’re looking for clarity, structure, and exceptional design, I’d love to chat with you.

Jess Platt

Midweight Designer

After graduating in 2021 with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Jess quickly became part of our team as an Interior Design Assistant and has since progressed to the role of Midweight Designer.

With a keen eye for detail, Jess specialises in producing precise CAD drawings and 3D visuals, working closely with specialist trades to bring design concepts to life. She draws on her expertise in spatial planning to develop thoughtful, well-considered designs, always exploring creative solutions to meet each client’s needs.

As an integral member of the design team, she plays a key role in every phase of a project, from initial concept development through to final installation, ensuring a cohesive and well-executed design.

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For Jess, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing a client’s reaction to a completed project—witnessing how a thoughtfully designed space can enhance their daily life is what fuels her passion.

Committed to continuous development, Jess regularly attends CPD sessions and trade shows to stay at the forefront of design trends and innovations. She has also recently renovated her own home, gaining invaluable hands-on experience of the renovation process and what it truly means to live through one!

Outside of work, Jess loves returning to her seaside hometown to spend quality time with family and friends, always finding fresh inspiration in the coastal surroundings.

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Neil Murray

Fractional Finance Director

Concerned with fiscal integrity, Neil’s wealth of financial expertise in a number of senior roles within the Financial Services industry enables him to provide robust support to The House Ministry with the disciplined management of our client’s budgets.

With a strong focus on the financial and planning aspects of every project and taking a strategic view, he ensures there is full accountability of any money that is held or spent on the client’s behalf.

KELSEY WEBB

Administration & Project Co-ordinator

Meet the newest member of The House Ministry! With a background in Wedding Co-ordination and Executive Assistance, Kelsey is our administration expert.  

She makes sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes, keeping track of orders, project timelines and handle all the admin magic that helps us deliver our beautiful designs. She brings an eye for detail and is already proving her worth as an essential part of the team.

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What drives her? Turning dreams into a reality. Kelsey’s career journey has strengthened her organisation skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage projects efficiently. Her methodical approach and commitment to excellence is what drives her to deliver exceptional results for our clients. 

When she’s not at work, you’ll find her training at the ice rink. Figure skating has been a fascination of hers since childhood – the precision, passion, and seamless coordination.

Just like in design, every element must come together perfectly to create an award-winning finish!

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What Sets us Apart

We’re known for more than just good taste.

At The House Ministry, clients come to us because they want certainty, confidence, and a home that genuinely works — not just one that looks impressive on Instagram.  They’re often juggling demanding careers or managing a complex move.  What they value most is knowing that every detail is being handled by a calm, experienced team that understands both the creative and the practical.

We plan before we start any site-work.  We show you the design before you commit.  And we will guide you through every stage — from first ideas to final styling — so you’re never left chasing trades or second-guessing decisions.

Whenever possible, we use British-made furniture and finishes, not just for their quality, but to support regional craftsmanship and avoid supply chain delays.

It’s a thoughtful, design-led approach that removes stress and delivers homes that feel timeless, tailored, and entirely your own.

 

Just do it!  Trust the process and the people: you’re in a very safe pair of (well pairs of) hands!

Chris and Alison, Randwick