Interior designer and urban gardener Paul Jenner has been documenting the transformation of his Victorian terrace home through his Instagram, offering DIY insights and expert design tips along the way. As we shoot our Harmondsworth table and Stanway chairs in his North London garden, Paul opens up about his passion for interiors and how he creates a warm, welcoming setting for alfresco dining.
Tell us a little about your home and what sparked your love of interior design?
I live here with my partner Eric, our three daughters, and our big black cat, Cato. The house is a classic Victorian mid-terrace, and we moved in just over four years ago. It used to be a boarding house and was in need of some serious TLC, but we’ve loved the process of restoring it and giving it a new lease of life.
My parents were the biggest influence in my journey into design. They taught us that home matters deeply — that if you care for your space, it gives back to you. I think there’s something really powerful about living in a home that brings you joy, and now I get to share that feeling with my clients too.
How has your garden evolved since you moved in?
When we arrived, the garden was pretty much a gravel pit — completely bare. I laid sandstone pavers and left wide borders along the sides for lots of evergreen climbers. I’ve added a mix of potted plants that change with the seasons and can be moved around depending on the mood I want to create.
We’ve just added the Harmondsworth dining table to the back of the garden — it seats up to ten and is perfect for summer gatherings. The garden really feels like an extension of the house. We have two sets of French doors that open right onto the patio, and in summer they’re open constantly.
What are your top tips for creating an inviting alfresco atmosphere?
My number one tip, whether you’re dining indoors or out, is abundance — plenty of food and drink. It puts guests at ease, makes them feel welcomed and encourages them to relax. I love the Harmondsworth table because it’s wider than our indoor dining table — it lets me lay out shared dishes and even decorate with the food itself.
I also recommend embracing candlelight. Tealights, tall tapered candles, lanterns — scatter them all around. There’s nothing like the glow of candlelight as the sun sets. It’s relaxed, intimate, and really sets the tone for a memorable evening outdoors.
Your love of interiors is well established — how does that influence your outdoor space?
When I design interiors, I always start with the question: how do I want this room to feel? That helps guide choices and stops me from simply following trends. I apply the same thinking to the garden. Even though it’s a small city terrace, I wanted it to feel green, full, and alive.
I’ve used the garden as a bit of a testing ground — it’s a space where I can be more impulsive and creative. If something doesn’t work, it’s not a disaster. That freedom helps keep my creative energy flowing.
What does your garden mean to you personally?
It’s definitely a form of therapy for me. I can spend hours just pottering around, completely in the zone. It’s a space to decompress, detach from the day-to-day, and slow down. It’s also been wonderful watching our kids begin to enjoy the space — they head out with a book or a bowl of cereal and just relax. It’s become a really calming retreat for all of us.
What’s your advice for beginner gardeners?
Start with evergreens. They take time to establish, but they give you year-round structure and greenery. One of my favourites is Star Jasmine — glossy leaves, a beautiful scent when it flowers, and perfect for compact spaces. It’s like a fragrant hug every time you step outside.
And herbs! Grow them in pots — even a sunny kitchen windowsill will do. Just be patient. Let them settle in before you start snipping. Most herbs like lots of sun and only a little water. Once they’ve rooted well, you can harvest regularly, and they’ll keep going strong. Basil’s a whole other story though — I could write an essay just on that!
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