IT WAS a match made in Middlesbrough for interior designers James and Julie Dow. The husband and wife team, both originally from Teesside, met at the College of Art when they were 17 and have had successful design careers. Initially specialising in commercial interiors, now they’re helping homeowners across the region to achieve their dream homes.

Based in Bedale, they set up Forge Home Interiors in 2010 working out of a former blacksmith’s shop. The building dates from the late 18th century and the couple developed it themselves.

“We were living in the property next door at the time and owned the building, “ says James. “We needed to do something with it.”

The building, which now houses an interiors showroom, retail area and design studio, couldn’t be in a more picturesque part of Bedale. It is located through an archway off the main street and behind the town hall with Bedale Park running alongside. But the setting isn’t without its challenges.

“The biggest one is letting people know we are here, “ says James.

The couple didn’t have to search too hard for the name of the new interiors branch of their business.

“The building was already called The Forge and we wanted a name that was domestic sounding. Forge Interiors seemed to fit the bill.”

The showroom stocks high-quality brands such as Osborne and Little fabrics and Cole and Son wallpapers. The look is elegant and contemporary – “quite soft, country living, a modern version of the traditional Dales look, “ says James.

As well as wallcoverings, the hand-picked stock includes fabrics, lighting, homeware, artwork by local artists and gifts. A recent favourite arrival in the showroom is the latest electric Aga, which is quick to heat up and comes with remote control and programming.

Before setting up Forge Interiors, James and Julie spent two years scouring the country for top home goods producers and artisans. Early in the planning process, they made the decision to favour products made in Britain, from Dorset-based Farrow and Ball paint to furniture hand-crafted in Yorkshire. Several of the cabinetmakers and joiners that the couple work with are old friends from college days.

Currently on display is a striking walnut chest priced at £1,800, which was hand-made by one man and took a month to finish.

“Customers are welcome to come in and pick up a can of paint; others will want to commission a full interior redesign, “ says James. “If people want to just come in and have the benefit of our advice, that’s fine too. They can bring in photos and browse at their leisure through the books of fabrics and wallpaper.”

The couple offer a bespoke design service. “It’s the sort of service that people in London are used to getting but which tends to peter out as you get farther north, “ says James.

One of the couple’s biggest projects so far was winning the commission to transform the former railway headquarters in York into a luxury hotel. “It was just a shell when we were first asked to be involved, “ says James.

It was a listed building that used to function as the Great North Eastern Railway offices, but which had been left derelict and empty.

“We were asked to design all the public areas such as the dining rooms and bar. It took us about nine months to complete,” says James.

Opening as The Cedar Court Grand, it was soon given the accolade of being York’s first five-star hotel. On a smaller scale, a design consultation for a single room can cost from £250.

“We will drive out for a home visit and then create a mood boards to help the owner find a room scheme that’s right for their home, “ says James.

“If there’s one thing our customers have in common, it’s that they are all individuals. Our approach is very tailored and helps the owner to visualise the look they want and get started.”

The couple were often met with surprise when people heard that they were opening the showroom in the current financial climate.

“It’s a massive achievement if you can get through the first year, which we have done, “ says James.

“We’ve have stocked slightly more expensive products, such as the Farrow and Ball paint range, but we’ve found that once they have tried it, most people agree it’s a much better product than ordinary paint.”

l Forge Interiors, The Forge, Amen House, North End, Bedale. Call 01677-427383 or email sales@forgeinteriors.co.uk