--- title: "J Cowling Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-cowling-design-pfvwus-pf~788538472 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~788538472.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "J Cowling Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e73303630f6c7cce_9902-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454, United States" latitude: 36.8282 longitude: -76.0237 phone: "(757) 735-3585" website: http://jcowlingdesign.houzz.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 104 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # J Cowling Design Original Houzz profile: [J Cowling Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-cowling-design-pfvwus-pf~788538472) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Virginia Beach, VA - **Serves:** Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves - References available - Budget friendly - Woman owned Independently owned and operated, J Cowling Design specializes in creative interior design. An artist by degree, I am a very creative problem solver. My resourceful nature and limitless imagination make my projects unique, unexpected and joyful. My listening skills enable me to capture what my clients want and enhance their vision or give them an entirely new one. I am willing to tackle jobs both small and large in scope. I live to create and have been doing so since 1992. "I believe the home is the center of our universe... it's a safe haven for family, for friends, for work, for love...it's where our past and our future come together. I strive to create interiors that reflect the personalities of those within and enhance existing architecture and space. Whether it is choosing fresh new color...re-creating one or multiple living spaces...demolishing and remodeling an entire home...moving your furniture around...or staging a house for sale...let me assist you. Whether your look is sophisticated, traditional, modern, retro, chic or whimsical...I can design a look that feels right for you!" ~ Judy Cowling ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Built-ins - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Art Selection - Closet Design - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Pantries - Home Staging - Downsizing - Decluttering - Kitchen Remodeling - Murals - faux finishes ### Areas Served - Virginia Beach - Norfolk - Hampton Roads ### Typical Job Cost $2,000 - $150,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | J Cowling Design | | Address | Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454, United States | | Phone | (757) 735-3585 | | Website | http://jcowlingdesign.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 104 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — jcowlingdesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [J Cowling Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-cowling-design-pfvwus-pf~788538472) - **Website:** http://jcowlingdesign.houzz.com - **Phone:** (757) 735-3585 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2015–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Ken Smith, Sept. 2019** > I first met Judy when she designed my parents’ kitchen, bathroom and interior. We’ve since worked together on several other projects. Judy is very creative and detail oriented, a unique combination that provides her clients with phenomenal results. **★★★★★ — Bob and Cathy Twomey, Nov. 2018** > I've had the good fortune to work with Judy of J Cowling Design on several projects in my home and by far she is amazing! Her enthusiasm, creative style and attention to detail surpassed my expectations! She is a professional in all aspects. Throughout the project she kept me informed where we were with budget, materials and deadlines. > Her knowledge of design is exceptional and she works closely with contractors if necessary, and only excepts quality. > Using her talents she transformed our small master bathroom into a work of art! Her suggestions of different textures, lighting, cabinet and color created an incredible space with function and design. > I will continue to work with J Cowling Design whenever possible, and I would definitely recommend her talents without hesitation. **★★★★★ — friz44, Aug. 2016** > Judy has done tremendous work on our home which was built in 1893. Combining turn of the century with a modern flair. I can't say enough about the quality of work and attention to detail put in this project. **★★★★★ — debo54, Sept. 2015** > Judy has made remodeling our dated 1979 home a breeze. She is a great listener and makes selecting items fun. I highly recommend her! **★★★★★ — kjaffe52, July 2015** > From picking colors to reviewing design to executing hand finished wall treatments, Judy is a wonderful resource for affirming good taste. She is broadly interested in many styles and open to interesting and unusual choices. She does not miss details, and often suggests ways to get a custom look. Her familiarity with recent trends kept me from look back and propelled me to look forward and consider new pallets and textures and overall looks. I am delighted with 'my' results! **★★★★★ — crizdee, Nov. 2014** > How many people can say that they have enjoyed every minute of the remodeling process? Thanks to Judy Cowling and her team of professionals we can proudly say that we have! Several years ago, Judy painted murals on our children’s walls and we were extremely happy with the results. My daughter loved her room so much that she didn’t want to move into our new house! We knew that Judy was the artist to call when we finally found our dream home on the water. We wanted to update the children’s rooms into fun areas that would showcase their personalities. Judy is a very patient person, and also a skilled listener. She took the very big ideas of my fifteen- year old son and my thirteen- year old daughter and turned them into practical, yet creative designs. > > We had a pretty large remodel of my son’s bedroom. We turned what was essentially a mother-in-law suite into a room fit for a growing teenager. Judy created plans that involved a very modern and open office area combined with a relaxing space where my son and his friends could just enjoy “hanging out”. He now has a one-of-a-kind bamboo bed with upholstered bolsters that can double as a couch. Built onto the end of his bed is a sturdy coffee table, which serves as a place for his friends to gather around. He has a peg wall in one area of his room, which is not only incredibly cool to look at, but is also completely functional. > > My daughter is thirteen years old and we wanted a room that would grow with her throughout the years. Judy managed to create a space that is trendy and edgy, but also gentle enough for a young teen. I wish I had such a wonderful space to call my own when I was a little girl. Judy really listened to all of Gabriella’s wishes and dreams and came up with a design concept that delighted all of us. > > All of the contractors that Judy brought into our home were true professionals. Everyone was extremely hard working, efficient and very pleasant to be around. We could not be happier with the results. We miss seeing Judy here all of the time, and are anxious to turn our room over the garage into a game room with her help! I would recommend Judy immediately. She is a true professional, a talented artist and a genuinely caring and kind person. > > Respectfully, > > Matt and Christy Marscheider **★★★★★ — jonkapetan, Nov. 2014** > I have know Judy both personally and professionally for many years. After I moved to the West Coast, she has helped me choose colors and decor for my various apartments and homes, she has created one-of-a-kind works of art for my clients, and she is always there to help with design dilemmas and questions. She listens to my ideas and then turns them into reality. Judy’s design aesthetic is artistic, unpredictable and a bit edgy yet she respects the past, thus enabling her to blend my treasured family heirlooms with my modern pieces for a look that is totally unique. **★★★★★ — jeanniepanz, Nov. 2014** > Judy Cowling has worked with us for several years. Her attention to detail and knowledge of design, style and fashion are priceless. It is always nice to be able to discuss an idea with Judy and wait to see her "plan of action". She is somebody that respects your wishes but will also will guide you and make suggestions as needed. Judy is the perfect person to hire the people you need and she will make sure it gets done. She will begin the project, hire anyone that needs to help her complete the project and make it all happen. She is the full package. > We recently had Judy completely re-do our master bedroom, bathroom and design our closets. Judy not only got it all finished in the time frame she promised but also made us as comfortable as possible while the work was being done . The final project was that WOW that we were looking for. I appreciated her guidance and keen eye when I needed some assistance picking fabric or paint. > I highly recommend Judy Cowling!!!! She goes above and beyond and is a true gem! ## Selected projects - [Updated Furnishings TOTALLY change the feel of this home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/updated-furnishings-totally-change-the-feel-of-this-home-pj-vj~7185105) - Location: Virginia Beach, VA - Photos: 9 - Description: Beautiful waterfront home just needed a "Refresh"...so we did some research and hit the button... - [Meditation Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meditation-room-pj-vj~6173737) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - ["I want it to glow like a jewelry box"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/i-want-it-to-glow-like-a-jewelry-box-pj-vj~2953893) - Location: Virginia Beach, VA - Photos: 31 - Description: The client wished for a glamorous yet warm color palette throughout the home. All walls were base coated by Allowatt Painting and all trim was repaired and painted in a high gloss oil. After base coats, I did multi-layered metallic glazes on all walls until they "glowed" as the client requested. - [Metallic Sugar Skull Beauty in Norfolk](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/metallic-sugar-skull-beauty-in-norfolk-pj-vj~6173730) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Faux beautification of lovely older home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/faux-beautification-of-lovely-older-home-pj-vj~477040) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Northend Master Bathroom Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northend-master-bathroom-remodel-pj-vj~6173749) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Barrell Vaulted Ceiling in Chesapeake, Va](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barrell-vaulted-ceiling-in-chesapeake-va-pj-vj~6173300) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: This was a really fun job but rather overwhelming at the beginning. A custom ceiling was transformed with a four color metallic finish and the result was breathtaking, dramatic and blended with the homes many antiques and decor. - [Wow-der Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wow-der-room-pj-vj~786106) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Front Door Redo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-door-redo-pj-vj~6173728) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Bar Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bar-update-pj-vj~786118) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: The clients wanted a functional space for the adults to enjoy the bar and the kids to have read, study or visit with friends. We decided the room needed a focal point and found the Sicis glass tile mosaic and it was the perfect starting point. The rest fell into place after that. - [The Kids Are Growing up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-kids-are-growing-up-pj-vj~786062) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: It was time to update the kid's rooms. The son was into surfing, nature and schoolwork. The daughter was interested in gym, dance, fashion and color. - [Uptown overhaul of a traditional home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/uptown-overhaul-of-a-traditional-home-pj-vj~477007) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This was a lovely older home that we took from traditional to contemporary by removing molding, stair railings, and adding color. A beautiful front door tells the world that something unexpected lies inside. - [Faux Walls in Smithfield](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/faux-walls-in-smithfield-pj-vj~6173636) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Northend bathroom remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northend-bathroom-remodel-pj-vj~6174007) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [tile bathroom in Oceanview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tile-bathroom-in-oceanview-pj-vj~6173702) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Raftererd Ceiling Redo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raftererd-ceiling-redo-pj-vj~6173723) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Music and Craft Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/music-and-craft-room-pj-vj~1502998) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Northend Fireplace Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northend-fireplace-update-pj-vj~6174028) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Youth area of Virginia Beach Church](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/youth-area-of-virginia-beach-church-pj-vj~6174018) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: The youth meeting room of a Virginia Beach church was energized with color, texture and a variety of finishes. - [Warm up the Walls!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warm-up-the-walls-pj-vj~6173645) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-cowling-design-pfvwus-pf~788538472) ## Ideabooks - [fences](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3574932/list/fences) — 20 ideas - [P's Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185080649/list/p-s-refresh) — 14 ideas - [Pool Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182887652/list/pool-ideas) — 22 ideas - [P's refresh....](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185080636/list/p-s-refresh) — 1 idea - [Patio Scapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2307838/list/patio-scapes) — 95 ideas - [PS’S NEW CONDO](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178847797/list/ps-s-new-condo) — 6 ideas - [G’s New kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178181795/list/g-s-new-kitchen) — 13 ideas - [The B’s Redo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178079482/list/the-b-s-redo) — 24 ideas - [Z’s New Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171866495/list/z-s-new-home) — 70 ideas - [bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3574879/list/bathrooms) — 150 ideas - [tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11110070/list/tile) — 29 ideas - [Small Bathroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164813880/list/small-bathroom-ideas) — 12 ideas - [J&G’s New Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/172815821/list/j-g-s-new-dining-room) — 13 ideas - [I&J 3rd floor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170145281/list/i-j-3rd-floor) — 12 ideas - [JG’s Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167869609/list/jg-s-remodel) — 21 ideas - [Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166777545/list/pantry) — 1 idea - [CD’s Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165752680/list/cd-s-remodel) — 16 ideas - [Wainscoting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165263401/list/wainscoting) — 7 ideas - [Entry Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165306832/list/entry-doors) — 1 idea [See all 103 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jcowlingdesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: How to update ugly exterior** *(in Design Dilemma)* Just bought this house and it is brown, brown, brown! Not sure how to update. Considering rendering the brick, but worried about cost and maintenance. Would just painting the timber and garage door a lighter colour be enough? What about changing the roof colour? Any ideas? TIA :) A: You might want to get some large and interesting house numbers, paint them the same color you decide on for the door and mount them vertically up the brick "column" to the right of your front door. **Q: what kind of floor tile is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Can you help me with a contact for SOCO interiors? Thank you. You did a beautiful job designing this home. **Q: Walls?** *(in Photo Questions)* Any idea what this wall surface is...cement, zinc? Love it! A: It looks like venetian plaster --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*