barker design

GUEST ROOMS: THE GEORGIAN VILLA ONE

Brief departure from our 1540 Farmhouse to talk about Spare rooms. And betting if you have one, that it’s booked to friends and family this summer? Ours is currently booked to Aunty T, who’s here to help our youngest’s 10th birthday this Saturday!

This is the Guest bedroom in our clients Georgian Villa. I’m told their parents, who often stay, love the transformation!

Photoshoot booked for this next phase in September. Can’t wait to show you!

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1540 FARMHOUSE:

Our client loved all colours of the Med. They didn’t want a traditional scheme, rather a fresh take on the old bones for their new home.

We lightened up the walls with . Lime paint would have been used traditionally anyway, it helps the walls breathe and the light bounces off it beautifully. And sourced a large area rug which lifts the whole room.

The fabrics all have texture and pattern, with pops of colour to contrast in the accessories. Hard materials of wood, marble and brass help ground the scheme and complement the original architectural details.

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DEATS: THE 1540 FARMHOUSE PROJECT

I maybe enjoying the ☀️ on the Thanet coast with the kids at the moment but this Mediterranean palette of turquoise & gold is currently giving a new lift to this Grade II listed farmhouse built in 1540. With all its honey-coloured beams cushions look right at home. ☀️ 🩵

And heartfelt thanks for all the lovely comments left on last post’s Intro. The support shown on this platform is so encouraging & motivational and really makes a difference ❤️🙏 . You lot are bloomin’ lovely!! 🥰

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INTRO INCOMING….
Whilst I usually always let my work do all the talking I thought it’s about time to introduce myself…

⭐️ My journey started at the Chelsea College of Arts 15yrs ago before starting my own business in 2010.

⭐️ I previously worked as Assistant Buyer at Harrods then moved into Marketing. I decided to switch careers after flipping a couple properties in London on my own. I figured if I could manage this, then design would be a breeze!

⭐️ I suppose design is in my DNA after watching my mother transform so many houses when I was young. She was a bit of a visionary, creating open-plan spaces before it was even a ‘thing’. 🤗

⭐️ I genuinely love what I do and am passionate about creating spaces that my clients will love, maxing their budget & finding those quirky pieces, new and old!

⭐️ I owe a lot to - my biz partner for the first few years. We met at college; started a business with ‘next to nothing’ & only decided to go solo when kids & locations headed us on different paths. She is incredibly talented. 🥰🥰

⭐️ I don’t know where I’d be without the support of the biz owners I met whilst starting out. And the hive mind of my industry mates I met via the IDC & locally. We attend industry events and share best practice. I adore them - you know who you are! 🥰🥰

⭐️ I couldn’t do this on my own, I have a talented team around me, from trusted trades to an amazing lady who helps me with all my projects, Caron

⭐️ Career highs include landing a project in & being part of ‘The List’ &

⭐️ Family is important to me, I have 2 girls, 9 & 15yrs, Our eldest’s neuro-diversity has been both challenging and rewarding in finding the right SEN path in which she can thrive! Plus one very supportive husband. 🥰

⭐️ Fun facts - If anyone remembers Showaddywaddy?? Then I performed as a robotics backing dancer c1986 at The Dome, Birmingham! In my free-time, I’m a bit of a yoga addict

⭐️ And one huge heartfelt thanks to all that like & comment on Barkerdesign’s work! It means a lot. 🙏🥰

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LITTLE LOBBY DESIGN…

Just featuring this welcoming entrance to our client’s guest quarters in their barn conversion.

I love brief that breaks the rules. I had already designed salon a couple years prior to starting on this section of their home. So I knew we’d come up with something a bit different collaborating again.

If you have refurb or renovation in mind for next year, it’s wise to start the conversation now. Get in touch and I’ll be happy to chat through your plans in a complimentary zoom call.

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FRiDAYS FEAST FOR THE EYES!

One of my favourite designs for one very cool couple!

Happy Friday everyone!

Realised that I’ve designed significantly more boys bedrooms than girls rooms! As a Mum of two daughters (whose bedrooms are currently pretty much white-washed), it’s just about interpreting another brief to create a space that they’ll love to linger & hang out with their mates. And they do make the best little critics having no filter from anything to constructive criticism to sheer joy!

Was wondering if they all watched the football last night! My youngest politely asked if she could stay up & watch. Was so worth the YES!!

ON THIS PROJECT:
- FULL INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE
- BESPOKE JOINERY
- LIGHTING DESIGN
- STYLING

TODDLER TO TEEN:

It was time to create a grown-up sanctuary for this 14yr old! A design that future proofed until adult years and a massive upgrade from his toddler years!!

I’ll add the before and after pics on Stories..

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MINI CONSULTS:

Granted you won’t get a full design in our mini consults - it’s just two hours after all. Where as this bedroom, full of bespoke joinery, took days. But you will get a hella’ good steer for your design in a focused ‘ask the expert’ session.

As long as you’re clear on your priorities it’s surprising how much you can achieve in the time. We can typically cover any of the following:

⭐️ colours & textures
⭐️ where to shop given your style direction
⭐️ reviewing architects internal layouts
⭐️ ideas for pimping up kitchens or bathrooms
⭐️ sketch lighting plans & sources
⭐️ final styling tips & more

So if you have any design dilemmas and you’d like to book a mini-consult, then follow the link in the bio to contact me.

KID’S SPACES - THROW AWAY THE RULE BOOK:

Whilst we’re on the subject of kids rooms, we designed this one a few years back for a lively 10yr old boy.

The brief couldn’t be more different from his older brother who needed much more of a zen-den.
People’s differences dictate design and kids rooms are always multi-functional. With work, rest and play in mind, throw away the rule book and give them what they want. Happy kids, happy parents eh!!

How to work with me: just DM or email to set up a discovery call. I’d love to hear about any pending projects you have in mind. Jx

SCALE UP!

Love a play on scale, especially to showcase a high ceiling. We all know that Georgian properties are gifted with good proportions. Their walls adorned with all the architectural details from chunky skirtings to dado, picture rail and ornate cornices. The upper levels of a house typically had less ornate details but we did add this simple peg dado and divided the walls by painting some and added stripe wallpaper to others.

I’m currently designing an area with a mezzanine level, so taking advantage of the double height ceiling in one room by using statement lighting and artwork to take the eye up. Giving guaranteed illusion of maxing the space!

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Whilst on the topic of kids rooms this was designed for our clients son, 6yrs of age at the time. ‘He loves Lego and cars and very adventurous in nature’. So plenty of floor space to play and a desk area was easential.

It’s a large room within a stunning Georgian Villa so designed to complement the era as well as making sure the design lasts into his tweens at least.

It was one of three kids rooms we designed in those stage, whilst we designed their teenagers room in second phase along with many other rooms on their ground floor. Photoshoot planned for September.

DM for a complimentary zoom call to discuss your project and I’ll also send an Intro pack providing guide on process and fees.

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TWEENIES BEDROOM:

Whilst it’s school holidays I’m sure this room, designed for work rest & play will be his choice hang-out. More on this room and his brothers bedroom later.

Meanwhile, apologies for the holiday spam over on stories we’re away in our much loved Umbria. We’ve been coming here (and Tuscany) most years but haven’t visited since 2018. Our friends built a villa here overlooking Lake Trasimeno 15 yrs ago and they trusted me to design the interiors, my first project out of college! It feels like a second home and we’ve relaxed to the max and eaten far too much! Home-bound today!

What did you get up to this half term?

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LANDSCAPE LIVING SPACE:

Just leaving this little beauty here. Swipe…

I’ve been busy prepping for my next presentation, a master bedroom, ensuite & dressing room. It’s our clients 2nd phase so really looking forward to presenting to them after holidays!!

How’s your week been? Almost Friday!

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MAXIMISING LIVING SPACE:

We divided this long living space into a couple of zones to ensure our clients maxed their space:

Firstly, their grown up entertaining space. Think Friday night drinks with friends or just catching up on the week’s hectic events! We bespoke a curved window seat for additional seating & for a quiet reading area. (The coffee table cleverly detaches from the bench seat)

2. The other end of the space makes way for the TV family zone with big slouchy sofa (out of shot) for takeaways and family films!

Understanding the ergonomics of day-to-day family is key factor to how any space is designed.

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BESPOKE COOL & ECLECTIC INTERIORS:

Our client chose our bespoke interior design service for their Arts & Crafts house in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The tailored approach means every element of their lifestyle and style is considered before we nail a style direction and start sourcing.

We always present the design in our Studio where we dedicate the space to their project. Sample trays with various options, plans and visuals are displayed. The budget sheets and CAD layouts always form the backdrop to their choices. And freshly ground coffee and nibbles are always on hand for sustenance!

It’s a fun few hours and just having the peace of mind that we’ll take care of all the ordering ensuring that every item will be delivered on time for our ‘tried and trusted’ trades to implement. It takes all the hassle out of refurbs and renovations.

If you’re considering making changes, DM me or go to our link in bio to request our Intro pack. It provides you with a good guide to fees and our design process. Following that, you can book a complimentary zoom with me to discuss your project.

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THROUGH THE HUNDRED YEAR LOOKING GLASS:

Vintage of course! I love oversized vintage mirrors. We had this one reconditioned specifically for our client’s living room. It fitted the space perfectly and made a very long room appear wider. That ‘ol trick!

It’s over a hundred years old - and if a mirror could talk, I bet it would have some stories! It’s now got a new lease of life as part of this family’s story.

Repurposing & reconditioning is such an important part of our philosophy. And these unique pieces always add bags of character to a space.

If you’d like a home full of character then get in touch and I’ll send you an Intro pack. It explains all about our services, gives a good guide on fees & next steps to book a complimentary discovery call.

EVERY PROJECT HAS A STORY…

…and at the heart is our client’s story of course. Everything that’s led them to where they are now; their past, their present & future all gets factored into the design.

Where they’ve travelled, their influences from key people in their lives, cultural references and cherished items inherited from loved ones as well as their practical needs. This all ends up being the starting point for a design.

It’s all about designs that endure, interiors that surpass any trend and about feeling that warm hug as you walk through the door because you’ve come home.

I loved working with this young family who bought this stunning Arts & Crafts home in Tunbridge Wells and wanted to weave their story through its rich history.

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ARTS & CRAFTS HOUSE:

Sometimes you have to lean into the old bones of a house, so to speak. Finding the unique style of our client is one aspect, the other is respecting the architectural features of the house and ensuring everything complements.

Colour was a big decision, so we used shades of caramels to complement the grain in the wood. It softened the whole space…

In the midst of phase two of the barn conversion project right now but have space for 2hr mini consultations. Swipe to read more….

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ARTS & CRAFTS HOUSE:

To ensure we created that ‘laid-back look’ for our client, the original dark-wood features were complemented with a lighter backdrop. Vintage pieces like this 1930’s Nathan sideboard & Persian rug were paired with large-scale abstracts and art-deco style lights.

Although eclectic in its curation, the design has a sense of simplicity & serenity.

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ARTS & CRAFTS HOUSE:

Just a little teaser of this newly completed project.

The design takes a strong lead from the architecture of the house, mixing ‘arts and crafts’ with contemporary style pieces.

We started with lightening up the dark wood of the staircase and running with the caramel colours to complement. The geometric runner was a contemporary take on old classics whilst walls were given a shade of pale with

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GARDEN ROOM:

Another view of this space and the last one for this project, until the next phase that is!

Today I’ve been out and about collating samples for our barn conversion project and working on developing the concept in-line with their garden planting, finishes and colours.

Tomorrow I’ll be posting completed pics on a new project - a stunning arts and crafts house which had beautiful architectural features to begin with. Our client just wanted a contemporary take on its old bones. Can’t wait to show you.

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HAPPY FRIDAY!

Maybe hitting this little ol’ bar for🍷🍷within the hour! Who’s in?

The inspiration for this space started with the purchase of these Pieff Eleganza vintage bar stools. Then came the hunt for the perfect bar to do them justice!

The joiner made some cane shelves to match and we commissioned to make a neon with my favourite quote from the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini -“For you a thousand times over”.

I find that every project is inspired by a different starting point. In a lot of cases it’s a cherished piece of art or furniture. It can also be aspirational places that the client has visited and they wish to replicate an essence of that feeling in their homes.

For my next project we’ll be taking inspiration from their garden, designed by . We’ll look to carry the colours and textures used externally through to our scheme internally.

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GARDEN ROOMS:

Always my favourite place to sit with a cup of coffee in the mornings before the kids get up!

Really looking forward to rolling back the bi-folds, unpacking the furniture extending the living space out to the garden!

We have plans to pimp-up the decking with some tropical type planting in troughs to flank the edges. It’ll help zone the area a bit more.

Do you have plans to extend your living space into the garden? Would love to hear.

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BATHROOM DILEMMAS:

There was a few design dilemmas to solve when working on this one!

The scope undertaken here falls under our full service. But if you don’t know where to start on your project then our mini consultations can help solve most issues! Within the two hour consultation we can at least give you a clear direction on the ‘where, what and how’ to kick start of your project. Here’s a few elements we can help you with..

- layout issues
- colour schemes
- best practice on lighting layout
- ideas on where to source fixtures and fittings
- recommendations on trades to implement

We have four spaces in May, so get in touch to book.

Or if you want to know more about our full service, where we handle all aspects from concept to completion, then we can discuss via zoom and I’ll send you an Intro pack which provides a guide on design fees.

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☀️☀️☀️ SUNSHINE COLOURS: ☀️☀️☀️

One to match the weather! The sun has made a full-on summer-time appearance on our last day of hols!

Happy Friday everyone!

Design:
Paint:
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TEEN SNUG:

We’ve designed a few snugs from tweenies to teens. They need to be a space they can grow into! And of course there’s a huge TV hidden on the other side on a very cool 1940 Nathan unit originally sourced from . They can’t escape the odd vintage piece, not in our house anyway!

The mural wraps round all four walls, it adds a neutral cool backdrop to this simple design.

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A LITTLE WFH CORNER: VINTAGE & NEW

Nothing like a 1940’s vintage desk & original Eames office chair to inspire your day!

Other vintage items here include - angle-poise lamp, Moroccan rug, burr wood mirrors & curved art-deco sofa. And of course the reclaimed Victorian internal doors, which were given a new lease of life by our master joiner!

This showcases our signature style of mixing new and old, along with bespoke and artisan finds. Creating spaces with bags of personality is something we’re known for!

If you have a space that needs a ‘change from the norm’ then contact us for a complementary discovery call.

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FROM PALE TO PUNCHY!

Love a bit of colour contrast from one room to another. Here’s a good example from pale to punchy tones. Using Stock 37 in the kitchen. Citron in the passageway & Jaipur Pink in the garden room.

Meanwhile, it’s a tale of two halves weather-wise on the Thanet coast. So spent the morning working then a bit of shopping in Deal. Tomorrow, off to Ramsgate & maybe Folkestone for a bit of sight-seeing in the avro.

If you’re juggling school hols, how’s it going for you?

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BATHROOM: YOUR SANCTUARY

…sometimes its the best room in the house to escape for a bit of peace and quiet during the holidays!

In fact, any place where you create warm colours and textures then layer up the lighting will be like a warm hug of a space! What’s your favourite place to chill in your home?

About this week: working from Deal so I can do a bit of work / play with the youngest on hols. And we can’t wait to start the next phase of our Barn conversion project, which includes a couple bathrooms that need to be transformed into mini sanctuaries too.

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