Q&A with Linda Barker: Interior Designer Interviews (Part 1)

To kick off our series of interviews with a range of highly talented interior designers, we decided to reach out to one of the most well known interior designers in the UK and television presenter, Linda Barker.

Linda is well known for presenting Changing Rooms back in the nineties, and in recent years being part of the 60 Minute Makeover team along with releasing a range of interior design related books over the years.

We were keen to talk more about Linda's current projects and how her passion for interior design began, and she was more than happy to talk to us...

When did your passion for interior design start?

It started when I bought my first home, having to decorate it on a budget was a wonderful starting ground and I discovered that it was something that I really enjoyed doing.

Were you always interested in showcasing your skills on television?

Television came along when I was least expecting it - it certainly wasn’t a career that I had planned for. However, I loved it straightway.

What’s your process when you start a new design project? Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from simply keeping my eyes open wherever I go. I’ll sit in a restaurant a bar or a hotel and make mental notes about everything I love there.

Its always down to good design that makes a place really special. I look at all the emerging design trends too and I try to visit as many trade shows as I can.

I read lots of the design magazines too and I’ll check out Pinterest as often as I can and read house bloggers sites too for news on product launches etc.

What are your favourite design trends for Winter 2015 / Spring 2016?

I love the metallic trend, particularly for brass, copper and rose gold.

I love too, the trend for using pattern on tiles both in the bathroom and bedroom. Encaustic geometric tiles are my favourite at the moment.

How often do you incorporate vintage wares into your designs?

Fairly often actually, I’m a great one for scouring second hand shops and boot fairs. I have always loved that new/old combination.

What projects are you working on at present?

My kitchens collection at Wren is my biggest project to date - I’m totally thrilled with the collection I have with them.

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