Kent


<p>Moving to a new property or already in one and need some help to get sorted? But where to start and what experts to enlist?</p>



<p>We’re huge fans of Justine Hodgson-Barker, the founder of&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://barker-design.com/">Barkerdesign</a>, who has been creating homes that reflect their owners’ passions and styles for more than 15 years.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2254" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-104798" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-532x800.jpeg 532w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-665x1000.jpeg 665w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-266x400.jpeg 266w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-768x1154.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1022x1536.jpeg 1022w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1363x2048.jpeg 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photography credit: <a href="https://www.kasiafiszer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kasia Fiszer</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Whether you just require a revamp or complete refurb or renovation&nbsp;&nbsp;– Justine can provide a bespoke package created for you. Her service starts from Mini 2hr Consultations (ask the expert kinda thing) to full house renovations, concept to completion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So if you’re looking to give your period home that contemporary cool vibe while respecting the history of the home? Here’s how in 5 essential steps…</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-let-your-home-tell-a-story">1. LET YOUR HOME TELL A STORY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-104799" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Every major chapter in our lives can trigger the purchase of a new property, whether that’s upscaling, down-sizing, moving town to country or vice versa. Justine says: &#8216;I always think that we have a huge responsibility as care-takers to maintain and breathe new life into the properties we inhibit. The goal is to weave your story through the rich history of the property. It’s the difference of making your house a home!&#8217;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-time-indoors">2. TIME INDOORS</h3>



<p>According to the research from the ‘WELL Building Standard’, we spend 90% of our time indoors, whether at home or the workplace. For the majority inside is our default space. So it needs to work harder for us.</p>



<p>Justine says: &#8216;We understand a lot more now about how our surroundings affect our well-being. Those four walls often have to deliver a lot to keep us motivated and happy. If we really spend that much time indoors, isn’t it worth getting it right?&#8217;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-creating-your-style">3. CREATING YOUR STYLE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-105015" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior-400x225.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-interior-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Our individual style isn’t just about what we wear it extends to our homes too. So how do you create a home that reflects you? </p>



<p>Justine advises:&nbsp;&#8216;The style in your home needs to consider a combination of a prescriptive brief of your personality, the practical needs of all your family, along with a large element of future-proofing – so it stands the test of time.&#8217;</p>



<p>&#8216;Creating your personal style will come from everything that has led you to now, your childhood, travel, hobbies, passions. Filter this all into your interiors and you’ll have a happy home!&#8217;</p>



<p>&#8216;Ever walked into a house that’s left you cold, whilst others give you that warm hug? That’s usually because it’s an environment that’s had a direct effect on your wellbeing.&#8217;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-it-s-all-in-the-planning">4. IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING</h3>



<p>So when do you call in the experts to help? If it’s a big project and requires work on both architecture and interiors Justine advises that these should always go hand-in-hand. &#8216;So if you’re thinking of a renovation, look for an interior designer at the same time as an architect,&#8217; Justine says. &#8216;Even if the property is &#8220;liveable&#8221; but needs refurbishment throughout then you’ll need to start the design process 4-6 months before the contractors start.&#8217;</p>



<p>&#8216;It’s all in the detail, so advance planning and preparation will provide trades with a fully specified scope of works which means you’ll have certainty on budget and timing. Renovations are expensive and your home is likely to be your biggest asset so it’s important to invest wisely and get it right the first time.&#8217;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-period-properties-that-have-personality">5. PERIOD PROPERTIES THAT HAVE PERSONALITY</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-104804" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/justine-barker-design-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>So what if you’ve just moved into a period property and don’t know where to start?&nbsp;Justine explains: &#8216;We’ve worked on over 50 properties and every project has been so different, but then every owner, property and landscape is too!&nbsp;We always enhance and respect the history of a house. While sympathetically updating the style and leaving the owner’s personal stamp.&#8217;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-now-for-the-inspo">NOW FOR THE INSPO&#8230;</h2>



<p>Here at Muddy, we’ve selected our favourite Barkerdesign projects that all reflect the owners personality in their own unique way. We hope you love them as much as we all do.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts-and-crafts-house">THE ARTS AND CRAFTS HOUSE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105022" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/1-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This family had just moved from London and bought a stunning Arts and Crafts house in Tunbridge Wells. With lots of original features they wanted a contemporary backdrop with antique pieces to reflect their heritage and travels which grounds the original features of this property.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-1930-s-house">THE 1930’S HOUSE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/2-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We love this 1930’s chalet bungalow, re-structured, renovated and designed to reflect the owners love of colour and vintage and salvage pieces. The whole house was designed around some salvaged doors which were 100 years old and their artwork!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-1540-house">THE 1540 HOUSE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105020" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/3-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This young family had just moved from central London to an idyllic Farmhouse in Lamberhurst. Their vibrant personality and love for the Mediterranean and contemporary pieces influenced the colour scheme and vintage pieces from 18th century to Retro!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-victorian-villa">THE VICTORIAN VILLA</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105019" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/4-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The owners of this Victorian Villa waited a long time to invest wisely in a double-height extension and full renovation. With a busy lifestyle and three children they wanted a calm muted backdrop with which to hero bright pops of colour and pattern.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decimus-burton-1830-villa">DECIMUS BURTON 1830 VILLA</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-105018" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/5-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Owned by a very design-led client, this property lies in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. They had already curated an impressive art collection, so the scheme was designed to spotlight these pieces as well as conveying an edgy vibe to suit this family.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-to-work-with-barkerdesign">WANT TO WORK WITH BARKERDESIGN?</h2>



<p>Barkerdesign has two exclusive deals just for Muddy readers so whether you’re stuck on a tricky design dilemma or after some project direction, you can get <strong>£50 OFF</strong> by using the code <strong>MUDDYOFFER</strong>. <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/local-latest-news-kent-september-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">More info here</a>.</p>



<p>To book a complimentary Discovery Call with Justine email:<a href="mailto:justine@barker-design.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> justine@barker-design.com</a>. To read more information about interior design services and to view the full portfolio head to the website: <a href="http://barker-design.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barker-design.com</a> or follow along via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barker_design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>



<p><em>Photography credit: <a href="https://www.kasiafiszer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kasia Fiszer</a></em></p>


How to give a period home ALL the cool modern feels…

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