Linda Barker is a nature lover who brings the outside in when it comes to her designer style.
She loves finding inspiration outdoors, which is reflected in the fabrics she designs as well as the materials she uses when she is creating a theme for a room.
And this Christmas it will be all about bringing the outside in – and keeping it sustainable.
Her way? ‘Keep things natural, I’ll be using dried allium heads, dried roses and lots of white lights,’ says the East Yorkshire-based designer, who is now a regular on the Channel 4 made-in-Leeds lunchtime show, Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Linda has transformed her own home near the Holderness coast and is always inspired by the landscape of Yorkshire.
‘I love looking around Harlow Carr RHS it’s amazing at any time of the year. I also love Burton Agnes, Scampston and a pretty garden called Stillingfleet Lodge garden’, she adds.
She is lover of the outdoors and a wild swimming enthusiast, something that may well feature in her festive plans which will be filled with family, she explains.
‘It’s pretty traditional at my house, with lots of family around and friends will be invited along too. We eat well, of course, but it’s also about taking long walks and a cold water dip in the sea. It’s all about keeping things easy and uncomplicated with lots of love in the house. I love to look after people.’
She believes it’s important to make the home a welcoming and cosy sanctuary in winter with a tweak to interior décor.
‘Floor-length curtains work on many levels. They add colour and pattern for sure but curtains also will add a cosy, intimate feel and I love their sound-absorbing qualities.
‘Colour is always the best way to transform a room. Enjoy fresh green shades, add a houseplant or two and add some pattern. This could be a wallpaper wall or a pair of new curtains or roller blinds. Pale rooms will always benefit from a pop of colour and nostalgic florals will add charm to bathrooms and bedrooms. Your mood will be instantly lifted,’ she adds.
In her own home decor is very much influenced by a love of botanicals.
‘I have hand painted florals in my bedroom and wonderful mural style walls using floral wallpapers. Green is also by far the most dominant colour at home, in many different shades from the darkest olive green in my kitchen to emerald green tiles in the bathroom.
‘Colour and pattern should be at the forefront of any design changes - pushing on the doors of every white, cream and beige rooms - don't resist.
Linda has been working with Terry’s Fabrics to create an interiors range which reflects her love of botanicals and natural influences.
terrysfabrics.co.uk
