HOME + GARDEN
SEVENOAKS GEORGIAN VILLA FAMILY HOME
BY BARKERDESIGN INTERIORS LTD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KASIA FISZER, KFISZERFOTO
Barkerdesign is a Tunbridge Wells’ studio specialising in high-end interiors for period and character homes across Kent and East Sussex. Founded by BIID-accredited designer Justine Hodgson- Barker, the practice creates timeless practical homes that feel layered and authentic rather than over-styled or contrived. Projects are led by the building’ s architecture, the way clients live and their individual style. From concept to completion, Barkerdesign manages the whole process through meticulous preparation that reduces costly on-site mistakes and eases the stress of renovation. The Sevenoaks Georgian villa was delivered in two phases, so details could be resolved on site and so that the interiors feel wholly authentic.
Why were you chosen for the project? The interiors we create feel original yet wholly in keeping with the property’ s heritage and designed around the rhythms and needs of a modern family. The clients requested a carefully curated mix of pieces from different eras: Georgian antiques to honour the architecture, mid-century and artisan finds for warmth, and quirky contemporary designer pieces to reflect their lifestyle. My ethos is to conserve the building’ s character and to curate rather than decorate, making changes that read as if they belong. We reinstated features such as cornicing, panelling and ceiling rose, and reconditioned the remaining elements. Decisions were collaborative, with focused design meetings keeping the process straightforward. In the studio, I present key options at different budget levels so clients can dial the design up or down- I think it’ s important to push boundaries.
“ The regular design meetings were a real highlight, creating an elegant and cohesive look for our very tired Georgian home. The end result is a vast improvement on anything we could have imagined.”
How did you begin the redesign and refurbishment process? Was there a timeframe set? We began by understanding how the family live and what mattered most to them, then planned a layout that works for the household ergonomically. Conservation and planning constraints were addressed from day one, so the designs respected the Grade II context. The works were also phased so the family could remain at home and parts of the house could be handed over while other areas continued in progress, which eased logistics for bespoke joinery and long-lead items, allowing us to refine decisions after the first stage. The staged programme minimised disruption and allowed for final handover in early 2025.
How did you strike the balance between an excellent design-led refurb that also kept to budget? Our approach to managing the budget was to define priorities early on. We focused investment on spatial changes that significantly enhance daily life: reworking the entrance, creating bespoke joinery to free up space, remodelling bathrooms for better flow and accessibility, and reinstating Georgian architectural features. For finishes, we specified materials that perform over time keeping maintenance costs low. Savings came from refurbishing existing furniture and sourcing quality vintage pieces rather than wholesale replacement. Early contractor engagement and transparent cost reporting allowed the client to make informed decisions about where to splurge and where to save.
“ We have been delighted with the work of the Barkerdesign team, particularly in how they ran the project, steering us painlessly through the process making our ideas a reality far greater than anything we could have achieved ourselves. Crucially for us, Barkerdesign achieved all this while coming in under budget.”
- owners, Georgian Villa www. insidekent. co. uk • 151