Throughout Linda Barker’s career and life she has accomplished so much; she is a great designer, TV personality, writer, cook, mother and wife, AND Queen of the jungle. She is best known for her role in TV show and international phenomenon Changing Rooms, which was piloted by Linda and Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen. The TV show reached peak popularity when Linda was on the show and since then she has gone from one strength to another. maddog caught up with her for some style advice...

MD: You have been in the business for quite a long time and have set a standard for all new designers to aspire to. What got you into interior design?

LB: As a child I was very artistic and at school also, I was also making things, sewing and drawing. So it was very natural for me to go to Art school and do a foundation year there and then went on to do a 3-year degree. As soon as I had finished I wanted to start a career in art and had a great magazine feature covering my designs. It all started from there. Changing Rooms would have been my ‘big break’, the TV programme started at the early stage of my career, in which I had an interior business.

MD: Over the years you have been able to put your name to some great work. What was your favourite job?

LB: I think the last job you finish is always your favourite job, but I have been enjoying the penthouse flats I have been doing for a developer. I really enjoy going out and seeing these jobs grow.

MD: You have been getting involved with developments across the world. How is the development of the Cyprus villas coming along?

LB: Yes I have, the build is coming to an end, so I can now have a one to one with the client and give furniture packs and really sink my teeth into the development. It is really exciting stuff. I have also got myself involved with a Golf and Ski development in Bulgaria, unfortunately it has been put on hold for the past year, year and half because of the recession, but hopefully it will start back up again.

MD: ‘Really Linda Barker’ has become a great success, you have had so many awards for your designs, created a successful business and you have launched your 16th catalogue. You must be very proud of what you have achieved.

LB: I set up the business with my husband, it’s been running for 5 years now and it’s fantastic, it’s been a dream of mine to start up a business. It is only a small business with only 4 people at the front of house, which is good for us especially with the recession. I am the art director so I do all the buying, which is great fun, and my husband does all the paper work. I source my inspirations from magazines; I am a huge consumer of magazines.

MD: Any more plans for 2009/2010?

LB: I would love to get to do the Bulgaria development and get more of that kind of work, I have such a good time. I also want to get my first retail outlet for R.L.B, maybe just outside of London, but growing my business and getting more work with developments are going to be the plans for next year or so.

Linda Barker’s designs can be found on her website www.reallylindabarker.co.uk

Words > Kate Southgate