Design interview: 10 minutes with Barlow and Barlow

Kate Lough catches up with the brother and sister team behind interior design studio Barlow and Barlow
Kate Lough15 April 2016

Barlow and Barlow is an up and coming interior, ktichen and lighting design studio based in Notting Hill, founded by siblings Max, 28, and Lucy, 30. The duo are fast becoming known for their creative approach that doesn't shy away from colour or personality.

Here, Lucy tells us how she got into the industry, where she looks for inspiration and why she's obsessed with pineapples.

How did Barlow and Barlow come about?

I had been working for two years in Cheshire for the designer Mark Gillette whilst Max was working as a lighting designer for John Cullen. But I missed London and after I moved back, I got offered a job as the interior designer on a big project on the Strand. That was the beginning of my career as an independent designer and a year later Max decided to leave John Cullen and team up with me - thus Barlow & Barlow Design was born.

Barlow and Barlow

Do you have any advice for those hoping to break into the industry?

Never try and cut corners - artistically it will lead to disappointing work, professionally it can put you in a weak position and financially you’ll always pay for it in the end!

Can you describe your design ethos?

Always fresh and always exciting with classical references and lots of personality.

Barlow and Barlow

Where do you seek design inspiration?

I’m lucky enough to have travelled to some wonderful places but you cannot ignore what’s on your doorstep. From the Georgian grandeur of west London to the urban cool of east London and everything in between, it means you’re never short of inspiration living and working in London.

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collaborations?

We have just started work on an amazing warehouse space in Soho. It’s an old printing factory that has been beautifully restored and offers a living space that’s more like Brooklyn than London - genuine loft living.

Barlow and Barlow

What was last piece of homeware you bought?

I have a penchant for pineapples and recently bought a wicker one back from the Bahamas to add to my ever growing collection.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or hotel in London for design?

Tony Chi's entrance of The Rosewood Hotel followed by the India Madhavi-designed Gallery restaurant at Sketch followed by the Tom Dixon-designed Dandelyan bar at the Mondrian - that would be a pretty perfectly designed night!

Dandelyan bar at Mondrian London

Do you have a favourite interiors shop in London?

Gunievere, an antiques shop on the New Kings Road is one of my most inspiring shops to visit - the visual merchandising there is second to none and the variation of antiques is just amazing.

What would Barlow and Barlow’s top room makeover tip be?

Funnily enough I’ve always thought the old wedding adage works well for interiors: Something old – antiques are key for me to give a space a sense of weight and drama; something new – one can’t live in the past so cleverly mixing antiques with some more contemporary pieces makes for exciting and current rooms; something borrowed – not literally, but having things that people have given to you and mean something special always gives a room character and makes it a personal and happy space; Something blue – a life without colour would be no life at all and all houses should have something blue. Whether it be the walls, a velvet sofa or a piece of delftware china, you really can’t go wrong with blue.

Barlow and Barlow

What home trends do you predict for the coming months?

I feel like antique wooden furniture deserves a comeback. It can often be cast aside as old fashioned, but actually a nice wooden side table or wardrobe can look stunning in any interior.

Are there any colours you’re championing for spring?

Pink is having a major moment and I must say I’m very easily swayed by anything in pale and dusky shades of pink. Pantone's new rose quartz colour has really captured the imagination of the interiors world.

Barlow and Barlow

What is your most treasured piece of furniture?

I had a dining table made when I designed my flat 4 years ago. The base is a Louis XIV style painted in turquoise with an industrial zinc wrapped top. It’s pretty mad but it seats 10 and has seen some serious dinner party action!

Describe a day in the life of an interior designer…

My favourite days are when we are in the studio putting schemes together in an explosion of fabric, wallpaper, wood and marble samples everywhere. My least favourite days, but no less important, are the days of schedules, spreadsheets and budgets. Sadly you can’t do one without the other...

For more info visit barlowandbarlow.com. Follow Max and Lucy on Instagram @barlowandbarlow

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough

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