Renowned interior designer Brooke Copp-Barton stands out in the design world with her unwavering belief in aesthetics rooted in simplicity and unparalleled practicality. For Brooke, the core of any successful creative process lies in understanding and honoring an individual’s unique requirements and ingrained sense of style. In an exclusive interview, she shares her insights on the transformative power of color, her diverse sources of inspiration, and the essential qualities that define an exceptional designer.

From Corporate Ladder to Creative Canvas: Brooke’s Design Journey

SW: Could you tell me a little about your background before you re-trained, and why you decided to change careers? You’ve obviously built up a successful business now – how hard was that to do? How did you get your first client?

BCB: My professional life prior to embarking on the path of interior design was extensive, having spent many years immersed in the fast-paced world of advertising and marketing. While these fields certainly offered their own creative challenges, I eventually reached a point where I yearned for a deeper connection to creativity and a career that offered more personal flexibility. My passion for interiors had always simmered beneath the surface, and the idea of transforming spaces to positively impact people’s lives became an increasingly compelling vision.

The decision to retrain at the esteemed KLC School of Design was a pivotal moment. It wasn’t an easy transition; going back to basics, essentially starting over in an academic environment, required a significant shift in mindset. Leaving the established security of a long-standing career and then the supportive structure of college to launch my own venture was, admittedly, quite daunting. The familiar whispers of self-doubt were constant companions, challenging my resolve at every step.

However, the invaluable experience I gained through interning and freelancing at several established design practices immediately after KLC proved instrumental. These early opportunities provided hands-on learning, exposure to real-world projects, and a chance to build my confidence. Interestingly, my very first client emerged from a completely personal connection: a friend of my daughter. They were frequent visitors for playdates, and over time, my home, which I had lovingly designed, naturally became a talking point. When the family decided to move house, they approached me for assistance. It was truly the ideal inaugural project – a client who already understood and appreciated my design aesthetic, making the initial collaboration smooth and rewarding. I remain profoundly grateful for that fantastic opportunity, as it not only launched my business but also affirmed my chosen path.

Brooke’s Distinctive Design Aesthetic and Wellsprings of Inspiration

SW: What would you say your personal style was and what inspires you?

BCB: My personal design style, if I were to encapsulate it, is best described as one of ‘lived-in, laid-back comfort.’ I firmly believe that a home should feel genuinely lived in and deeply loved, rather than presenting as a pristine, untouchable show home. My approach consistently focuses on infusing spaces with warmth, character, and a sense of history. This often involves incorporating numerous vintage or antique finds – pieces that inherently possess charm, tell a story, and, crucially, embrace a beautiful sense of imperfection. These elements are not just decorative; they are soul-enriching components that contribute to a truly unique and personal atmosphere.

Ultimately, my role is to collaborate closely with clients, helping them articulate and realize their own design aspirations. The goal is to shape a space that is an authentic extension of their personality and lifestyle – a true reflection of ‘them.’ This collaborative process is where the magic happens, ensuring the final design resonates deeply with the occupants.

Inspiration, for me, is truly ubiquitous; it can be found in the most unexpected places. However, as a mother with a young family, I’ve recently developed a particular fondness for visiting the exquisite properties managed by the National Trust. These historical homes are veritable treasure troves of design inspiration. I’m captivated by the rich tapestry of colors, the elegant architectural shapes, and the extraordinary attention to detail evident in every room. A recent and particularly inspiring discovery close to home was Osterley Park, where the ceilings, in particular, left me absolutely awestruck – they are simply stunning works of art.

Comprehensive Interior Design Services Tailored to Your Needs

SW: Could you give me an idea of the services you provide, and what each one includes?

BCB: I pride myself on offering a comprehensive interior design service, designed with flexibility at its core. Clients have the freedom to engage with my services at whatever level suits their specific project and budget, whether it’s a full-scale renovation involving an entire house or focused assistance on transforming a single room. My offerings are modular, allowing for a truly bespoke approach.

Within this umbrella of services, I provide expert space planning, which is fundamental to optimizing flow and functionality. I develop detailed design concepts and layouts, often brought to life through sophisticated 2D and 3D rendered drawings and models, helping clients visualize their future space with clarity. Bespoke joinery design is another key area, creating custom built-in solutions that maximize utility and aesthetics. Thoughtful lighting planning is essential for setting the right mood and enhancing functionality, while tailored window treatments add layers of texture, privacy, and style. Finally, a significant part of my role involves meticulous sourcing of furniture, fabrics, accessories, and finishes, ensuring every element aligns with the overall vision.

The true value of an interior designer lies in their ability to view a space with fresh eyes and strategic insight, transforming it to best support how you aspire to live your life. This means devising solutions that aren’t merely visually stunning but are also supremely practical for day-to-day living. For instance, I specialize in developing clever storage solutions that declutter and organize, crafting lighting schemes that masterfully create distinct moods and ambiance, and ingeniously finding ways to make existing furniture pieces harmoniously integrate into a new design narrative.

A truly effective designer engages deeply with clients to understand their lifestyle, family dynamics, hobbies, interests, and all practical considerations. Most importantly, we explore how they want the space to feel. This holistic understanding is then translated into a tangible visual concept, which typically includes inspirational mood boards, precise floor plans, a curated selection of fabric samples, and detailed elevations. In today’s market, the sheer volume of choices—from an overwhelming array of colors, fabrics, and furniture styles to the minute details of light switches and door handles—can be paralyzing for homeowners. A designer steps in to alleviate this burden, expertly guiding clients through the options, presenting carefully curated recommendations that align with their vision, functional needs, and, critically, their budget. Furthermore, a professional designer brings a rich network of trusted contacts and invaluable trade accounts, allowing clients to benefit from exclusive access and often significant discounts on a wide range of products and services.

Transparency is a cornerstone of my business model. I operate on a fully open basis, passing on all my trade discounts—which typically range between 10-40%—directly to my clients. My compensation is a straightforward 10% commission on the net value of these products. This creates a genuine ‘win-win’ scenario: clients gain access to an extensive array of high-quality services and products they might never have discovered independently, all while benefiting from substantial savings. In return, I am fairly compensated for the significant time, hard work, and specialized experience I’ve invested in building this comprehensive network and deep industry knowledge. It’s about delivering exceptional value and beautiful design, together.

A Passion Project: Blending Heritage with Modern Family Life

SW: What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?

BCB: Each project holds its own unique charm and challenges, but if I had to choose a favorite so far, it would undoubtedly be a beautiful Grade II listed property nestled in Bedford Park. We’ve recently completed the first phase, which encompassed the transformation of two reception rooms and the main hallway, and we are currently immersed in the exciting second phase, focusing on the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. This project has been a particular joy because the client’s brief perfectly aligned with my passion for integrating historical integrity with contemporary living.

The core instruction was to sensitively restore the house, ensuring its design remained faithful to its rich Arts and Crafts heritage. However, with a young family residing there, the spaces also needed to be eminently practical, welcomingly laid-back, and truly family-friendly. This delicate balance allowed for incredible creativity. We meticulously reinstated original fireplaces, choosing period-appropriate designs that anchored each room. The color palette draws from a rich heritage, featuring deep, resonant hues that honor the home’s history. We’ve added an abundance of soft furnishings and varying textures – from sumptuous velvets to natural linens – creating layers of comfort and visual interest. The rooms are also filled with stunning vintage and antique one-off pieces, each carefully selected to add character, history, and a touch of the unique. These elements speak to the home’s past while functioning seamlessly in a modern context.

And the kitchen, which is currently underway, is set to be an absolute stunner. We’re working with a sophisticated palette of beautiful pinks and greens, complementing them with gorgeous zelliges (artisan mosaic) tiles. The tactile quality and vibrant imperfections of zelliges will add an incredible depth and handcrafted feel, perfectly marrying tradition with a fresh, contemporary twist. It’s a project that truly allows me to pour my heart into every detail, and I am loving every moment of working on it.

Simple Yet Effective Design Tips for Refreshing Any Interior

SW: What are your favourite design tips for brightening up a tired interior?

BCB: Revitalizing a tired interior doesn’t necessarily require a complete overhaul; often, it’s about making strategic, impactful changes. My absolute favorite tip is to introduce ‘pops of color,’ especially through well-chosen accessories. These seemingly small additions can make an enormous difference in brightening up an entire scheme and are wonderfully cost-effective and easy to implement. Think vibrant cushions, inviting rugs, cozy throws, stylish lamps, elegant vases, or captivating framed pictures – all are elements that can be effortlessly swapped out or updated to instantly refresh a space and inject new energy.

Beyond color, I also strongly advocate for displaying your most-loved possessions. These cherished items, whether family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or quirky finds, are imbued with personal meaning and have an incredible power to cheer you up and make a house feel like a home. Don’t let them languish in cupboards! It’s always a good idea to have a rummage through your storage spaces; you might rediscover forgotten gems that are just waiting to be brought out and admired. This not only adds character but also tells your unique story within your home, making the space feel deeply personal and comforting.

The Heart of the Job: Transforming Dreams into Reality

SW: What’s the favourite part of your job?

BCB: Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of my profession is the profound satisfaction of making people genuinely happy with the spaces they inhabit. When clients first approach me, they are often overwhelmed, feeling paralyzed by the sheer number of choices and unsure of where to even begin their design journey. They see a vision in their minds but struggle to translate it into a tangible plan. I absolutely love guiding them through this process, showing them that transforming their home doesn’t have to be an intimidating or arduous task. It’s about breaking it down, simplifying the decisions, and celebrating each step forward. There’s an enormous sense of accomplishment and joy I derive from helping them navigate the complexities, witnessing their growing confidence, and ultimately, playing a part in turning their dream space into a beautiful, functional, and deeply personal reality. Seeing their faces light up when they step into their newly transformed home – that’s truly why I do what I do.

To explore more about Brooke Copp-Barton, her unique design philosophy, and to view her extensive portfolio, please visit her official website at www.home-interiordesign.co.uk.

Photo credits:

The main image showcases Brooke’s innovative work for DreamHouzz by Houzz UK. This inspiring project saw nine designers tasked with transforming an empty warehouse in Bermondsey into eight distinctive, aspirational roomsets, where every item on display was available for purchase directly from the online shop. Brooke’s room was conceptualized and executed around the theme of ‘the perfect masculine retreat,’ demonstrating her versatility and ability to cater to diverse design briefs. Photo: Katya de Grunwald