Introducing The British-Based Design Duo Who Inject Wit And Whimsy Into Every Project

Lucy Sear-Barlow and Joshua Sear, co-directors of the British interior design studio Barlow & Barlow have worked on projects all around the world. One such recent project was Kin House, a lovingly restored Georgian manor house in the Wiltshire countryside. Having spotted a gap in the venue marketplace, Kin House looks to provide the ultimate hotel experience that’s tailored exclusively to private events. Geared up to host everything from birthday dinners, private lunches, wild weekends, wellness retreats, or whole house takeovers, this is a place to gather great people and be decadent and to unwind.

How do you approach a project like Kin House where the starting point is a home in complete disrepair? We’re always guided by the architecture first and foremost. The period of the property always needs to be considered. That doesn’t mean you have to deliver a scheme that’s fully representative of that era, but I think being sympathetic is always important. The fact that this house was in disrepair meant the first stage was to strip out all of the modern additions and get back to its bare bones. Then you can really see what you’re working with. In this case it meant we found beautiful ceiling mouldings and original oak panelling that had been covered up and that was really exciting.

I’ve seen the transformation described and creating “the ultimate party pad”—what makes the perfect space for entertaining and having fun? Lighting plays a huge part in making spaces good for entertaining—making sure there are all the scenes for different times of day and night. We also spent a lot of time designing different bars throughout the house. Some for breakfast and lunch occasions, some for evening and party times. We also made sure there were rooms for different sized parties. There’s nothing more killer to a party atmosphere than rattling around in a space that’s too big for the amount of people, so we made sure there were spaces for all sorts of size gatherings.

You’re known for your dynamic use of colour and “boldly eclectic schemes”—how do you create something that is fun, memorable but also approachable and liveable? Making sure that spaces aren’t too staid or rigid makes them very comfortable and welcoming, so that immediately makes a space seem liveable. To us, that always means an element of quirkiness or a little bit of humour, ensuring rooms never take themselves too seriously, as I don’t think that’s ever very inviting!

What is unique about British design? I think the sheer eclecticism of it. With the broad history of the UK and its incorporation of so many different nations and cultures means that we have so many different references that make up “English style.” From Indian chintz, to Chinoiserie wallpapers, Eastern Ikats and European Grand Tour influences—these are just some of the amazing elements that are credited within English style and that brings a richness and a vibrancy to the overall atmosphere.

Your studio offers a complete interior architecture, decoration and lighting service—what does this mean and what are the benefits and challenges of being a part of a project at every level and stage? There’s a huge advantage from both an aesthetic consideration but also a technical and practical one, as we are able to fully control and manage all these elements, which require so much thought as a whole that when different parties are working on them individually it’s not being viewed inclusively.

What is your favourite room in a house to design and why? Probably the kitchen. It is the heart of the home (for most people), and these days are often real family hubs that need to fulfil many roles and that dynamic of technical design matched with beauty and ambience make them really satisfying to design.

What are some of the trends and innovations you are noticing in design that are exciting you? It’s always wonderful to see people who are making really sustainably impactful advances with materials for furniture design, buildings etc. I think we all know the importance of making what is a really quite unsustainable industry better, and there are designers doing amazing things with recycled plastics that are truly innovative.

What is the most irritating or overrated design trend? I think the huge curse of the internet and social media is that we’re all tapped into an algorithm and a zeitgeist that means a perfectly innocent design idea can get ripped to shreds by people totally overdoing it. I can think of lots off the top of my head but I don’t want to be mean, so all I’ll say is Pinterest has a lot to answer for!