Meet the interior designer – Brooke Copp-Barton

Brooke is the founder of the Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors studio based in Chiswick, West London. Her design philosophy is rooted in simplicity and practicality, and her warm, characterful rooms mix the elegant and eclectic, the modern and vintage – plus a few Pooky lights for good measure.

Here’s our Q&A with Brooke about her inspirations, her top lighting tips, and all things interior design-related...

Tell us about your background. How did you get started in interior design?

I started my career in advertising where I worked for many years agency side in client services. But my love of interiors was an ongoing passion - during my past career I renovated previous properties in my spare time and enjoyed the creative outlet that provided. So when I took time out to have children it just seemed the obvious time to re-evaluate - and to pursue as a career something I had always had a passion for as a hobby. So when my kids were at nursery I took the opportunity to enrol in the part time Certificate in Interior Design course at KLC to fill in the gaps in my knowledge – and can honestly say I haven’t looked back.

Two-bedroom flat in Ashley Gardens SW1P by Brooke Copp-Barton (featuring Pooky's Artur and Lottie lamps. Photos: Megan Taylor.

How would you describe your interior design style?

Warm, inviting, lived in homes, bursting with colour, pattern and vintage charm. I love filling homes with colour, pattern and texture – mixing old with new so that the output is a relaxed, personal and inviting look – embracing the quirks of a property and reflecting the family who live there.

What inspires you when it comes to interiors?

I think as a designer you are like a sponge to visual cues all around you. It may sound like a cliche but everywhere you go there is inspiration to be had – be it in nature, in bars/restaurants, in stately homes, in the music you listen to, the books you read, the films you watch. Sometimes you may just see a print that will be the starting point from which a scheme will develop – or it could be as simple as the beautiful curve of an antique armchair, or the wear and tear on a vintage door. There really is never an off button.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

I enjoy the process of working with clients to help them realise their dream homes. It is such a pleasure to show them ideas that they may not have thought of themselves, and to gently encourage them to perhaps try more colour and pattern. Many people know what they want but just don’t know how to get there, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping make that process happen for them.

House in Prebend Gardens W4 by Brooke Copp-Barton. Photos: Megan Taylor.

How does lighting play a part in your interiors?

Good lighting is integral to any interiors project. I like to use different layers of light - general, task, ambient – to create different moods and atmospheres according to what will be happening in the space. And there will always be loads of floor, wall and table lights - give me a table lamp over a ceiling spot any day!

Which recent project are you particularly proud of?

I’ve recently finished the complete renovation of a ground floor garden flat in a Grade 2 listed Arts & Crafts property in Bedford Park . The property was bursting with gorgeous period detail, but had been left unloved and in disrepair for years. So it was a real pleasure to work with the owners and bring this beautiful home back to life.

Arts and Crafts property in Bedford Park by Brooke Copp-Barton (featuring Pooky's Nellie table lamp). Photos: Megan Taylor.

There is no need to put spots in a symmetrical grid on the ceiling – no one ever looks up when coming into a room, they look around! If you must use spots, use directional lighting to illuminate focal points, such as key pieces of artwork, beautiful curtains in front of a window, beautiful cabinetry. And dot around other sources of light at floor or table level to vary the height and create interesting shadows round the room.

Do you have a particular favourite space in your own home - a sitting room, bathroom, den or just a corner - that you’ve designed just for you and which you feel is all your own? What makes it special for you?

Probably our living room - because it is saturated in colour, pattern and filled with beautiful things we have collected over time. From my husband’s vintage persian rug from a previous home, to our Art Deco Halabala chairs - it is a bit of hotch potch, but it is warm, inviting, enveloping and the colours always make my heart sing.

Brooke's living room. Photos: Megan Taylor.

It has to be the Artur lamp. I love the fabulous colours, the crackle glaze, the playfulness... Who doesn’t need an artichoke lamp in their life?!

See more of Brooke's stunning projects on her website, and follow her on Instagram.