Designer Insights:
A Q&A with Sarah Barclay of Barclay Interiors
This month, we speak with Sarah Barclay of Barclay Interiors. Renowned for creating interiors that are both timeless and deeply personal, Barclay Interiors has become synonymous with refined elegance and thoughtful design.
Could you share the design philosophy that defines Barclay Interiors, and how you strike the balance between aesthetic beauty, practical function, and lasting quality?
SB: For me, it all starts with how someone lives in their home. I want the spaces we design to feel calm, elegant and welcoming—never just “decorated.” I’m always thinking about comfort, flow and how a room is going to be used day to day. From there, it’s about layering in beautiful textures and details that feel considered but not overly done. Timelessness is really important to me. Good design shouldn’t need constant updating—it should quietly support your life.
Where do you seek inspiration? Are there specific places, historic buildings, galleries, or events that consistently fuel your creativity?
SB: Inspiration is everywhere if you’re open to it. I love visiting historic houses—the architecture, the patina of old materials, the way rooms were arranged with purpose. I also love art galleries, antiques fairs, and just exploring. Sometimes it’s something really small, like a carved detail on a cornice, a meaningful heirloom or collector’s piece, an art collection, or the way the light hits a wall, that sets a whole design idea in motion.
In your initial consultations, you place great emphasis on understanding how a space is lived in, tailoring each design to those who call it home. How do you ensure the result captures the client’s personality and interests while still maintaining your distinctive style?
SB: I spend a lot of time listening at the beginning. It’s not just about what a client likes—it’s about how they live. Do they love entertaining? Do they need a quiet corner to read? Once I understand the rhythm of their life, I can shape a design that feels like them, not just something from a portfolio. Clients come to us for our calm, timeless aesthetic – and we often work with them for years – but there’s always room to bring in personal pieces, collections, or even just a certain mood they love. That’s where the magic happens.
When did you first discover Chase Erwin, and what is it about our fabrics that resonates with you? Are there any collections or designs you find yourself returning to time and again?
SB: I have been working with Chase Erwin since I first launched my business in 1997 and was instantly drawn to the tactile quality of the fabrics. They feel luxurious but never shouty—which is exactly what I look for. Your silks in particular are firm favourites. They add softness and depth without overpowering a room, and they work beautifully in the kinds of layered, tonal interiors I love creating.
You’ve spoken about the power of objects and craftsmanship in bringing depth and individuality to a space. How do you go about sourcing unique or bespoke pieces for your clients, and are there any artists or craftspeople you particularly admire?
SB: I’ve built up lasting relationships with a network of antique dealers, makers and artisans over the years. I really value pieces that are made by hand or have history to them—they give a room character and warmth. Whether it’s an antique linen press from a dealer or auction, a hand-thrown ceramic vase, or a vintage armchair we’ve had reupholstered, I’m always looking for things that add soul to a space. I admire so many craftspeople, especially those who work quietly and with real skill.
Could you share a project where you’ve used Chase Erwin fabrics to great effect?
SB: One project that comes to mind is a country house we designed recently. We used a Chase Erwin silk for the curtains, blinds and cushions, giving the room a serene feel. The fabrics added just the right amount of texture and luxury without feeling formal or stiff. It’s one of those rooms where you instantly relax the moment you walk in.
What is Barclay Interiors’ philosophy on sustainability, and how do you weave it into your approach to luxury design? Are there materials you tend to avoid, and have you discovered any new or innovative materials you’re excited to incorporate into future projects?
SB: For me, sustainability is about designing for longevity. If something is well made, thoughtfully chosen, and truly loved, it won’t end up in landfill. I try to use natural materials wherever I can, and I love incorporating antiques—they’ve already stood the test of time. I also work closely with local makers, which reduces our footprint and supports craftsmanship. I’ve been exploring some of the newer recycled textiles and natural dyes lately too. It’s an evolving space, but an important one.
What are some recent trends in luxury interiors that you think will have lasting impact?
SB: I think we’re moving away from flashy design and back towards interiors that feel personal and grounded. There’s a real appetite for warmth, natural materials, and pieces with story or soul. People are thinking more about how they want to feel in a space, rather than what it looks like on Instagram. I love that shift—it’s exactly how I approach design.
Do you have a dream building or space you would love the opportunity to work on?
SB: I’ve been very lucky to work on some fabulous buildings both listed and historic, as well as new builds. I have always been drawn to Georgian townhouses—the symmetry, the scale, the original details. I have restored several with sensitivity. I’d love to do a small countryside hotel or retreat one day. Somewhere quiet and beautifully curated, where every detail has been considered.
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. We are truly inspired by Barclay Interiors’ thoughtful, timeless designs and have loved gaining a deeper understanding of your creative process.
To learn more about Barclay Interiors, visit barclay-interiors.com and follow them on Instagram @barclayinteriors.
Image credit: Barclay Interiors