About Us
Barkers Interiors is a family-owned, independent interior design studio, run by mother and daughter duo, Sarah Barker and Katie Gilmore.
Working from our studio in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, we service clients across the East Midlands as well as locations further afield within the UK.
With over 30 years of industry experience, our team will work closely with you to bring fresh ideas, creative flair, and practicality to your project, creating designs that celebrate your unique personality and function around your individual needs.
Our client sits at the heart of each and every design project. Through the thoughtful use of colour, texture, and pattern, and an ability to reimagine existing, well-loved, homewares within new, exciting design schemes — rather than being influenced by passing trends, our team creates spaces that feel authentic and timeless.
However big or small the project, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and personalised service.
Our Story
1908 – Where It All Began…
Barkers Interiors was founded in 1908 by Harry Barker.
Before setting up the business, Harry was employed as an upholder by Captain Brassey of Cottesbrook Hall, in Northamptonshire, where he oversaw repair and maintenance work.
Harry and grandson, John
In the early 1900s, it was customary for the gentry to bring skilled craftsmen over from the continent to carry out delicate repairs to the wooden panelling within their country houses.
Harry watched with interest as these craftsmen repaired the wood, and then painted and dragged it to match the existing panelling. Convinced he could do the same, Harry was permitted to try out this skill, and with great success — so much so that he became sought after for specialist decorating work and paint finishes in many of the surrounding country houses!
When he met his wife, a Leicestershire lady, he relocated to Syston, where he founded a small decorating business — Barkers Interiors.
A lovely story is told of Harry, who always wore his bowler hat when carrying out any decorating work. If the hat became paint-spattered, he would simply paint it black again!
Jack Barker and wife
His two sons Jack & Donald followed in his footsteps, joining the family business, and learning the many painting skills passed on by their father.
Their reputation for excellent work spread quickly and they continued to decorate large country homes throughout central England and in the prestigious London homes of their owners.
John Barker at Lexham Street
By the 1950s…
Barkers Interiors were now employing a team of decorators and offering apprenticeships to young school leavers, many just 14 years old!
Their days were long, as were their overalls — there being only one adult size available to buy in the immediate post-war period.
Jack’s wife Francis took care of these young decorators, altering their overalls to fit and letting down the big turn-ups in their trousers as they grew in stature.
The family purchased a property on the corner of Lexham Street and Melton Road in Leicester, converting it into a shop from which they could sell their paint and decorating supplies, producing their own paint range.
Oadby shop
During the 1960s & 70s
As the business expanded, a further shop was opened in the parade at Oadby.
Jack’s son John Barker joined the family business to work full time, following a period of teaching at Coventry Art College.
This proved to be a revolutionary period as Monica, his wife, introduced the sale of fabrics and the making up of curtains to the business.
They opened another shop premises in Birstall, with a purpose-built workroom at the rear, expanding the curtain-making side of the business.
John Barker with van
1980s & Beyond
By the mid-80s, John and Monica made the decision to move the entire business to Woodhouse Eaves, bringing together their workroom and showroom, affording easier access for clients away from busy town centres.
John and Monica Barker with their granddaughter
Delivery Van at Woodhouse Eaves
Here the business went from strength to strength and expanded to offer a full interior design service for residential clients.
Those familiar with the business at this time may remember the delightful Barkers vintage van, used to deliver curtains and soft furnishings to clients.
Sarah Barker
Katie Gilmore
Present Day
In 1989, their daughter Sarah Barker joined the family business, and continues today, with over 30 years of industry experience, to deliver beautiful, bespoke, residential interiors alongside her daughter Katie, who joined her in 2018.