12th February 2026 | IN INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Designing interiors for large country homes presents distinct challenges. Working across historic and listed properties in Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, our approach focuses on creating interiors that continue to adapt to changing family dynamics and contemporary demands, while remaining relevant long after fashions have shifted. Many of the large country homes Barclay Interiors works on are Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian, each bringing its own spatial logic and constraints. Berkshire Estate and Oxfordshire Living are two projects that demonstrate this approach. Both involved significant period property renovation, yet each resulted in a different design outcome. Berkshire Estate took a more robust, rustic direction, while Oxfordshire Living adopted a lighter and more eclectic character. Berkshire Estate | Photography by Ollie G Thomlinson | Styling by Hannah Franklin Designing With Architecture in Mind Working within listed and historic properties means design decisions are shaped early by planning and conservation requirements. A detailed assessment of original features, spatial relationships and structural constraints informs layouts, joinery and finishes from the outset. Where existing structures impose physical constraints, design decisions often require more active intervention. At Berkshire Estate, a period property renovation, heavy beams, low ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and irregular proportions were treated as guiding elements. Furniture layouts, lighting positions and sightlines were adjusted to work with the existing structure, with visual balance achieved through centred furniture, layered lighting and carefully placed focal points where symmetry was not possible. Larger interventions, including Crittall glazing and selective ceiling adjustments, were introduced to improve light and clarify views while remaining sensitive to the original building. In contrast, Oxfordshire Living called for a lighter touch. Panelling added depth, while a palette of whites layered with blues, creams and marbled finishes brought subtle variation to the interiors. Despite these additions, the design approach remained consistent. Opening up the kitchen, dining and living areas was carefully managed to maintain cohesion and balance within the home’s generous layout. Oxfordshire Living | Photography by James Bolston | Styling by Hannah Franklin Bespoke Joinery for Large Country Homes Bespoke joinery played a key role in resolving the properties’ complex geometry and practical requirements. Across both projects, custom elements were developed for kitchens, wardrobes, dressing areas and storage, allowing awkward beams, plant rooms, and services to be integrated discreetly within the interiors. For Berkshire Estate, hand-forged lighting brackets were designed specifically for spaces without flat ceilings, enabling statement pendants to sit correctly within exposed structures. Curtain poles were individually fabricated to accommodate deep reveals and varying wall depths, while custom furniture pieces, including dressing tables, cabinetry and metal island detailing, were developed in direct response to the architecture. Berkshire Estate | Photography by Ollie G Thomlinson | Styling by Hannah Franklin Oxfordshire Living | Photography by James Bolston | Styling by Hannah Franklin At Oxfordshire Living, bespoke cabinetry was combined with carefully refurbished existing pieces, ensuring new joinery sat comfortably within the home’s established character. In the dining room, the original archway was reinterpreted through the introduction of a black-framed glass door, retaining the historic form while supporting a more contemporary use of the space. Oxfordshire Living | Photography by James Bolston | Styling by Hannah Franklin Lighting, Colour and Spatial Adjustments At Berkshire Estate, lighting and colour were used strategically to offset low ceilings and heavy timber structures, improving usability without diminishing the home’s character. New glazing and selective reconfiguration of openings strengthened visual connections to the surrounding gardens and courtyards, improving daylight and circulation while maintaining appropriate thermal control. Berkshire Estate | Photography by Ollie G Thomlinson | Styling by Hannah Franklin A similar approach was applied at Oxfordshire Living, through lighter-touch interventions. Existing features were selectively updated and complemented with contemporary elements, with fabrics and finishes chosen to be paired with traditional furniture. Internal layouts were refined to improve flow and clarity, reinforcing the sense of space across the interiors. Oxfordshire Living | Photography by James Bolston | Styling by Hannah Franklin Across both projects, key architectural features were retained and expressed wherever possible. Original beams, brickwork, stone floors and structural features were preserved as part of the design, allowing material continuity and authenticity to remain central to the finished interiors. Berkshire Estate | Photography by Ollie G Thomlinson | Styling by Hannah Franklin Oxfordshire Living | Photography by James Bolston | Styling by Hannah Franklin A Considered Approach to Country Living Our approach to designing large country homes is rooted in respecting historic proportions while supporting each client’s vision for contemporary living. Although both projects required a sensitive approach to historic fabric, their outcomes differed in aesthetic and character, reflecting the importance of considered decision-making at every stage of the design process. Early design thinking can play a critical role in shaping both experience and outcome. If you’re thinking about starting a period property renovation, get in touch with us to explore the possibilities. About Barclay Interiors Limited Headquartered in the UK, Barclay Interiors has been a leading name in interior design for 25 years, with a global portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Known for a timeless and individual approach, the practice emphasises uncompromising discretion and transparency. The skilled team avoids a prescriptive style, creating beautiful, tailored spaces through close collaboration with architects, artisans, and contractors. Their proactive and responsive nature has made them a trusted partner for homeowners, investors, luxury hospitality operators, HNWIs, and developers. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.