25th May 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Jan Metcalfe-Barnett, Founder & Interior Designer at Fusion Interior Design, has given her insights into the industry. Jan’s path into interior design was shaped by a passion for creativity and well-crafted spaces rather than a conventional route. After early roles in childcare and banking, a move to Ireland saw her working in a furniture and antiques showroom, where she developed a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and curated interiors. Returning to London in the early 1990s, Jan gained hands-on experience within a leading interior design practice while completing formal training, building a solid foundation in high-end residential design. She went on to join Roomservice Furnishing as a design manager, creating showhomes for major UK housebuilders and refining her ability to design aspirational yet practical interiors. In 1999, Jan founded Fusion Interior Design. With over 25 years’ experience, she has since transformed hundreds of homes, creating spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and tailored to how her clients live. Fusion Interior Design Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? For me, it was never just about how a space looks — it was about how it feels to live in. Early on, I realised that thoughtful design has the power to completely change how someone experiences their home day to day. I was drawn to the idea that good design isn’t just aesthetic, it’s practical, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s what has kept me in the profession for over 25 years. Fusion Interior Design Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? Without question, it’s the problem-solving. Most clients come to us not because they want something “pretty,” but because something in their home isn’t working. I enjoy unpicking that — understanding how they live, where the frustrations are, and then creating a layout and design that resolves it. Seeing that moment where a client says, “That’s exactly what we needed” — that’s the most rewarding part. Fusion Interior Design Fusion Interior Design What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? Being selected as a finalist in the Epsom & Ewell Business Awards was a real highlight. We’ve always positioned ourselves as a grounded, client-focused studio rather than chasing recognition, so to be acknowledged in that way felt meaningful. Fusion Interior Design What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? We particularly enjoy working on renovations and extensions at the planning stage — before anything is built. That’s where we can add the most value. Often, architectural drawings don’t fully consider how a space will function day-to-day, so we step in to refine layouts, improve flow, and help clients properly visualise their space through 2D plans and 3D visuals. That early stage is where costly mistakes can be avoided, and where the biggest transformation really begins. Fusion Interior Design What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the biggest challenges is helping clients navigate the sheer number of decisions involved in a project. It can feel overwhelming for them, particularly during renovations. Our role often becomes as much about providing clarity and confidence as it is about design. Managing expectations around time, budget, and the realities of building work is also key — good communication is everything. Fusion Interior Design What do you wish you knew before working in the field? How much of the role is about people, not just design. You’re guiding clients through significant investments in their homes, often during stressful periods. Emotional intelligence, communication, and the ability to simplify complex decisions are just as important as creativity. Fusion Interior Design If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Learn how to design for real life, not just for visuals. A beautiful space that doesn’t function properly will never truly succeed. Focus on space planning, flow, and how people actually live — that’s where good design starts. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I think we’ll continue to see a shift away from purely aesthetic-led design towards more practical, lifestyle-driven interiors. Clients are becoming more informed and want spaces that genuinely work for them — not just something that looks good in a photograph. There’s also a growing appreciation for planning properly before building, particularly with rising costs. That early design stage is becoming more valued, which is something we strongly advocate. Alongside this, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Clients are more conscious of being planet-friendly — looking to reuse what they already have where possible, recycle responsibly, and invest in environmentally considered products rather than replacing everything unnecessarily. It’s less about fast design and more about thoughtful, long-term decisions that are better for both the home and the environment. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Accreditation with the Society of British and International Interior Design represents credibility and professionalism within an industry that isn’t always regulated. It reassures clients that they are working with a qualified, experienced designer who works to recognised standards. For us, it aligns with how we’ve always approached our work — considered, professional, and focused on delivering real value to our clients. Jan Metcalfe-Barnett, Founder & Interior Designer at Fusion Interior Design About Fusion Interior Design Fusion Interior Design is a Surrey-based studio specialising in thoughtfully planned homes that balance practicality with refined design. With over 25 years’ experience, we support homeowners through every stage of the design process — from single-room schemes and layout planning to full-scale renovations. Our expertise lies in intelligent space planning, resolving layout challenges before work begins. Through clear 2D plans and realistic 3D visuals, we give clients the confidence to move forward without uncertainty. Whether you need focused guidance for one space or a complete design service, we create interiors that feel cohesive, functional and enduring — designed for real life, not just appearance. 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