Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Barnes
Jackie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the way patterns, textures, and materials interact—how a simple shift in color or light can completely transform the feel of a space. There was always something magical about the way design could shape an experience.
At the same time, I have always been equally as fascinated by human behavior—what drives them, how they think, and the choices they make. I studied psychology, fascinated by the intricacies of people, but deep down, I knew I wanted my career path to be more than research or theory. I wanted to create something tangible, something that had an immediate and lasting impact on people’s lives.
It wasn’t until, 8 years ago, when I took a step back in my career, that I realized I didn’t have to choose between my passions. Interior design wasn’t just about making spaces beautiful—it was about shaping environments that influence mood, energy, and well-being. It was the perfect fusion of my love for design, my curiosity about human behavior, and my desire to help people feel valued and at home in their own spaces.
I followed that realization and it led me here—building a design studio that creates spaces to truly serve the people who live in them. Since starting my firm 7 years ago, a lot has changed (all for the better). Our team has grown, the business has grown, we recently moved to a bigger and brighter studio, but the core of why I started this business still remains the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes and no. Following my heart into this profession was an easy choice, but navigating the journey of building and running a business is anything but simple.
It’s been a road full of lessons and growth. Some of the biggest struggles have been creating a streamlined design processes and ensuring every client receives a consistent and exceptional experience…It can be a lot of work. But our team holds ourselves to incredibly high standards. We’re passionate about bringing joy to home renovation, a process that is often incredibly stressful. Our goal is to transform the overwhelming into a rewarding, fun-filled, and exciting experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in creating spaces that are thoughtfully tailored to reflect the people within them, offering a true one-of-a-kind, intentional and personal design experience.
What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on our clients’ journeys and the deeply personalized nature of every project we undertake.
When we begin a project, we start from scratch—no preselected collections, no repetitive combinations. Instead, we draw inspiration from our clients’ preferences, their lifestyle, and the charm and character of their existing space. These elements guide every design decision, ensuring the final result feels intentional and effortless.
Our goal is for every home to represent its owner so authentically that when friends or family visit, they immediately feel the space belongs to them—not to us. If guests walk in and think, this was clearly designed by Jackie Barnes, then we’ve missed the mark.
We also love incorporating existing pieces into our designs. We find that stripping a space of everything familiar and replacing it with something entirely new might result in a beautiful space, but it doesn’t feel like home.
Ultimately, our brand stands for authenticity, individuality, and attentiveness to both style and the human experience. We want each client to feel at home in their newly designed space—not as if they’re merely stepping into a showcase. To us, it’s important that our clients feel a connection to every element of the design because a space is most meaningful when it feels uniquely yours.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
What might surprise most people, whether they know me personally or through my work, is that I didn’t initially pursue interior design in school.
As I mentioned, one of my deep passions is understanding human behavior. After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s in Sociology. For 19 years, I worked as a clinical research coordinator, focusing on the well-being of young children. It was incredibly fulfilling to help give a voice to those who didn’t have one and ensure they had the support needed for stable mental health.
That experience shaped who I am today and heavily influences my work as a designer. I’ve carried over the skills of listening, understanding, and empowering others to help my clients find their voice and create spaces that positively impact their mental and physical well-being. I truly believe our surroundings play a powerful role in how we feel and live, and I’m passionate about designing spaces that reflect and support the people who call them home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackiebarnesdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiebarnesdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19PWowbprq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-barnes-design/
Image Credits
Bedroom with blue bed, yellow dining room, blue dining room, purple living room, beige built in bookshelves living room: Ross Van Pelt @rvp_photo
Fireplace, team photo, Jackie’s headshot, bedroom with spotted headboard, mudroom with floral wallpaper, green tiled bathroom, bathroom with maroon floral wallpaper: Claire Marie and Co @clairemarieandco
