A WONDERFUL WORLD

Come on a home tour of interior designer Sarah Baker's quirky Lake District home, full of interesting features, cool colours and striking Pow Pots....

Hello, I'm Sarah, an interior designer and colour-lover whose ethos is all about bringing joy to homes.

My passion for interior design began as a hobby, renovating three of my previous homes. When I started being asked to redesign my friends’ homes too, I realised it was the job for me. In 2021 I quit my job in advertising, turned 40 and moved to the Lakes (all within three days of each other) to retrain as an interior designer. Some might call it a midlife crisis, but I think it was the best decision I ever made!

I went on to launch Chez Baker in 2024 and since then have been busy helping clients transform their homes and embrace colour and pattern. But while I was still in training, I spent time 'colouring in' my own home to showcase my style.

The house was built in 1878 during the Gothic Revival Victorian era, and while it was in perfect condition when we moved in, it was purely white and beige. It felt very grown-up and serious and not at all me.

We started with the kitchen/ diner as that is the room we spent the most time in. I find white draining and as this was a space for entertaining, it was liberating to go wild with bold and energising colours. 

The hallway was designed to give a joyful welcome and set the tone for the rest of the house. As this space is a passing point, I felt brave to use this rich and dark purple, balanced with lots of plants and stripes. The bright floral wallpaper on the ceiling was inspired by our beautiful surroundings here in Kendal.

I wanted the lounge to feel restful and a place to spend time during the evening. Biophilic design principles were used throughout the room, with a colour palette inspired by nature and lots of nature-inspired prints. I used natural paint, and the colours have real depth. Seeing how the walls transform from blue to green throughout the day is magical.

I recently completed a course in Bold Biophilic Design, so I’ve also learnt about the benefits of how colour psychology and nature can improve health and create happy spaces. It has led to a slight addiction to buying real plants... I was always quite nervous I’d kill them in the past!

When Pow Plants opened in Kendal last year, I was thrilled to find a playful brand that could fulfil my combined passions of colour, pattern and nature. They’re the perfect friend to all of my bright interiors.

My daughters' bedrooms are designed to be warm and cosy, as well as calm and encourage creativity. They are playful without being too childlike. Patterns, textiles and artwork bring in energy and fun, but can easily be changed further down the line with changing tastes as they get older.

With more rooms 'coloured in' than not, my home is now my happy place. Every time I sit in the lounge I feel relaxed. Every time I pass through the hallway it makes me smile. The vibrancy of the dining room makes me feel invigorated and ready to socialise. As an interior designer, my ethos is about bringing joy to homes and I believe that colour is key in achieving that. 

Here are my top tips on incorporating biophilic design with colour psychology to enhance your space and well-being:

VARY Textures and Colours

Bring in plants that have a variety of textures and shades. Not only does this create an engaging and inviting atmosphere but it also stimulates a sense of touch and smell. Interacting with plants can set your brain into a form of relaxation which can lower stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety. The right house plants can even enhance creativity and productivity! Consider adding plants like the vibrant snake plant, a fragrant jasmine, or the colourful Calathea.

Draw on Nature’s Colour Palette

Using colour in your interiors can influence your mood and behaviour, and there is no greater inspiration than nature’s colour palette. Earthy tones such as sage greens and soft blues can create a relaxing atmosphere as well as promoting calm and focus, great for a study or bedroom. If you’re looking for a more energising vibe, then consider yellows and oranges which encourage creativity and optimism, perfect for a dining room or kitchen. As well as wall décor, you could consider using nature’s colours in artwork, upholstery and accessories. Pow Pots' Piña Colada plant pot is a good example of this; its bright yellow and green colour, and pineapple design give an instant dose of energy.

GO NATURAL

Natural materials such as untreated wood, plant-based paint, and cork adds warmth, texture and visual interest to a room. These natural materials also improve air quality and can positively affect our emotions to reduce stress and create a sense of calm. Patterns that draw inspiration from nature can offer visual comfort and intrigue. Think of the gentle curve of a wave, botanical motifs or the complex geometry of honeycomb. By mimicking the visual harmony found in natural landscapes, it can improve cognitive focus and promotes a sense of wellbeing.

Find Sarah at Chez Baker where you can sign up for a 20 minute discovery call and download her new home-owners guide for free.

Photos by the brilliant interiors photographer Lucy Barden.

Sarah studied Nicla's Bold Biophilic Design course.