Interior Designer in Brighton, Hove & London / BIID-Registered

So, let me tell you about how I became a Brighton Interior designer….

Want to know more about Brighton interior design Melanie Barnes?  Well you’re in the right place!  I’ve always had a passion for design.  As a teenager, I loved putting outfits together – mixing vintage finds with contemporary fashion. Stylish, never pastiche – that was always my aim. That instinct for style and balance naturally evolved into a love of interiors. I spent hours redesigning my teenage bedroom, styling my first rented flat and dreaming up creative combinations that made small spaces feel beautiful and personal.

I was born in Cyprus and raised in Chichester, before heading off to university in the ’90s and landing in London. I worked in PR and publicity in Soho’s vibrant entertainment and TV scene – an incredible experience that taught me a lot about creativity, deadlines, and presentation.

Eventually, I settled in Brighton – a city full of stunning period homes and historic architecture.  Somewhere along the way, I found myself in corporate life. While it wasn’t creatively fulfilling, it gave me one clear insight: how not to design a workplace.

In my thirties, I retrained professionally, studying interior design at Brighton Metropolitan College.  The foundations were helpful, but I learned far more from my first renovation project for a real client than I did in two years of classroom study!

Now, with over 14 years’ experience as a BIID-registered interior designer, I’ve worked across a wide range of residential and commercial interiors in Brighton, Hove, and central London. There’s not much I haven’t seen – or found a clever, stylish solution for.

Interior Designer for Period Homes in Brighton, Hove & London

I have a deep love for period properties and traditional architecture. I’ve worked in a wide range of historic homes – from Georgian and Regency townhouses to Victorian terraces, Edwardian villas, Arts & Crafts cottages, Art Deco apartments, and even Mid-Century properties.

Whether you need help reimagining a single room or transforming an entire house, I bring a passion for detail and a respect for heritage. I also understand the challenges of older buildings – from awkward layouts and uneven floors to listed building consent and sympathetic sourcing.

I’ve had the pleasure of working on everything from cosy family homes to a Grade II listed Regency townhouse hotel in Brighton.

My Interior Design Approach

My style is authentic, professional, and approachable – with a love of timeless elegance, clean lines, and character-rich design.

I believe the best interiors celebrate the original features of a home while making them liveable for modern life. I specialise in blending period details with contemporary touches to create interiors that feel both elevated and effortless.

I’m known for being practical and solutions-focused, always balancing creativity with functionality. My clients often describe me as reliable, honest, and a safe pair of hands with great taste.

Wherever possible, I source from UK-based suppliers and local makers, supporting independent businesses and sustainable practices.

About Elixir Interior Design

Elixir Interior Design offers bespoke interior design services in Brighton, Hove, and London, working on both residential and commercial projects.

My clients include busy professionals, families, hospitality businesses, and homeowners looking to renovate, refurbish, or completely reimagine their space. From large-scale renovations to smaller styling updates, every project is approached with care, creativity, and attention to detail.

I’m proud to be a BIID-registered interior designer (British Institute of Interior Design) – a mark of professionalism, experience, and design expertise.

If you’re looking for a Brighton interior designer who specialises in period homes, or a trusted design partner for your London project, I’d love to help.

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