Linda Barker did a variety of odd jobs after she graduated before settling on a career as an interior designer. She began her work in television as a set designer and in 1994 she was approached to work on the BBC’s pioneering show Changing Rooms.
It was the series that changed the nation's living rooms and brought in a new era of DIY with Linda and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen as the designers and Carol Smilie presenting and attracting a UK audience of over 10 million.
Since then, she has continued to be one of Britain’s best-known interior decorators on shows including 60 Minute Makeover and a new Channel 5 series called Brand New House for £5k.
More recently, Linda came third on I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here and took part in ITV’s diving show Splash! As Linda teetered on the 7.5 meter board in her sequined, fuchsia bikini, it wasn’t her near perfect technique but her amazing washboard stomach that was trending on Twitter. Linda has always been passionate about health and fitness. She released a DVD in 2003 titled 'Simple Yoga', and completed the London Marathon in 2012. In spring 2013 she fronted a body confidence campaign for Playtex lingerie, and fitness feature, ‘Mums on the Run’ for Lorraine.
Linda has worked with a number of high profile brands such as DFS, Currys, Graham & Brown, Crown, Hunters Estate Agents and Wren kitchens. She has also designed and developed an extensive range of products including wallpaper, rugs, lighting, kitchen storage, scented candles, china, curtain accessories, textiles and gift wrap, and has a successful home accessories retail business, Really Linda Barker.
As the author of more than 15 books on interior design and home crafts, her global book sales exceed two million. Linda has also written for magazines including Your Home, BBC Good Homes, House Beautiful, Saturday Telegraph magazine, and the Daily Express Sunday magazine, and Period Ideas magazine. Linda performs live craft and home decorating demonstrations, recently appearing at the Ideal Home Show, RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and The Scottish Home Show.
She is married and the couple have a daughter and two dogs
So, why is she a #Houseproud hero?
There’s something very likable about Linda Barker. She’s got an open, honest way about her and again, although she’s old school she helped changed the face of interior design in the UK. She says:
“The emphasis is surrounding yourself with your personality rather than making a show room kind of home. People don’t want to copy styles in the latest magazines. It’s what you love as a family or an individual and how you want to live in your home.”