A Novel Tale

Michelle Barker’s love of books and travel was key to bringing a sense of substance and style to her remodelled flat

- Karen Jensen-Jones

The design inspiration for Michelle Barker’s apartment in north London came from her passion for reading. ‘It’s so important for me to have a place for my books and a quiet space where I can read,’ she explains, ‘and that was how the idea for the refurbishment started.

‘I’d always longed to buy my own home and after renting for a few years, the time felt right to make the move,’ she continues. ‘My mother started the search with enthusiasm and came up with 60 possible viewings. We eventually narrowed it down to just three, and this property had the best light and potential.’

After buying the place, Michelle gave it a mini makeover involving repainting the walls and fitting new carpets throughout. She lived in the flat for more than a decade before deciding to embark on a major refurbishment with the help of interiors firm Sarah Moss Design.