Faux fabulous: Linda Barker and her new Flower Clouds

Moving to Hull has brought many benefits for designer and TV personality Linda Barker.She has long had a base in her native Yorkshire but her latest home on the Holderness peninsula has given her the chance to get to know the area better. The verdict is that she loves it.Better still, the property she bought was in need of updating, which she enjoys - TV’s Changing Rooms and 60 Minute Makeover were never just a day job.The relocation also sparked an idea for a new product and a collaboration with local company, Luxury Gardens UK.Flower Clouds are Linda’s latest design and were inspired by a project she helped with at Hull’s Dove House Hospice and by observing the fashion for faux foliage.

The Flower Clouds comprise of a shelf with a grid system that holds a fabulous arrangement of faux flowers and foliage. This is then suspended from the ceiling.They are aimed at both commercial and residential clients and are perfect for visually lowering a ceiling, framing a reception desk, softening a bar area or for use over domestic dining tables.They require no maintenance and, if you want to ring the changes, Linda has designed several variations.She says: “This started after Dove House Hospice asked if I could help them create a meeting room/cafe. I was really pleased to help.“I designed a refectory table and seating with wood from Hull Timber and metal work done by Hull Prison.“I wanted to put a long shelf full of greenery over it because there is a lot of research that says that greenery is therapeutic. It had to be faux for practicality’s sake.“I suggested the hospice try and find a local supplier to donate the faux foliage and that’s where Luxury Gardens UK came in.”The swing-like shelf, which now decorates the hospice cafe, was the prototype for the Flower Clouds.“It was an idea I was keen to take forward because in London faux foliage has become really popular with shops, restaurants and bars,” says Linda. “There are faux landscapes everywhere but as Flower Clouds hang from the ceiling they make good use of a space that isn’t often thought about and they have a big impact.”

She adds: “Luxury Gardens UK are based in Hull and they are a really nice, dynamic business so we have worked together on this and I’m thrilled with the result.”A well-known hotel in London is among those who have already expressed an interest in the “hanging gardens”, which start at £435.Linda states the obvious when she adds: “They are very Instagrammable.”www.flowercloud.co.uk

A life in designBorn and brought up in Shelf, near Halifax, Linda Barker attended Bradford Grammar School and later studied Fine Art.A gifted painter, she was also a dab hand at interior design and her talent was spotted by BBC producers in 1994.She became one of the best-loved designers on TV’s Changing Rooms. Her talent and friendly personality has helped her maintain a long career in home makeover shows. She also designs homeware.