Designer Q&A
The Elements of Design
Jack Barlow, owner and principal designer of Barlow Design Group for 34 years, brings exciting design strategies and elements of surprise to his unique, architecturally ascribed projects.
BY
Vicki Pickle
PHOTOGRAPHY
Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

Designer Sketch:

  • Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Design inspiration: John Saladino, New York
  • Incorporate design elements: Larson fabrics (sophisticated fabrics and carpeting, contemporary in design); Scalamandré (luxurious, classic, traditionally designed fabrics and carpeting); Ebanista Furniture (quality furniture, antique reproductions); R. M. Coco (imported silk fabrics at a reasonable price); creative artisans (makers and fabricators of custom designs in many material forms)
  • Favorite architects: Fay Jones, Arkansas; Michael Graves, New York
  • Design background: In the business of design for 40 years; studied at Sorbonne, Paris and New York School of Design; founding member of St. Louis Creative Artisans Guild; taught design at Maryville University

“The finished product is no surprise to us.”

What are your strategies for creating fabulous outdoor spaces to complement a home’s aesthetic?
The land structure of the outdoors is usually as you find it. It can be manipulated or adorned by careful landscaping, but this effort should be in cadence with the interior architecture or possibly some exterior modifications to enhance the interior vistas, i.e., pergolas, pavilions, loggias, etc. Cityscapes are often better defined by outbuildings that visually extend the existing home and provide intimate spaces for plantings, courtyards and patios.

How do you keep your design projects fresh, current and unique – with an aspect of unexpected surprise?
The best strategy for keeping an element of surprise and newness in a project frequently stems from the client’s newly piqued curiosity and his or her personal involvement. Through their own discovery, perhaps reading a book on a particular design style, new elements may evolve that add another dimension to the resulting space. Another unique statement of surprise is the use of local craftsmen and artisans to add their inspiration to the total mix. Every project should be a combined effort.

Can you describe a project where the interior design made a sculptural statement?
To me, a sculptural statement means architecture. In a more subtle way it could mean changing the shape of a room or series of rooms. Introducing a curved wall or sudden acute angles adds a negative space (a potential space for an artistic element) just for the impact. Traditionally, we are all too committed to typical room shapes. Acknowledging it, you can then be free to change ceiling heights, floor levels, and wall sections into other spaces. I believe it is the responsibility of the designer to expand or compress the existing space within the existing architectural footprint.

Can space be used creatively to define one’s perspective?
Space can be described as both real and apparent. If you can control the movement of people through the space, you can create the illusion of space by proportion, scale, focal points and use of color.