Though based in West Hartford, CT, Camden Grace Interiors designs beautiful homes from coast to coast. Founder Jeanne Barber is a former lawyer, which means she brings a methodical approach to design—though you’d never know it from her colorful, playful portfolio. Her designs are as functional as they are beautiful, and to top it off, her work isn’t beholden to one style, as she effortlessly blends aesthetics to create spaces that are truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s how she makes it all happen.
MY LIGHT-BULB MOMENT:
Before launching Camden Grace Interiors, I was a type-A lawyer. Giving birth to a premature baby with health challenges made me take a hard look at my life and gave me the courage to follow my dream. It’s actually crazy how many talented designers are recovering lawyers – we should start a support group!
I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I’ve scrolled through several newspapers while still in bed. I’m a news junkie and always want to know what’s going on in the world. I don’t want anything to pass me by.
SUCCESS IS:
Getting to do what you love while staying true to who you are.
YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
A coffee in my hand and several half-empty cups strewn about elsewhere. I’m famous for refilling and then forgetting about them.
MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
Anderson Cooper. But I’d probably spend the whole time peppering him with questions about world events and his life growing up with such a glamorous mother. We’re designing a home down the street from his Litchfield estate and every time I drive past, I struggle to resist the urge to knock on his door.
THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN WEST HARTFORD:
Any place I’m with family and friends and near the water. Some past favorites: Praia do Beliche, Portugal; English Harbor, Antigua; Edgartown, Massachusetts.
WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
I look to nature.
ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Magic Eraser cleans sneakers just as brilliantly as it cleans wall scuffs.
IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Tearing my hair out because I’ll have teenagers, and if they’re anything like I was, I’m in for it. But fingers crossed I’ll be surrounded by my awesome team because they make me laugh every day and add levity when the going gets tough.
ABOVE ALL ELSE:
Work hard, play hard.
