This distinguished interior design firm specializes in crafting luxurious, timeless living spaces that blend classic elegance with a modern sensibility. With over three decades of experience, the Georgia-born luminary behind the firm has honed a distinctive style that seamlessly integrates traditional and contemporary elements. Her signature approach involves the curated combination of antique and modern furnishings, resulting in an eclectic yet harmonious ambiance that is both sophisticated and livable. The comprehensive array of services offered encompasses interior design, fine art and antique sourcing, custom upholstery, bespoke furniture design commissions, and the historical conservation and renovation of properties. With an eye for glamour and a commitment to creating inviting atmospheres, her work stands as a testament to her extensive knowledge and unyielding passion for design.
The foundation of the firm's refined artistry lies in the founder's impressive academic and professional background. A University of Georgia alumna with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Interior Design, she expanded her expertise with specialized Sotheby's courses in Decorative Arts covering the 17th-20th Centuries, further enriching her understanding of design, interiors, art, and architecture. A seasoned professional, she boasts a history of working with esteemed American designers and a storied tenure managing a prominent London design shop, Colefax & Fowler, before and after establishing her own firm. As a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a National Council for Interior Design Qualification certificant, she leads her company with authority and vision. Collaborating with a network of highly skilled suppliers and artisans, she ensures each project embodies excellence in every detail. Influenced by the mastery of iconic designers and her own extensive travels, her repertoire includes an eclectic range of projects—from quintessential English country houses to chic urban dwellings and serene holiday retreats. Renowned for her ability to deliver projects that surpass her clients’ aspirations, the firm is dedicated to creating exquisite interiors that are a true reflection of each client's lifestyle and personal taste.
About
Rena graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986 with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in Interior Design. She worked for eight years with the renowned American designer Dotty Travis at Travis Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. The intensive Sotheby’s professional courses on the History of 17th and 18th Century Decorative Arts and the History of 19th and 20th Century Decorative Arts continued her wide-ranging education in design, interiors, art, architecture and the decorative crafts.
Rena became a member of the American Society of Interior Designers in 1991, after obtaining the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Following two years as Manageress of Colefax and Fowler’s Fulham Road shop in London, she founded her own design firm, Rena Barclay Interiors.
Suppliers
Rena works with an extensive and varied group of suppliers and artisans. This enables her to provide her clients with only the highest quality of finishing in all aspects of her design and build work. She continually searches for exciting pieces to enhance every interior she creates – whether it is a contemporary Howard Hodgkin painting or a Louis XVI Bergere.
Inspiration
Rena draws on design elements from art, architecture, textiles and furniture. Her extensive travel lends a certain freshness to her design, employing cultural references to add depth and substance. The work of design icons such as Sister Parish, Billy Baldwin, Albert Hadley, Nancy Lancaster, Sibyl Colefax, John Fowler, David Hicks and Bunny Williams continue to inspire her.
Projects
Commissions are varied and diverse with previous projects including English country houses, London residences and holiday retreats. Rena also has expertise in the restoration and conservation of properties in historic districts both in England and America.
The breadth of her expertise and versatility of her design aesthetic have established Rena’s reputation as an interior designer who creates beautiful interiors that reflect the client’s lifestyle and individual taste.
Rena’s extensive experience means she has the contacts, the resources and the attention to detail required to carry a project from inception to completion on time, within budget and – most importantly – beyond her client’s expectations.
