The world of interior design can sometimes seem deliberately inaccessible. There is a certain 'tortured artist' mentality with many designers, who wear their exclusivity as a badge of honour while their clients surrender their home as their next blank canvas.

For business partners Emma Parker and Helen Owen, this stereotype could not be further from the truth.

Emma describes their approach best: "We create our client's vision, not our own."

Co-owners of the aptly-named design studio Parker Owen Interiors, the pair are bringing their decades of industry experience to bear to help Teddington residents navigate the intimidating world of interior design.

Instead of a blank canvas approach, the two designers set out to enhance their clients' homes, rather than redesign. Far from the top-to-bottom vanity projects seen across Instagram and Pinterest, Parker and Owen are more than happy with smaller briefs, down to the room.

Their work is domestic, a far-cry from the gallery-like sterility of some designers. One client was worried about the stickers their daughter had on the walls: "We kept them, it's part of their home," says Emma. "It's not Instagrammable [...] it's more domestic."

"We're offering a service that is accessible to many more people than a traditional design studio," says Emma, adding: "it's a real gap in the market."

Helen shares a recent example of a young couple moving into their first flat in a trendy north London neighbourhood. The brief: make their home their own while somehow incorporating a garage full of heirloom furniture from their parents. "We needed to modernise their inheritance," says Helen.

This philosophy can be seen across their portfolio, incorporating the styles and belongings that make their clients' houses homes while still adding the stylish touches that only an interior designer can. It's a tricky balance to strike, but the two make it seem so simple. "We just bring everything together," says Emma.

This more down-to-earth method is clearly working for them. Despite retiring from a high-end residential studio in 2021, Emma was pulled back into the industry after her friends kept recommending her work.

Helen and Emma were friends for years before Parker Owen Interiors (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Helen and Emma were been friends for years before Parker Owen Interiors (Photo: Oliver Monk)

This workload led her to seek the help of long-term friend Helen two years later. With an eclectic CV varying from Portuguese furniture importer to accountant, Helen was a perfect fit for the burgeoning small business – it's not often an accountant can weigh in on the season's latest fabrics.

"We didn't formally launch anything… people just kept approaching us!" laughs Emma.

Their origin story handily reflects their business model: putting friendly faces to an infamously unfriendly industry, translating chic design fairs a stone's-throw away in Chelsea for time-poor families across Teddington's suburbs. 

Their initial customer-base of friends has clearly shaped their approach. Working with their clients' homes means the pair know each one's needs and tastes inside and out – and when to push them to try something out of their comfort zone. "You know what to look for as you're walking around. We're constantly thinking about our clients, you can't switch that off," says Helen. 

"People seem to trust us," adds Emma. "That's the most important thing. They have the confidence that it will look good."

This confidence is not without merit. Between them, Parker Owen Interiors oversee everything from start to finish. The two share the story of one client who faced Christmas without a table after repeated delays with a supplier – that is, until Emma and Helen stepped in to find a replacement at short-notice. "Emma's experience with suppliers is really helpful for helping jobs run smoothly," says Helen.

Readers interested in Emma and Helen's services can get in touch through their Instagram page, @parker_owen_interiors, or via email, [email protected].