Listed Building Design Consultancy
Preserving the character of a historic property while tailoring it for contemporary living requires sensitive planning, deep expertise and refined design judgment. Based in Bath, Somerset, Mary Barber Fray Interior Design gives you specialist Listed Building Design Consultancy services specifically aimed at homeowners, developers and architects right across the UK.
Mary Barber Fray brings a collaborative but expert approach to heritage interiors, with over 25 years of experience that includes the complete transformation of notable Grade I and Grade II listed townhouses and country homes.
Our Listed Building Consultancy Services
Navigating the design requirements of protected buildings involves a lot more than standard interior decorating. Our consultancy service provides strategic guidance at every stage and bridges the gap between historical preservation and modern comfort.
Space Planning and Structural Sympathy
We develop layouts that respect original floor plans, architectural details and historic paneling without compromising on functional modern living.
Heritage Material and Colour Selection
We give you guidance on period-appropriate colour palettes, breathable traditional finishes and authentic fabrics that we source from world-class heritage suppliers.
Listed Building Consent Guidance
We work alongside conservation officers, specialist architects and skilled tradespeople, so we can ensure any interior specifications we propose comply with local conservation guidelines.
Bespoke Joinery and Lighting Schemes
We design sympathetic, non-invasive lighting and use custom joinery that highlights architectural features while cleverly integrating modern technology.
Whether you need a full-service interior design scheme or targeted consultancy advice for an ongoing restoration, Mary Barber Fray provides tailored support to make your historic property project stress-free and rewarding.
Portfolio
Listed Building Projects
Grade I Listed Townhouse Apartment, Bath
After years as student accommodation and a nursing home, this terrace has been meticulously restored to its original plan form, with period features such as the cantilevered stone stairs, shutters, fireplaces and cornices carefully repaired or recreated. Fully rewired, replumbed and fitted with sympathetic bespoke joinery, it is now a light, elegant family home furnished with a mix of new, vintage and antique pieces. Featured on House & Garden Magazine!
Grade II Listed Property, Ripley, Harrogate
For this listed North Yorkshire village home, we've advised the new owner from the outset on everything from lighting and audio-visual systems to colour schemes and complete furnishings, blending bespoke pieces with sourced contemporary and antique finds. The result is a series of distinctive spaces, from a self-contained attic guest suite to a cosy new snug, with discreet alterations to the formal living areas still underway.
Listed Building Interior Design FAQs
Why do I need a specialist interior design consultant for a listed property?
Listed buildings (Grade I, Grade II*, and Grade II) are subject to strict legal protections that govern both internal and external alterations. Standard interior design approaches can accidentally damage historic fabric or breach planning regulations. A specialist design consultant ensures that materials, decorative schemes and layout changes preserve the building’s heritage and comply with regulations.
Can I modernise the kitchen or bathrooms in my listed building?
Usually, yes. Modern conveniences can be successfully integrated into listed homes, provided the intervention is reversible and does not destroy original architectural elements.
We specialize in designing bespoke, sympathetic kitchens and bathrooms that blendseamlessly with period architecture.
Do you handle Listed Building Consent applications directly?
While we focus on the interior design, spatial planning and specification, we work in close partnership with experienced heritage architects, planning consultants and local conservation officers to support the consent application process.
How does consultancy differ from your full interior design service?
Our consultancy service is ideal for clients who prefer to manage contractor implementation themselves but require professional direction on spatial layouts, heritage color schemes, period lighting, or material choices. Full interior design includes complete project management from initial concepts to final installation.
Still have a question?
We also provide other interior design services like interior design consultancy so you can make the changes yourself or full interior design so we can cover everything for you..
Get in touch today and Mary will get back to you as soon as possible to answer any questions you may have.
